New York City: 4th Edition    by Beth Greenfield & Robert Reid Order:  USA  Can Lonely Planet, 2004 (2004) Paperback Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Belle Dessler There's a certain quality to travel guides, an element that makes these types of books informative and instructional, but rarely entertaining. Lonely Planet's New York City guide breaks that mold. It is as full as charm, energy, and engaging, provocative attitude as the inhabitants of New York themselves. From the very first page, the authors make it clear that they love New York wholeheartedly. They understand its nuances, and they appreciate every small detail about this wonderfully complex city. In their introduction, they tell us that few things about New York City are understated. 'Everything is audacious and wonderfully unrestrained, from the dense, bustling subway platform you step onto when you exit the car to the series of neighborhoods and subcultures you encounter up at street level.' Indeed, the authors' evocative prose brings forth those same levels of excitement. And if that wasn't enough, the color photographs included in the book capture the unique flux of the city. An image of taxies caught in a blurred shot as they speed past the photographer speaks volumes about the dizzying speed at which life in New York City moves. The book is organized by section, making it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. Before you even step foot in New York City, you can familiarize yourself with everything from the cost of an 8 oz bottle of water ($1) to the way New Yorkers eat ('pretty much the same as in the rest of the country'). And once you arrive in this buzzing metropolis, Lonely Planet's New York City guide provides a wealth of extremely useful information. Are you looking for a place to have a drink? The authors recommend Bar Veloce, 'A skinny wine bar with panache.' Or perhaps you'd prefer live entertainment. New York has plenty to offer, ranging from Broadway productions 'staged in the lavish, early-20th-century theaters surrounding Times Square' to comedy clubs such as the famous Carolines On Broadway. And let's not forget the shopping. Whether you (and your pocket book) crave a chic spending spree on Fifth Avenue or a more low-key excursion searching for the perfect Rock 'N' Roll record on Bleeker Street, you're certain to find a variety of stores to suit your needs. If you're planning a trip to New York City, bringing along the Lonely Planet New York City guide will ensure you'll experience the best the city has to offer. This informative, entertaining guide includes full-color maps, making it the perfect companion as you embark upon an unforgettable journey. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Travel books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews