There is something uniquely special about NYC. I can't quite put my finger on it. Is it the people? The buzz of the hustle and bustle of the sidewalks and streets? The view? All I know it's a feeling I have every time I step foot there.
It's everything combined. It's a city that never sleeps. Lights flashing, honky of horns, the chatter. All of it makes up this metropolitan city. It's a place of somberness, a place to reflect everything we have lost and built in and around the city. It's resilient.
I try and visit this city at least once a year, and every single time. My heart bursts. It skips at the music playing in the streets, the smells of different cultures intermixing. You can't walk down a block without seeing something intriguing to eat from NYC hot dogs, the Halal guys, cute Japanese ramen shops, Italian restaurants (pizza need I say more), delis where they pile high the meat.
Seeing the city through new eyes is a miraculous thing. I watched my family's eyes light up as we made our way through the city. It was a quick trip, something they won't forget. I almost regret not spending more time there but trips are short and we could spend weeks exploring everything NY has to offer.
I know a piece of my heart is left behind every time I visit, and this trip was no different. There was a somberness, and a realization that no matter what the tragedy is, they will pick themselves off and move forward. Always looking to the future.
Something I got to do this time was to see NYC from a different view. At night, on the other side of the river. It was serene. It reminded me despite the chaos of the city, there is peace that can be found in the darkness.
****** Book Recommendation for the month ****** I have the privilege of beta reading (and for those who don't know what that is, it's an early critique reading of an author's book) Stevie J. Cole's newest book, The Sun (Card of Love). Most readers might think Stevie's books are dark and while some may cater to the dark and suspenseful, she writes beautiful, raw contemporaries.
The Sun is a coming of age story. It's beautiful. It's angsty, it's ALL THE DAMN FEELS. I will shouty the hell out of this book. She has nailed it. It's October's top 50 book to read and it's well deserved to be there. I would say it's my most favorite book so far that I've read of hers and will end up in my top reads of all time.
I seriously can't wait until readers and bloggers get their hands on this beautiful story! It's got EVERYTHING you want for a coming of age story. And for those who remember the 90's you're in for a treat!! It's a read that shouldn't be missed so make sure you be on the look out October 18th when it goes live!!
*** BLURB ***
The cliche in love stories is that the good little rich girl falls for the poor bad boy with tattoos. The glamorous prom queen gets knocked-up by the swoon-worthy tattooed god who smells of leather and exhaust from his motorcycle.
That is not how this story goes.
Elias Black may have had a sleeve of tattoos and grown up on the wrong side of the tracks, but he didn’t have a true bad bone in his body.
Until he fell for me. Then he was terribly bad. Make sure you add it to you TBR! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41830913-cards-of-love?from_search=true
