Dreams of an Imaginary New Yorker Named Rizzoli

by Mark Ciabattari, Istvan Banyai (Illustrator)

Struggling against the challenges of living in New York City, Rizzoli uses dreams to create a world where he is always successful and in control

Genres: Short Stories

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book was still in print. I managed to find a copy many years ago at a used bookstore. It's a collection of surreal short stories featuring a hapless New Yorker named Rizzoli. My favorites are the first story, "A Recurring Dream of Rizzoli Watching His Favorite TV Personality" a story about Rizzoli watching himself on television during his best--and worst moments; and "A Dream of Rizzoli in Love in the Cab Sharing Way", a story that has come to define my view on relationships between men and women. I've also read the second book, "Rizzoli Dreams of Eating the Apple of Earthly Delights" and it's marvelous as well. Sadly, I do not own it. I wish this author would publish something else!

[Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reprint of a book published 30 years ago and my god it has aged well. It's somewhat absurdist tone reminds me of The Enormous Radio by John Cheever, but here the notion is sustained over the whole collection. What a fun read this was!

[Nara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only really liked one short story … not enough for me to love the book… good concept but didn’t really say much to me. I only liked the short story about New York having tolled sidewalks owned by corporations .. felt true ..

[Bailey Fruit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved, so hilarious, quirky & clever