Paradise Bronx is a love letter to the most diverse and vibrant borough in New York City. For the past fifteen years, author Ian Frazier has been walking the streets of the Bronx, learning about the rich and complex history of this unique piece of the city. Frazier's journey takes him through the land bought by Jonas Bronck from the local Native Americans, to the gang-ridden South Bronx that gave birth to hip-hop. Along the way, he explores the polyglot culture that is America today, where people from all walks of life come together to create something new and beautiful.
The Bronx has a long and storied past, full of characters and events that shaped the city into what it is today. Did you know that George Washington's troops fought some of the war's decisive battles in the Bronx during the Revolution? Or that Gouverneur Morris, one of the most colorful Founding Fathers, owned a big swath of the Bronx where he lived during his time in Paris or helping write the US Constitution? The coming of the railroads and subways brought waves of new immigrants to the borough, including Irish, Italian, Jewish, African American, Caribbean, and Puerto Rican communities. Frazier delves into the romance of the Yankees, the disaster of the Cross Bronx Expressway, the invention of rap and hip-hop, and the resurgence of community as the borough's communities learn to support each other.
Frazier's love for the Bronx is evident in every page of this book. He celebrates the resilience and beauty of its citizens, from the famous J.Lo to the everyday heroes who make the city tick. Through his inimitable voice, Frazier brings to life the story of a quintessential American city and its place in the country's history. With a deep understanding of the borough's complexities and a passion for its people, Frazier has created a book that is both a love letter and a testament to the power of community and creativity.
This book is a true love letter to the Bronx, a borough that is often overlooked in the grand narrative of New York City. I have a personal connection to the Bronx, having spent many hours exploring its streets and listening to the stories of its residents. The author's journey, which spans over fifteen years, is a testament to the power of curiosity and the importance of understanding a place's history.
As I read through the pages of this book, I was transported to a world that is both familiar and foreign. The author's writing is like a warm hug, making you feel like you're walking alongside him through the streets of the Bronx. He delves into the history of the borough, taking you on a journey that is both fascinating and heartbreaking. From the early Native American inhabitants of the land to the wars fought on its soil, the Bronx has a long and storied past that is full of characters and events that shaped the city into what it is today. Did you know that George Washington's troops fought some of the war's decisive battles in the Bronx during the Revolution? Or that Gouverneur Morris, one of the most colorful Founding Fathers, owned a big swath of the Bronx where he lived during his time in Paris or helping write the US Constitution? The coming of the railroads and subways brought waves of new immigrants to the borough, including Irish, Italian, Jewish, African American, Caribbean, and Puerto Rican communities.
What struck me most about this book is the way it celebrates the resilience and beauty of its citizens. From the famous J.Lo to the everyday heroes who make the city tick, the author brings to life the story of a quintessential American city and its place in the country's history. With a deep understanding of the borough's complexities and a passion for its people, the author has created a book that is both a love letter and a testament to the power of community and creativity. As I closed the book, I felt a sense of gratitude for the author's gift of stories and a newfound appreciation for the Bronx and its people. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves New York City, for anyone who is curious about the history of the American experience, and for anyone who believes in the power of community and creativity.
Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
This book is a beautiful tribute to the Bronx, a borough often overlooked in the grand narrative of New York City. It's a love letter to its diverse culture, history, and people, which is evident in every page of this book. The author's journey, spanning over fifteen years, is a testament to the power of curiosity and understanding a place's history. The book celebrates the resilience and beauty of its citizens, from the famous to the everyday heroes who make the city tick. It's a must-read for anyone who loves New York City, its history, and the power of community and creativity.