I read this for the same book club that earlier read "The Central Park Five." Altho the two topics were different, both explained a lot of NYC background which was worth learning about. However, both books share the same weakness -- far too much detail about trivialities. Sometimes less is more.

What I found particularly annoying about this book was that it represents itself as an oral history but claims to know what happened when key actors were either alone or in one-on-one relationship conversations. Obviously that material was extrapolated rather than known.

Since I wasn't in NYC for Mayor Koch's terms in office, this was a nice complement to the recent documentary about him. Certain other characters who still participate in NYC politics also showed up. Felt like a voyeur.

Both books eventually lost my attention. Had I not been preparing for a book discussion,, doubt I would have finished either. ( )