#47: Lush Life by Richard Price

Every single review I have read of this book mentions the author’s connection to HBO’s The Wire. The show is astoundingly good (anyone know where I can get the box set for cheap?), but this book takes Richard Price’s inside knowledge of crime and punishment to a different level. It’s one thing to see and it’s another thing to read. Trying do decide what voice inflection the characters would use or invisioning the inside of a squad car was more difficult that I thought it would be.

One of the most exciting (should I say exciting when the book is about a pointless murder?) aspect of the novel is that it is set in New York City’s lower east side. It’s not a neighborhood I’m all that familiar with, besides the Economy Candy Shop, but it is full of history and culture. The entirety of Lush Life takes place within a small piece of urban territory, but at times it feels like a landscape of endless depth. New York actually becomes one of the dramatic players, allowing people to become involved with one another therefore furthering the plot.

Finally, I feel the need to tell you that this is the first book I checked out of the NYPL. That’s right, I have a library card now. Success!