NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette, by Nathan W. Pyle

Living in New York City is different from living in most cities and towns, as Nathan Pyle discovered when he moved there from Ohio.  To help out his fellow transplanted New Yorkers, he has written NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette, an illustrated guide to navigating the mores and manners of New York City.

A lot of his tips are on the theme of "Stay out of everyone's way!"  In a city where millions of people are living in a few square miles, people have to be a bit more aware of their surroundings and of the people around them. 

Besides the human interactions, Pyle offers some ideas about navigating in the city, especially Manhattan.  It can be confusing, but Pyle can help you grasp the logic of the street layout, as well as its quirks.

Much of Pyle's treatment of New York City is, at times, rather contradictory.  On the one hand, New Yorkers are always ready to help, it's a great community, they look out for each other.  On the other hand, New Yorkers are always ready to pick your pocket, rip you off, or shove you out of the way.  Both things can, of course, be true at the same time. 

NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette is a handy little book which visitors and transplants to New York can benefit from.  The pictures are fun and engaging, without being infantile or insulting.  Here's what I didn't like about it: in my experience, New Yorkers hold themselves and their city in undeservedly high regard.  On multiple occasions, I have been the recipient of condescension from New Yorkers who think we Texans are backwards simpletons.  I will remind Pyle that most of what he says about being considerate of others is equally applicable in Texas and Ohio as in New York.  The content that is specifically regarding crowded conditions, public transportation, and dense population applies equally to urban centers in the U.S. and around the world.

Despite the New Yorker arrogance that Pyle has taken on, although good naturedly, this is a fun book that New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers alike will enjoy reading and sharing with their friends.