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Brooklyn Was Mine
A tribute to New York City's most literary borough-featuring original nonfiction pieces by today's most celebrated writers.
Of all the urban landscapes in America, perhaps none has so thoroughly infused and nurtured modern literature as Brooklyn. Though its literary history runs deep-Walt Whitman, Truman Capote, and Norman Mailer are just a few of its storied inhabitants-in recent years the borough has seen a growing concentration of bestselling novelists, memoirists, poets, and journalists. It has become what Greenwich Village once was for an earlier a wellspring of inspiration and artistic expression.
Brooklyn Was Mine gives some of today's best writers an opportunity to pay tribute to the borough they love in 20 original essays that draw on past and present to create a mosaic that brilliantly captures the quality and diversity of a unique, literary landscape.
Contributors Emily Barton, Susan Choi, Rachel Cline, Philip Dray, Jennifer Egan, Colin Harrison, Joanna Hershon, Jonathan Lethem, Dinaw Mengestu, Elizabeth Gaffney, Lara Vapnyar, Lawrence Osborne, Katie Roiphe, John Burnham Schwartz, Vijay Seshadri, Darcey Steinke, Darin Strauss, Alexandra Styron, Robert Sullivan
With an introduction by Phillip Lopate.
Of all the urban landscapes in America, perhaps none has so thoroughly infused and nurtured modern literature as Brooklyn. Though its literary history runs deep-Walt Whitman, Truman Capote, and Norman Mailer are just a few of its storied inhabitants-in recent years the borough has seen a growing concentration of bestselling novelists, memoirists, poets, and journalists. It has become what Greenwich Village once was for an earlier a wellspring of inspiration and artistic expression.
Brooklyn Was Mine gives some of today's best writers an opportunity to pay tribute to the borough they love in 20 original essays that draw on past and present to create a mosaic that brilliantly captures the quality and diversity of a unique, literary landscape.
Contributors Emily Barton, Susan Choi, Rachel Cline, Philip Dray, Jennifer Egan, Colin Harrison, Joanna Hershon, Jonathan Lethem, Dinaw Mengestu, Elizabeth Gaffney, Lara Vapnyar, Lawrence Osborne, Katie Roiphe, John Burnham Schwartz, Vijay Seshadri, Darcey Steinke, Darin Strauss, Alexandra Styron, Robert Sullivan
With an introduction by Phillip Lopate.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2008
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150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 15, 2008
This is a fabulous collection of essays by writers who live in Brooklyn about their personal relationship with the borough. Even if I had not written an essay for this book, i would still run out and buy this book and give it as gifts! None of the writers were paid for their work and all the proceeds go to legal council for Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn. These writers are diverse-- some famous, some not-- and all have something unique to offer.
September 29, 2018
Right up my street - unsurprising to those who know me. Bought this at the Strand during my last visit. Interestingly, the piece I liked the least was by Jonathan Leathem, one of my favourite Brooklyn authors.
February 20, 2011
Saw this at the phenomenal Brooklyn bookseller / publisher powerHouse books, and I couldn't resist. I <3 you, Brooklyn!
***
Well this is just the fucking worst. I stuck this book in a tote bag to bring to the laundromat, and when I came home and put all my clothes away, book + bag were gone! WTF? I never lose books, and this is even one I paid full fucking price for. And I was really enjoying it! Fuck.
I should have a lot of good book karma by now, can the universe please magic me another copy or something? And my favorite tote bag would be nice to have back too. Fuck!
***
Ha, I am some kind of Karen fluffer today, but I have to give her props again -- she totally gave me a replacement copy of this book out of the goodness of her booky little heart. Yay! And I finally did finish it, weeks and weeks and weeks later.
I don't have the energy or time for a real review, but this book was pretty great. Of course it's a bit uneven, as all collections of this nature are, but the good essays were great, and the mediocre ones were still above average. Despite theawesome ridiculous cover, this is not a hipster book at all, it's mostly essays of Brooklyn gone by, when it was dirtier or slummier or posher or community-er or more racist. Lots of nostalgia, lots of evocation of scenery, lots of young hopefuls starting new lives as their parents look on aghast. Since, of course, I lost the first copy of this where I'd marked all sorts of shit in the margins to talk about in this review, I don't remember too much about all the different essays, but I know I liked it all a lot.
