Sunday, July 27, 2014

Grand Central

I just finished reading Grand Central, a collection of short stories about the various people coming and going through Grand Central Station on a September day in 1945.  I first picked up the book because I love Grand Central; its history, its architecture, the whisper corners, and because I was intrigued by the idea of a book about the stories behind all the people whose paths cross at the busy terminal.  It isn't a light-hearted look at intersecting lives, though.  Because it is set at the end of World War II, there are some very disturbing  stories behind what brought particular characters to the station that day.  Pick it up if you are looking for historical fiction, or if you thought your days of reading short story anthologies were behind you.  It will bring you back to school.  If you aren't familiar with Grand Central Station, itself, here a post that I wrote for literacyconnectionsblog during the 100 Anniversary exhibit at Grand Central:


February 25, 2013
Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station is home to an exhibit honoring the 100th anniversary of the Grand Central Terminal.  Hurry to see the exhibit before it closes on March 15th, but take time to admire the beautiful architecture of this historic building.  While taking in the beauty and history, why not try some science in the "whisper corners?" 
Kids are sure to love the experience, and you can discuss how the domed ceiling helps the sound waves travel.  For a literary connection, you can read about this phenomenon in the "Whisper Lake" scene of the book, If You're Reading This it's Too Late,  by Pseudonymous Bosch.  And if exploring Grand Central makes you hungry, I highly recommend Michael Jordan's Steakhouse overlooking the Main Concourse.


Happy reading,
Christine

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