New York City Ghost Stories

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed in Manhattan
Review: I have lived in New York City for 16 years and have learned quite a bit about the city's supernatural side. I have also taken the so called "haunted walking tours" in the village. I received this book as a gift. I have to admit that I was already aware of most of the stories. I feel that they were not complete somehow. As if the researcher did not find all the information that he/she possibly could have. When I read a story I like to know all the facts. I also like to know the date of the last occurance/sighting. I believe more could have gone into this book. I think the author gets the points across but doesn't tell the full stories.

Rating:
Summary: I disagree!
Review: I was disappointed to see such a negative review of what is such a quality book. This is not meant to be a ritzy book from a big publisher, but rather a more down-to-earth look at true ghost stories in New York City. While spelling/grammar mistakes surely can diminish the quality of a book, I don't trust that someone who cannot even spell correctly in his review can accurately judge.

Rating:
Summary: Good Idea, Weak Book
Review: When I picked this book up at the local interests section ...on Manhattan's East Side, I thought the idea of a book covering several reported haunted sites in New York City was a great idea. Although the idea is great, "New York City Ghost Stories" fails to capture the reader's attention due to a poorly designed book and uninspiring photographs and illustrations.

The book, which covers hauntings in some of the city's boroughs, is not a large book to start with. Somewhat compact in size, the book briefly discusses hauntings such as the ghosts that roam the Old Merchant's House in SoHo, Washington Square Park, and the Customs House in lower Manhattan. The book's main weaknesses is that it appears that the author compiled all his findings together in a small notebook, and typed some words, pasted a few photographs and illustrations, and slapped an ISBN number on it. The publisher, located in Pennsylvania, apparently is not a powerhouse publishing house like those found in New York.

The book will make a good read for those living in the city or the surrounding area who like to read tidbits of trivial information, like myself. Overall, a rate this book a three because I haven't seen any other book of similar material on the market yet. Good attempt, but the book's author should seriously consider releasing an updated edition that has more of an eye-catching design.