***
Well this is just the fucking worst. I stuck this book in a tote bag to bring to the laundromat, and when I came home and put all my clothes away, book + bag were gone! WTF? I never lose books, and this is even one I paid full fucking price for. And I was really enjoying it! Fuck.
I should have a lot of good book karma by now, can the universe please magic me another copy or something? And my favorite tote bag would be nice to have back too. Fuck!
***
Ha, I am some kind of Karen fluffer today, but I have to give her props again -- she totally gave me a replacement copy of this book out of the goodness of her booky little heart. Yay! And I finally did finish it, weeks and weeks and weeks later.
I don't have the energy or time for a real review, but this book was pretty great. Of course it's a bit uneven, as all collections of this nature are, but the good essays were great, and the mediocre ones were still above average. Despite the
May 13, 2008
I enjoyed reading this collection because I enjoy reading about Brooklyn. The best stories were memoirs chronicling the changes in Brooklyn over the years - people's memories of childhoods, stories from parents and grandparents. The less successful stories are the ones that read like an assignment, which is essentially what this collection was - an assignment to local writers to write about their borough. But for a good cause! Proceeds benefit Develop, Don't Destroy, the organization working against the intrusive Atlantic Yards development. Jonathan Letham's essay was odd, but clever if you get the inside references as only a local would, and then his footnote explaining the essay was longer than the essay itself (or so it seemed anyway), which was kind of lame. All in all, not a remarkable collection, but if you love Brooklyn, you will enjoy a sort of glowing pride and nostalgia reading this book.
January 26, 2008
Very light, but a few interesting nonfiction essays on Brooklyn. The running theme is how neighborhoods' real character is lost - but it's a real yuppie dilemma, how do we celebrate the borough's unique history but still live in our "racially chic, chicly radically" condos. Then again, I think a lot of current material written about New York summons some golden age that never really existed. It reminds me of the 20s and 50s expat American writers, lamenting some epic recent past but smug in observations about the current "real world." Whatever that is.
February 23, 2010
A few good essays about Brooklyn, mostly in a historical context. I learned a few things about the Brooklyn Bridge, Clinton Hill and egg creams. In some ways, I feel as if all of these authors went to the same school and learned to write the same way. No one voice really stands out much beyond the rest, save for Lethem's sci-fi piece, which is more like stream of consciousness than an essay. I think I like Rachel Cline's essay the best, if I had to pick. Up in the Old Hotel by Joseph Mitchell is still my favorite book about New York.
October 3, 2011
Everyone who has lived or does live in Brooklyn should read this book. A great group of essays spanning time, neighborhood and characters. I will be giving this as a gift to friends who move to New York's greatest bourough.
July 16, 2018
There are some really enjoyable essays that capture the romance of Brooklyn in this collection. I read it in pieces over the last year, mostly while back in New York on a couple visits. (Bought it at Housing Works Bookstore last May and finished it there, as it happens, just recently on my latest trip back.) The ones about a wind vortex in downtown Brooklyn (really delightful!) and the baseball diamonds of the borough stand out. The one by Jonathan Lethem, an author I usually like, felt pretty phoned in. I think they just really wanted his name on the cover, so he tossed something off. Pretty much everything else was worth it though: enjoyable insights and a fantastic sense of place.
October 22, 2017
Short non-fiction pieces by living literary writers living in Brooklyn about this famous suburb. Well written, all, but maybe best appreciated by someone who live or has lived there? The introduction does a great job describing common themes - multiculturalism, the mix of industrial and residential, resistance to change, this concept of home, public spaces, etc.
December 9, 2021
I loved this, not so much for the writing, but for how the essays made me feel, and think. I connected with a several of the essays, especially the ones about baseball and the Navy Yard, and the ones the reflected more on history and what was. Some really excellent lines in this collection, though the essays as a whole were not as literary as others I've read.
