SEPTEMBER

Several years ago, a young writer named Jonathan Vatner came highly recommended as a freelancer to Where New York (as WhereTraveler New York magazine was then called). He wrote a few pieces for us, showed tremendous talent, was a pleasure to work with and then moved on to greener pastures—and his destiny. At the end of August, St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne Books published Jonathan’s first novel, “Carnegie Hill.” I couldn’t put my advance copy down.

The novel is a witty, compassionate, deeply felt (and wise) story about a diverse cast of characters—from millennials to seniors— who live and work in a co-op apartment building in the exclusive and wealthy Upper East Side neighborhood of the book’s title. Even though the engrossing plot is fiction, the setting and life-affirming sensibility ring true. Resoundingly so. “Carnegie Hill” is the kind of book you never want to end.

Come to think of it, New York is like a book you never want to end. Fortunately, it never does. New chapters are being written every day. Need proof? Check out the feature story beginning on p. 10. And then add your own chapter to the ever-evolving saga that is New York.