This was so lovely. I especially appreciated the part about how we can't "homework" our way out of most social issues and how be informed is a start but should never be the end of action in the community. As always thank you for sharing this with us Isaac
So much great stuff in here--thank you and Alexander for the resources to support anti-hate groups--but my favorite lines is "People love a go-go boy."
This piece is such a great read and makes me miss walking around New York. I think it's time for a follow-up stage event or podcast where we can all listen to you and your walking partners in conversation.
What I've been thinking about since I read this a couple of days ago is the editor's note [Editor's Note: I did a little research and discovered that the chimes of St. Malachy's used to play "There's No Business Like Show Business."]. "There's No Business" was one of my grandmother's favorite songs, and she had several different recordings.
One of my favorite NY visits was staying with a friend (who also had a side gig for William F. Buckley, crewing for him on his sailboat) in the East Village during the 1996 blizzard. We both loved walking in the city, and I remember talking for hours about seasonal soundtracks. As you know, San Francisco is, for the most part, one season - and I am envious of places with seasons. I can't remember now what we thought was the best walking in a blizzard or post-blizzard song, though thinking about it now, I think "New York City" by They Might Be Giants would be pretty great - "You said, 'It's snowing / It's snowing / God, I hate this weather!' / Now I walk through blizzards just to get us back together"
Anyway, the seasonal soundtrack game was trying to find a song with multiple covers and then picking the best version for each season, where you could close your eyes and listen to all four in a row and feel the seasons changing. This brings me back to "There's No Business" - I wish my grandmother were here to weigh in, but I'm going with:
Winter: Susannah McCorkle
Quiet, dark - certain parts can bring tears for no reason.
Spring: Mary Hopkin
Light, fun
Summer: The Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Dick Haymes
Thank you for this; it was so far outside of my current world that I just loved being immersed in a new one about NYC. Back in 1967, my husband and I drove in from the west coast in an MG roadster, didn't know where to stay or even park safely. A wonderful Jewish parking lot owner took us under his wing, secured our car and invited us to his home for dinner and a swim at Coney Island. Wonderful people left a great impression of friendly NY neighborhoods.
This was lovely. Also, shout out to Dustin for the most romantic gesture I have ever read in NYC with his roses 🌹 Chee is a gift to our writing community and you highlighted it so incredibly well in this newsletter. So many gems. Grateful to have read it today 🌻
A Walk Through Hell’s Kitchen With Alexander Chee
This was so lovely. I especially appreciated the part about how we can't "homework" our way out of most social issues and how be informed is a start but should never be the end of action in the community. As always thank you for sharing this with us Isaac
So much great stuff in here--thank you and Alexander for the resources to support anti-hate groups--but my favorite lines is "People love a go-go boy."
This piece is such a great read and makes me miss walking around New York. I think it's time for a follow-up stage event or podcast where we can all listen to you and your walking partners in conversation.
What I've been thinking about since I read this a couple of days ago is the editor's note [Editor's Note: I did a little research and discovered that the chimes of St. Malachy's used to play "There's No Business Like Show Business."]. "There's No Business" was one of my grandmother's favorite songs, and she had several different recordings.
One of my favorite NY visits was staying with a friend (who also had a side gig for William F. Buckley, crewing for him on his sailboat) in the East Village during the 1996 blizzard. We both loved walking in the city, and I remember talking for hours about seasonal soundtracks. As you know, San Francisco is, for the most part, one season - and I am envious of places with seasons. I can't remember now what we thought was the best walking in a blizzard or post-blizzard song, though thinking about it now, I think "New York City" by They Might Be Giants would be pretty great - "You said, 'It's snowing / It's snowing / God, I hate this weather!' / Now I walk through blizzards just to get us back together"
Anyway, the seasonal soundtrack game was trying to find a song with multiple covers and then picking the best version for each season, where you could close your eyes and listen to all four in a row and feel the seasons changing. This brings me back to "There's No Business" - I wish my grandmother were here to weigh in, but I'm going with:
Winter: Susannah McCorkle
Quiet, dark - certain parts can bring tears for no reason.
Spring: Mary Hopkin
Light, fun
Summer: The Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby, Dick Haymes
Kitschy, playful
Fall (the best season): Harry Connick, Jr.
Melancholy, contemplative
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2outF3ulJVLxfXlfy3Q4Ti?si=6f619b54f7534181
I don't want to know what the secret is but I like knowing it's out there.
great letter! loved learning more about hell’s kitchen and one’s experience of it.
That ending wiped me out! Lovely piece, thank you.
You mean, you’re just going to leave us hanging at the end? I mean, of course you can, but after all that good stuff you just stopped! 🤣🤣
Thank you for this; it was so far outside of my current world that I just loved being immersed in a new one about NYC. Back in 1967, my husband and I drove in from the west coast in an MG roadster, didn't know where to stay or even park safely. A wonderful Jewish parking lot owner took us under his wing, secured our car and invited us to his home for dinner and a swim at Coney Island. Wonderful people left a great impression of friendly NY neighborhoods.
damn damn damn this was good
This was lovely. Also, shout out to Dustin for the most romantic gesture I have ever read in NYC with his roses 🌹 Chee is a gift to our writing community and you highlighted it so incredibly well in this newsletter. So many gems. Grateful to have read it today 🌻