Moody Place

"If  'mood' means 'a temporary state of mind or quality of feeling,' can I say New York is a pretty moody place?  It’s always changing its mind, always in a state of change."
Monica Ferrell, Words Without Borders

Avidity

"Avidity is New York’s middle name. It used to be said, when Boston and New York were the two poles of East Coast life, that Bostonians think New York is brash, vainglorious, and money-obsessed, while New York thinks Boston is hidebound, smug, and defensive. They’re both right!"
Jonathan Galassi, Words Without Borders

American Engine

"New York is absolutely the American engine. New Yorkers are tolerant by nature; they have to be. What they don't tolerate is intolerance."
Jonathan Galassi, Words Without Borders

The Trumps

"New York absorbs almost anything. Even the Trumps. They're ours, unfortunately, but they're just another blip, a blemish, in the great panorama."
Jonathan Galassi, Words Without Borders

Sui Generis

"New York is an island nation. It belongs to New York State, yes, but its people, its traditions, its style are sui generis; it's somewhere between Europe and California."
Jonathan Galassi, Words Without Borders

Way In

Gantry Plaza

"New York is all about finding a way in; once you’re there, they’ll have to carry you out."
Jonathan Galassi, Words Without Borders