The Firefighting Buff's Guide To New York City : The Five Borough, Five Alarm Reference To The Second Homes of New York's Bravest

Rating:
Summary: An Unmitigated Disaster
Review: Being born and Raised in Flushing, Queens I am familiar with the long tradition and great reputaion of the FDNY. I thought this book would present an honest and indepth reference about the FDNY and firefighting. Unfortunately and Surprisingly, I was wrong. This book is in one word, a disaster. It's a travesty that this book was even allowed to be published. I am giving it 1 out of 5 stars only because Amazon.com did not allow me the option of giving the rating of 0 stars, infact I am writing a formal complaint to Amzon for not giving me the opportunity to fully express my strong feelings. (...)

Rating:
Summary: A piece of Malarkey
Review: I have read a lot of poor works in my day, but none have made me so angry as this one has, and I am not an easily excitable man. If it had not been for a skeet shooting accident when I was four years old, I would be a fourth generation firefighter in the FDNY and I have to say that this reflects poorly on the contributions of my ancestors. I personally placed my copy of the book in my kitten's litter box, and I would recommend that any other people who bought the book do the same, as it was less of a guide than it was a childish rambling.I'm embarassed.

Rating:
Summary: Highly readable and personal guide to the firehouses of NY
Review: If you are at all interested in the locations and features of firehouses and firefighting equipment in New York this guide is the book for you. It contains everything you'd expect in a good guide, photo's, suggestions for visits, other area's of interest near by, and is enlivened by the author's deep affection for the subject.

Rating:
Summary: Not what it's billed to be...
Review: If you want the Joe Schneiderman guide to buffing NYC, than this is it. If you want an in-depth primer for the department or city in general, this is not it. I thought this book would be more of a reference or handbook given the title, but it is not. Mr. Schneiderman gives a heart-felt, personal opinion of his favorite firehouses from a series of personal visits. Personally, I was expecting something different from a title like that and thought it was misleading.

Rating:
Summary: CALLING ALL FIREFIGHTING BUFFS!!
Review: This book is chock full of destination trips in the greater NYC and surrounding boroughs to many different firehouses. An amazing number of adults and children love to visit firemen and their "second homes", and this book allows the reader to easily choose the firehouse or firehouses that would be the best fun for their family by giving historical facts, geographical locations and travel tips, as well as delicious family-friendly "good eats" located nearby! The author also thoughtfully included many photos. Mr. Schneiderman's respect for firefighters comes shining through in this charming book. Packed with facts, firefighting history, and geography, this book is highly recommended by my family!

Rating:
Summary: The rewards of enthusiasm
Review: This book is exactly what says it is--an enthusiast's guide. It has all the virtues of a committed and energetic involvement with its subject. Schneiderman has plenty of facts to back up his love of the topic. He introduces us to a world of complexity and detail that those of us who are not buffs had no idea existed. And he does this with an unassuming and friendly manner. Perhaps he has learned that from the people and profession which he is describing. If so, it's a benefit that we can share and learn from.

Rating:
Summary: Buy This Book
Review: This book is Excellent! The author seems to really know the inner workings of FDNY. If you want to learn about FDNY, "BUY THIS BOOK".

Rating:
Summary: A Lifelong Dedication Shines Through
Review: This book is impressive in several different ways. First, it clearly demonstrates a love for firefighters and their way of life that has made the author committed to firefighting as a career. Next, it represents the talents of a young man who, on his own time and with his own sharp focus, has written a book to share with others who admire firefighters. And last, here is someone who took his interest from the "hobby" level into the real world. Mr. Schneiderman is to be commended for this book and for the many friendships he made while writing it. Good Job!

Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK
Review: This book was a GREAT help. I went to NYC to fire buff twice & the book helped out a lot. I would recommend this book to anyone who plans on going to NYC to see FDNY ( trucks or houses). Joe GREAT job on the book!

Rating:
Summary: Not what it's billed to be...
Review: This book was a GREAT help. I went to NYC to fire buff twice & the book helped out a lot. I would recommend this book to anyone who plans on going to NYC to see FDNY ( trucks or houses). Joe GREAT job on the book!