Review of The Big Apple Bites Back

[SweetSourSalty AndSpicy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Big Apple Bites Back" by Arthur Shapiro.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Sheila, desperate for a job, is late for an interview and gets stuck in an elevator.

John, a new resident, uses parking tactics from his neighbor Frankie to avoid getting a ticket, but the camera captures him.

Marty and Colleen are outsmarting the parking system when a traffic cop interrupts them.

Mary returns from a trip abroad and discovers her street barricaded for a film shoot. She engages in a heated argument with the crew, leading to a possible romantic opportunity.

Max, a pushcart owner, sends a fraudulent telegram to his nemesis, claiming his lottery ticket won. It backfires on his wife, who regularly buys lottery tickets.

Meanwhile, Max keeps his earnings in paper bags, which the garbage truck takes by mistake.

When Richie learns that the new teammate has eyes for Phoebe, he forewarns him that she is a black widow and that every man involved with her dies.

Harvey wants football stadium seats like his brother-in-law but finds them uncomfortable and unpleasant. He almost gives up on attending live sports events, but an invitation from a colleague changes his mind.

Harvey and Ellen are getting a co-op apartment but need approval from the board of homeowners. Harvey is unimpressed with the interview, and Ellen lies about the breed and size of their dog.

Marvin, an investment banker serving time in jail, struggles with prison food and finds ways to get what he wants.

A patient frequently switches therapists due to unfavorable encounters and ultimately finds the right specialist. However, after the pandemic, the changes at the clinic startled him.

Farrell is a hardworking and brilliant African American. The management assigns him to work with Henry, a new Jewish supervisor notorious for his poor workplace ethic.

Aldo, a talented but arrogant creative genius, ruins his career because of his attitude.

The Big Apple Bites Back by Arthur Shapiro is a book of short stories that explores the spirit of New York City from the perspective of ordinary residents. It highlights their occupation, food, transportation, neighborhood, and leisure activities. The stories showcase a unique side of the city, emphasizing its identity as a melting pot. The collection features a diversity of cultures, ethnicities, religions, and economic backgrounds.

What I appreciated the most is that the book follows a well-organized and logical structure, giving a clear direction and making it easy to understand its objective. The book starts by providing background on the city's name and history. Then, it presents a checklist of the qualities of a New Yorker, which serves as the framework and inspiration for most of the stories. The short stories that follow highlight the different attitudes in various situations. The book concludes with the author discussing the good and bad things about living in New York City, along with his likes and dislikes. The observations are not overbearing, and the audience is free to draw their conclusions based on the presentation of the stories and circumstances.

The book offers a balanced depiction of both positive and negative qualities. It portrays characters with an attitude that does not fear conflict or standing up for what they believe in. It also shows they choose their battles, knowing when to walk away or laugh at a situation. The city is a cultural melting pot, fostering a combination of a strong-willed and lighthearted spirit.

Most stories happen after the COVID-19 pandemic, and those outside New York can relate to the adjustments and recovery that resulted from the global health crisis.

I have nothing to dislike about this work. Some characters share names with other stories in the collection, but it is not distracting. The simple language and vocabulary contribute to a seamless reading experience. There are profanities. However, there are no explicit sex scenes. The content is suitable for audiences aged sixteen and up. It will appeal to readers who appreciate brief reads on slices of life. Those looking for a fresh take on New York culture should check this out.

The humor, commentary, and length of the book are enjoyable. I see no reason to deduct a star. Hence, it receives a five out of five.

******
The Big Apple Bites Back
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Chunnu Muduli]

I love how Arthur Shapiro paints a vivid picture of New York City through diverse short stories. I'm intrigued by the cultural exploration and humor, and I think I'll be adding this to my reading list. Thanks for the detailed review!

[Paris Kumar]

"The Big Apple Bites Back" by Arthur Shapiro sounds like a fascinating exploration of New York City through the lens of its diverse residents. The well-organized structure and balanced portrayal of the city's qualities make it an enticing read. I'm intrigued by the diverse characters and their experiences. Great review.

Keep up the excellent work!

[Tobi Adefila]

The books talks about various people and how they go about with their lives. Looks like a book I would love to read. Thanks for the lovely review.