New York time

by Richard Peck

A childless, wisecracking Chicago housewife moves to New York and loses her husband, but she winds up marrying a twenty-three-year-old architect and finds herself rich, pregnant, and happy

212 pages, Loose Leaf

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Richard Peck was an American novelist known for his prolific contributions to modern young adult literature. He was awarded the Newbery Medal in 2001 for his novel A Year Down Yonder. For his cumulative contribution to young-adult literature, he received the Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1990.

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the character growth and absolutely loved the dry humor.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

New York Time
By Richard Peck
1981

I did not know what to expect from this "Adult Novel" by Richard Peck, adult, in that it is not one of his books meant for children. With the cover and back cover blurb, it seemed to be aimed at the Danielle Steele crowd, but it was so much more, and so much better. If you have read any of his work, you know Peck is a master of his craft, and this book is a slice of pure genius. As I read the story, I could envision everything he wrote and knew what he meant to do with every little slice of Barbara's, our main character, life. It threw the literary conventions of the time so that they landed sideways and she does get her happy ending, even if unconventionally. The novel is also full of humor, a dry, dry, humor.
Loved it.
5 stars.

[Kressel Housman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can sum up the difference between Richard Peck's young adult and adult books in two words: bedroom scenes. In terms of storyline and characterization, both are equally good, so as a religious Jew, I think I'll stick with the young adult themes.

This is the story of a marriage gone bad and the love that comes to take its place. In many ways, it's a 30-something woman's fantasy with plenty of good plot surprises, but because of all the bedroom stuff, I think I'll stay away from Peck's other adult fiction.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is meant to be a fun, light read, and it is. It appealed to me because I too experienced the culture shock of being a Midwesterner suddenly transplanted to the great metropolis. The main character's descriptions of her suburban Chicago life before moving to New York are satirical and funny. This book was written right around the era of New York's bankruptcy, which makes it a bit of a timepiece, a pre-gentrified New York that no longer exists.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A man leaves his wife alone in NYC.