Grand Central Winter, Expanded Second Edition: Stories from the Street

Lee Stringer’s book is a powerful, thoughtful and philosophical look into the plight of the homeless. I read it because Lee and I went to High School together. We were not in the same circle of friends and in fact, he scared me. I never knew what became of him and I’m so happy that he got through his addictions and wrote this insightful book. He’s a very brave man to share his life experiences with us and I’m thankful that he did. Continued success to Lee and I look forward to his future writings.

An interesting account of the world of the homeless. This bio goes to show you that a few wrong steps and you too could be out on the streets. It sure is not pretty either. Lee Stringer gives a good account of how he found himself in this unfortunate predicament. The stories sound very real if a bit disjointed. It would have been nice if Stringer detailed how he quit his drug habit and was able to find shelter in Mamaroneck. Also, his off and on residence at the Street News does alter his perspective somewhat. However, these stories particularly the one about the reverend trying to bilk funds for his real estate business is quite captivating. Well worth a read as it goes quite fast.

Addiction is difficult for me to understand. Thank goodness for the help offered to the addicted. The first step is the hardest in seeking the help. I found myself gritting my teeth hoping Lee would not fall back and disappointment when he did. Everything in life, be it good or difficult, are determined by the choices we alone make.

Great writing from one who could be the next Hemingway or Fitzgerald. (I was required to write 8 more words but have no more to say).

I remember the days of Street News, and it was good to read of the care that went into production, but also the economics of distribution. Captures a time and place in NYC that for some is long gone, but for many still there. You could not make up characters like Emerald and Blue. "Geraldo Fever" was excellent but wanted more depth in some of the stories. Lack of it is probably not the fault of the authors, but rather the transient nature of life being homeless.

Amazing! I could not put this book down. I strongly recommend it.

Book was in great shape.

I heard Lee Stringer tell one of the stories from his book on the Moth and was intrigued. I enjoyed reading this book and gaining the perspective it gave of people we see but know little about. Very interesting and entertaining stories - all true.

What a wonderful insight into the nitty gritty of New York life, as see from the other side of the tracks. Lee Stringer is a fantastic writer. He engages you from the first paragraph with his witty, down-to-earth yet extremely articulate prose. Nowhere in this book are you asked for sympathy, and nowhere do you get the feeling that this is a sob story about being down and out in the behemoth of all cities. All the way through, as you read about his struggles with addiction, and his search for self worth, you can't help thinking that this man can be anything he wants to be. And he is. I have read books by world famous authors that didn't engage me like this book. I'm a hopelessly addicted New York-ophile, so I lap up everything I can find about this city from every point of view. I gulped this book down with greedy gusto. The foreword is by Kurt Vonnegut, so there is an endorsement of a recommended read before you even start.

Andrew Denton, ABC TV ( Australia) spoke highly of Lee many years ago, so I bought the book. It lived up to my expectations. He warms my heart with his whole persona, and the ability to express it. What a Man!

Wanted to read this for years before finally doing so. Certainly worth it although I think it could have been edited better. Definitely gives a great account of the underbelly of NYC in the late 80s/early 90s.