Awkwafina's NYC

by Nora Lum

Walking shoes? Check. Metrocard? Check. Sombrero? (Just a suggestion.)   ONWARD!   Let Awkwafina—the Queens-born rap artist of “NYC Bitches” fame—be your guide to the hidden gems of New York City (natives, we’re talking to you, too.) with 10 walking tour adventures that you don’t need a trust fund to enjoy. Travel back in time exploring revolutionary-era Tottenville or Louis Armstrong's house in Corona. Gorge yourself on the haute-cuisine of the street-savvy, from authentic pierogi in Little Poland to steam dumplings in Flushing. Roll with Awkwafina, and she’ll show you the neighborhoods you never knew you were missing (and a few you were missing the point of).  This edition includes enhaced features that allow you to connect to a map from each checkpoint and plot your next moves at the click of a button.

Genres: Travel, Humor, Nonfiction

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2014

Reviews

[Heather Rochon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Walking shoes? Check. Metrocard? Check. Sombrero? (Just a suggestion.) Onward!"

Nora Lum, henceforth known as Awkwafina, provides a strikingly honest, sometimes brash, but mostly entertaining travel guide to New York in Awkwafina's NYC. The guide book and homegrown New Yorker takes readers and potential travelers along on 10 walking-tour adventures that "you don't need a trust fund to enjoy."

The tours themselves cover a wide array of places-- like Flushing, Queens and Staten Island-- as well as an array of subjects-- like art museums and the best-places-to-eat-that-you've-never-heard-of. Having never been to New York myself, I can't say if all the info the lovely Awkwafina supplies is completely reliable-- but it happens to be hilarious, so why not trust in it 100 percent?

The book comes complete with 10 handy fold-out maps, a somewhat practical guide to underground etiquette, and a list of New York born celebrities that you-never-knew-you-cared-about. There's also opportunities for do-it-yourself "mad libs" to get that much needed educational boost.

Awkwafina's NYC comes recommended for those wishing to travel New York outside of the stereotypical tourist-y spots and for anyone with a sense of humor.

4/5 Stars.

I received a free copy of Awkwafina's NYC from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your typical travel guide book, but a good guide book to New York. Very different approach, but also refreshing way to show people different neighborhoods and tourist attractions. Added to that are the actual directions which I definitely think it would help for any tourist. Wish there were more of these types of guide books for different cities.

[Leslie Soifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

You literally join Awkwafina on ten walking tours in New York City. Her beautiful pictures and maps are create an illusion of stepping into the book with her. She knows the ins and outs of the City like the back of her hands; well she was born in Queens. A great little guide book to peek into anytime, even if can't get there physically.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The true Staten Islanders will be waiting calmly four centimeters away from the large glass gates at the ferry. Try to get to the terminal at a quarter to the hour. If you're true to your descending road to alcoholism, feel free to grab an actual margarita at the most random and WTF-is-this-really-a-bar on the lower level."

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - awesome, funny, interesting book!

Very well written, entertaining, and laugh out loud funny. This book is so descriptive and engaging that you feel like you are right there with her.

I can't wait to go explore NYC in a whole new way!

[Alec Mori · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's nice to read a book focused on NYC touring that isn't focused much at all on Manhattan, but for every moment that showcases Awkwafina's unique knowledge of the city, there exists another moment where she just focuses on her day drinking.

[quasiabsolut · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ist mir ein bisschen zu edgy und hat leider den arroganten Ton, den In-der-Hauptstadt-Geborene scheinbar gerne so haben. Aber ein paar der Maps sind cool - sollte ich jemals nach NY fliegen, hab ich also nochmal Verwendung für das Buch. :)

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny and included several NYC spots that I'm adding to my to-do list.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for people who want to try a walking tour that's off the beaten path!

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awkwafina's NYC by Nora Lum is the best travel guide I have ever read. Not only does she give you perfect directions for getting around a city by public transportation and walking, she highlights things that are not commonly found in guides and does so with a good dose of humor. As someone fairly new to New York City, it made me want to get out and explore all of the city's nooks and crannies. Also, big props for providing such great food recommendations. I also live fairly close to Central Park, so don't be surprised if you find me out there engaging in her challenges.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and genuinely informative book about New York! I was surprised that it was pretty dense with tours and information. As a lifelong New Yorker, some of it was familiar to me, but she covers a lot of places I haven't been and will try to check out now. The walking tour ideas are great, the commentary is great, the ideas about where to pee in the city are great, and her scoop on her favorite Chinese restaurants and her journey through Koreatown are really interesting.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a just a jokey take on NYC but it is actually a great and original guidebook! For native new yorkers or tourists looking to try something off the beaten path, this book had loads of interesting locations and facts with a fun hip tone and design. A true NYC guidebook for sure!

[Irene Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide

Loved it! New places to go and see! Some I had not heard of. GreAt guide and funny. Buy it..

[Sara]

After seeing her on Crazy Rich Asians I just can't say no! She is so hilarious and makes me so proud to be an Asian!