January 7, 2022
The main takeaway here is that everyone longs for a Brooklyn that was. This doesn't mean that it ever truly was, just that the author, or characters in the author's story, remember it that way. The Jennifer Egan story was good, the story about Russians was great, but much of the rest was disjointed.
July 17, 2019
I enjoyed this collection of essays about Brooklyn. It combines appreciation of diversity with nostalgia. I'm not sure how it would read for those who haven't so pent much time in Brooklyn. Worthwhile for anyone who appreciates the essay form.
January 23, 2025
overall this was enjoyable, i connected with some authors more than others. i’m not a huge fan of non fiction writing like this and if i didn’t have to read this book for class i probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise
February 27, 2018
These nostalgic stories of Brooklyn were written long after I moved away, but it was a somewhat wistful look back just the same.
August 30, 2019
A lovely read. Although I have rarely visited Brooklyn this collection of essays made it very appealing.
April 4, 2011
In the course of a lifetime, there will more likely than not be several places that a person calls home. But to feel as though one IS home is certainly a different matter, a matter that is rooted to a location's essence as much as its longitude and latitude. And Brooklyn in particular, with its diverse population, odd histories, quirky mysteries, and its proximity to the metropolis it most decidedly is not, has been known to inspire both fierce loyalty and true love.
Having moved here almost a year ago and steadily fallen into hopeless adoration with everything that makes Brooklyn what it is, I took great delight in devouring these essays on my subway rides, especially when they were about aspects of neighborhoods I was familiar with. While Manhattan might attempt to absorb or overshadow its humble neighbor, this collection does a good job of exploring Brooklyn's specialness without simple comparison, giving it the personality that it has in its own right.
Written by established writers who have spent a good deal of time living in Brooklyn, these essays are often intensely personal, steeped in fond memories and family traditions, at times fearlessly exploring secret pasts. Egan's "Reading Lucy", Lethem's chaotic "Ruckus Flatbush" and Sullivan's "A Windstorm in Downtown Brooklyn" were the most compelling essays in the book, but most had at least something to offer.
My main complaint is that for a community so endlessly diverse, the writers featured here appear to be in the same demographic - thirty and forty somethings with kids and brownstones, most having grown up in New York. More alarmingly, very few writers of color are included. I realize that not everyone who lives in Brooklyn experiences it the same way, but I do feel as if there were segments of this population who are essential to the flavor Brooklyn who went unheard.
All in all, the marvel of living in Brooklyn is evident in what accounts of it have been provided, and that reverence and wonder are what make these essays such joyous reads. I'm not sure if they hold the same resonance for those who have not had the pleasure of experiencing this fine borough, but for someone enamored of it, reading the collection is a little like waltzing through a candy store when your sweet tooth is aching.
Having moved here almost a year ago and steadily fallen into hopeless adoration with everything that makes Brooklyn what it is, I took great delight in devouring these essays on my subway rides, especially when they were about aspects of neighborhoods I was familiar with. While Manhattan might attempt to absorb or overshadow its humble neighbor, this collection does a good job of exploring Brooklyn's specialness without simple comparison, giving it the personality that it has in its own right.
Written by established writers who have spent a good deal of time living in Brooklyn, these essays are often intensely personal, steeped in fond memories and family traditions, at times fearlessly exploring secret pasts. Egan's "Reading Lucy", Lethem's chaotic "Ruckus Flatbush" and Sullivan's "A Windstorm in Downtown Brooklyn" were the most compelling essays in the book, but most had at least something to offer.
My main complaint is that for a community so endlessly diverse, the writers featured here appear to be in the same demographic - thirty and forty somethings with kids and brownstones, most having grown up in New York. More alarmingly, very few writers of color are included. I realize that not everyone who lives in Brooklyn experiences it the same way, but I do feel as if there were segments of this population who are essential to the flavor Brooklyn who went unheard.
