Every few years, the NY Times writes an article about the decline of the seltzer men, who delivered seltzer (better than that stuff you buy in bottles at the supermarket) to homes throughout the NYC area. Times have changed, though, and there's very few of them left. (Of course, this book is 16 years old, so we can assume that either Eli wasn't the very last of the Seltzer men, or that he's still hard at work.)
This is a good book for Brooklynites and nostalgics of all stripes. It's a great way to share with your kids the realities of life "way back when" as well as how some things haven't changed from then to now. Plus, there are several wonderful scenes from all over Brooklyn.