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Summary: Frank McCourt and Ian Frazier praise THE MEADOWLANDS
Review: "Robert Sullivan's THE MEADOWLANDS is a book of modest size and huge scope. The author, nudged by the shade of Melville, has gone where man has gone before--and gone and gone--and done his best to destroy what he found: the Meadowlands of New Jersey. So, with the book's high energy and deep scholarship--carried lightly, Sullivan allows us a grandstand view of the mortal struggle between man and nature. You could say THE MEADOWLANDS is a metaphor for that struggle everywhere. But Sullivan doesn't need the likes of me to say what this book is about. His is a journey into nature, the past, polluting, eccentricity. It's a story about him--his high spirits, his sense of adventure, his good humor, his compassion for all God's creatures, his sense of ease whether he's in a library, a bar, or a swamp. You'll be giving this book for birthdays and holidays as long as you're alive and there isn't a teacher in this land who won't be telling his or her students, 'Read it. Read it.'" --Frank McCourt, author of ANGELA'S ASHES "A fine, intrepid work of reporting that finds revelations--GONE WITH THE WIND in Vietnamese, the ruined columns of New York's old Penn Station--in a stubbornly wild marshland in the middle of the megapolis. THE MEADOWLANDS is funny, interesting, surprising, and bizarre." --Ian Frazier, author of GREAT PLAINS
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Summary: get this man a MacArthur!
Review: A deft, deadpan elegy for a place that almost everyone else thinks is "nowhere". Elegy is not quite right - it's full of life and vitality. If you've ever said "someday I want to climb that big rock off the NJ Turnpike" this will get you out to do it. Next printing: a real map, please!Christopher Gray
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Summary: A Humorous and Human Face on the Blight
Review: A great read that brings the Meadowlands to life. Sullivan's writing draws you in, inviting you on his explorations--it's never ponderous. I especially appreciate his ability to blend the historical with the human: We learn how politics and people have affected the Meadowlands over the years. Note: Although other reviewers express the wish for a "true" map in the book, I got a kick out of the informal one that appears opposite the title page: It's a perfect match for the book's tone. I'm on the search for more writing by this author, and--even more telling--I'll probably head over to the Meadowlands next time I'm in NYC.
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Summary: A must read for anyone who grew up in the area
Review: After searching for books on the history of the Secaucus area, I stumbled across Robert Sullivan's book and bought it, not knowing what to expect. More than anything, it was very pleasing to read about places and things that I knew about since childhood. It opened my eyes to a lot of history I wasn't previously aware of as well. In short, this book should be required reading for all Meadowlands-area residents! You won't be disappointed!
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Summary: A must read for anyone who grew up in the area
Review: After searching for books on the history of the Secaucus area, I stumbled across Robert Sullivan's book and bought it, not knowing what to expect. More than anything, it was very pleasing to read about places and things that I knew about since childhood. It opened my eyes to a lot of history I wasn't previously aware of as well. In short, this book should be required reading for all Meadowlands-area residents! You won't be disappointed!
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Summary: Paddling Through the Muck & Mire
Review: Being an avid kayaker, I've often wondered what it would be like to paddle the swampy marshlands of the Meadowlands. Riding on the NJ Turnpike, and amidst the backdrop of the Manahttan Skyline, the Meadowlands looks like an appealing natural area to paddle (..at least from a paddler's perspective). Although the area is historically notorious for being one of the most polluted in the state, I've often seen many wading birds feeding in the area so I figured "how bad could it be?" Robert Sullivan answers this question in an entertaining account of his canoe expeditions in this area. His trek through the muck and mire lead him on searches for Jimmy Hoffa's body and other 'treasures'while also detailing the local history of the area and the mob related lore of the garbage and solid waste disposal industry. His graphic and detailed accounts of the garbage that have been dumped in the area would make any paddler seriously consider whether they should paddle it. At the same time, Sullivan has also created a curiosity which has motivated more people than ever before to pick up a paddle and check it out. Beyond the humorous account of his adventure, this book is an easy read that makes us more aware of the vast natural area we have abused and taken for granted. Hopefully it will inspire people to assist restorative and preservation efforts of this area of great potential, preventing it from becoming a continued dumpsite or concrete jungle.
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Summary: Vivid and engaging tale of one man's obsession with a swamp.
Review: Highly readable and engaging, this book allows the reader to go with the pleasantly obsessed author on his many outings to the Meadowlands. We learn a lot, from the checkered past of its epicenter, the much-maligned city of Secaucus, to the true burial site of Penn Station, to the essential disappointment of the much-vaunted Pulaski Skyway. The book doesn't try to be comprehensive or terribly organized, but that's part of its quirky charm. This is a perfect book to take along on any kind of vacation or adventure. Humorous and good-spirited, the author maintains his informative yet comical composure throughout this delightful memoir/travelogue/adventure/nature book.
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Summary: Engaging and informative
Review: I enjoyed this light set of anectdotes about urban North Jersey's backyard. As I child I'd often make similar explorations in the 'meadows', so Sullivan's stories remind me of wonderful times. (Of course, his explorations are like that of Sir Hillary's compared to my own forays.) The writing is easily digestible, with each anectdote standing alone - if you prefer to read in smaller sessions. I was quite happy to read all his adventures at once. Anyone with an interest in the outdoors, and even an urban local like myself can learn a lot from this book - including an interesting mystery or two. I may dig out my waders and start my explorations again, just to find some of the treasures he writes about.
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Summary: Finally a Reason to go to New Jersey!
Review: I got a chance to read this book pre-pub and found it outrageously entertaining. Anyone who thinks this is strictly about football and harness racing is in for a glorious surprise. Mr. Sullivan's tales of trekking through the wasteland in search of remians of the old Penn Station and Jimmy Hoffa's body are eerie yet fascinating. The tales of boom and bust on Manhattan's marshy neighbor add historical value to a region currently known for only its stench and unsightliness. People all over the country should enjoy the witty and comical writing while perhaps gaining a new respect for their respective nearby dumping grounds. Hooray! The drive along the NJ turnpike will never be the same...
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Summary: FROM AUNT MILLIE'S TO HOMEMADE
Review: I loved this book. The author writes in an engaging, informative style. He takes a subject matter which, at first, appears to be fairly bland and uninspiring, and turns it into a "can't stop 'till it's done " winner- like taking a jar of off-the-shelf Aunt Millie's-type tomato sauce and adding fresh ingredients to give the eater/reader a whole new perspective.
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