All in all, the marvel of living in Brooklyn is evident in what accounts of it have been provided, and that reverence and wonder are what make these essays such joyous reads. I'm not sure if they hold the same resonance for those who have not had the pleasure of experiencing this fine borough, but for someone enamored of it, reading the collection is a little like waltzing through a candy store when your sweet tooth is aching.
November 14, 2015
In gearing up for my fellowship, I've been doing a lot of reading, and blogging, about Brooklyn. One of the best finds was Brooklyn Was Mine. I read the required passage first, but I couldn't return the book to the library--I even renewed the loan--until I finished it (save two or three essays that weren't for me--they were for people who like sports and weather and animals for extended periods of time).
Nothing explains a place better than a personal story of experience. The experiences retold in this collection offer a glimpse into not only the part of Brooklyn I'll be discovering along the shore, but in all neighborhoods. Though about different parts of the borough in different time periods, the tales share one main commonality--Brooklyn is a rich, diverse realm that caters to singlehood, family life, young, old, rich, poor, and every race, creed, and ethnicity. It also touts flora and fauna, houses and buildings, bridges and parks. It's a world all its own, and this collection brings it to life.
Nothing explains a place better than a personal story of experience. The experiences retold in this collection offer a glimpse into not only the part of Brooklyn I'll be discovering along the shore, but in all neighborhoods. Though about different parts of the borough in different time periods, the tales share one main commonality--Brooklyn is a rich, diverse realm that caters to singlehood, family life, young, old, rich, poor, and every race, creed, and ethnicity. It also touts flora and fauna, houses and buildings, bridges and parks. It's a world all its own, and this collection brings it to life.
January 22, 2013
Genre: Non-Fiction/Essays.
Quick Blurb: People from Brooklyn talk about the fuhgeddaboudit borough and its greatness. Others talk about their experiences in Brooklyn.
Who would like this: People from the age 20 and up, very mature, not a kid's book. Anybody who wants to hear about other humans or about Brooklyn.
I don't have much to say about this book since it's compiled up of essays, so no story. As a Brooklynite, I enjoyed reading this book, I had only one complaint about it, but even with one complaint,I just didn't like it that much. Some of the stories were funny, and some of them were depressing, but the majority of them were just plain old boring. I feel that the author should've picked better essays. But, I was thoroughly entertained by this book. I feel like that if I was older, I would enjoy this book much more.
All in all, "Brooklyn Was Mine" by Valerie Steiker only had two extremes in its essays, either funny and amusing, or extremely boring.
Quick Blurb: People from Brooklyn talk about the fuhgeddaboudit borough and its greatness. Others talk about their experiences in Brooklyn.
Who would like this: People from the age 20 and up, very mature, not a kid's book. Anybody who wants to hear about other humans or about Brooklyn.
I don't have much to say about this book since it's compiled up of essays, so no story. As a Brooklynite, I enjoyed reading this book, I had only one complaint about it, but even with one complaint,I just didn't like it that much. Some of the stories were funny, and some of them were depressing, but the majority of them were just plain old boring. I feel that the author should've picked better essays. But, I was thoroughly entertained by this book. I feel like that if I was older, I would enjoy this book much more.
All in all, "Brooklyn Was Mine" by Valerie Steiker only had two extremes in its essays, either funny and amusing, or extremely boring.
February 25, 2010
Brooklyn Was Mine was an interesting book to read. It’s a collection of essays written by residents of the borough. I won’t make this review long simply because the book didn’t mean that much to me. Some of the essays were well written, and interesting to read, some were a disappointment considering they were written by established writers, but all in all this felt like a book to be read by Brooklynites, and not those foreign to New York City. You had to understand the barrier between Manhattan and Brooklyn, the reason people would take refuge there or be pushed there because of finances, and since I have never been to NY, I was unaware.
I’m glad I read it, because it’s been a while since I’ve read nonfiction like this, but it wasn’t anything remarkable or special.
I’m glad I read it, because it’s been a while since I’ve read nonfiction like this, but it wasn’t anything remarkable or special.
February 22, 2013
Given that I live in and love Brooklyn, I loved this book. The essays are all beautiful in their different styles - each reflecting a contemporary take on life in Brooklyn, but with an eye toward what it has been before. I want to give this book to people who don't know what Brooklyn is like: this huge city with more trees and air than in Manhattan, with cultures clashing, coexisting, and commingling, with room and time to raise a family in sight of the City of Dreamers. Plus, the short pieces and paperback size make it the perfect subway book.
April 22, 2011
I enjoyed these essays only I wish there was a broader range of Brooklyn represented. Most of the essays are center in an around my neighborhood. Carroll Gardens, Boreum Hill, Cobble Hill, Fort Greene and Brooklyn Heights. Which is why I bought it. Why is this? cause this is where all these others live so this is there experience of Brooklyn. It begs the question do authors live elsewhere in Brooklyn? Sorry Sunset Park, Sorry Bay Ridge, Sorry East New York Sorry, Ditmas Park.
March 30, 2008
Fun read for anyone who lives in brooklyn, or has lived in brooklyn or knows anything about brooklyn. Just cool to read well written essays about people's relationships with their neighborhoods (so I guess a fun read for non-brooklinites too). For the record I fall into the "knows anything about brooklyn category"--I am only living here for three months and while I look forward to returning, I know I don't have my brooklyn cred yet.
June 19, 2008
picked up at park slope bookshop and was mostly mindless reading on the train (into and out of brooklyn of course). not terribly thrilled by any of the stories, thou i do love the one about brighton beach being more russian than russia. mostly this is the brooklyn of marrieds and people with babies, and not hipsters drinking all night. really thoug, im somewhere in between these two brooklyns aren't i?
April 6, 2009
These essays about Brooklyn contain some of the best writing I've read in years. There were about three clunkers (and by such big names! I'm referring to you, Jonathan Lethem, and you, Katie Roiphe), but by and large I found myself caressing the pages as I read, which is what I do when I like a book. Don't you?
Jennifer Egan and Bill Styron's daughter Alexandra just knocked their essays out of the park.
Jennifer Egan and Bill Styron's daughter Alexandra just knocked their essays out of the park.
May 8, 2008
The book was originally written as a fundraiser for Develop Don't Destroy (I'm pretty sure), and so I thought it would be a bunch of rants about Atlantic Yards. But it's really a collection of essays about Brooklyn experiences, some of which are really beautiful. Made me appreciate and love my borough even more!
May 16, 2008
As with any collection, some of the essays are good and some are boring. The ones that I liked were mostly from writers I already knew I liked, such as Darcey Steinke and Darin Strauss (my college writing teacher). It was pleasant and would make a nice gift (I got it as a birthday gift), but it was nothing earth-shattering.
June 24, 2008
There are some very enjoyable essays in this book. I especially liked the Jennifer Egan essay about reading WWII love letters (the author's a great character), and the Steinke essay about Prospect Park, and the Susan Choi essay about a playground in Clinton Hill, and Lopate's introduction. It's a fun read, having just moved to Brooklyn.
August 17, 2008
Fantastic collection of personal/humourous/historical stories. Perhaps not as much if you do not have the same relationship with the borough as I do. But if you want to learn about the origin of the New York Egg Cream, hear about the last authentic seltzer water delivery, and see Brooklyn through so many eyes of the past, then definitely read this.
October 4, 2008
highly recommend. Atmospheric without being cloying, perhaps b/c the writers have a healthy degree of ambivalence - - and historical perspective - - about the task at hand. How can you claim to know a place that is constantly in flux? What is the danger of selective nostalgia? Particularly liked Susan Choi's entry - anyone a fan of her work, and can offer a rec?
January 25, 2010
A series of essays about my home borough of Brooklyn by a great list of local authors. It's a book about immigration, neighborhoods, and roots both old and new. A lot of it is touched by a certain "I was here before it was cool" nostalgia, and the specter of gentrification looms in the background constantly, but it's still a great and very human series of stories about the borough I love best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews