When you think of New York City do you think of Grand Central? It was almost demolished at one point! Grand Central: How a Train Station Transformed America, by Sam Roberts, is a wonderful history of that amazing building. When it first opened there were sitting areas for women, places to get your shoes shined, and a restaurant,one that is still open today. (The Oyster Bar, it opened in 1913). There are hidden stairwells, and one mostly vacant platform with armed guards. Jackie Kennedy was a prime mover in saving Grand Central (see next book). Nice history, great archival photos, author has a wicked sense of humor.

This is a picture book, yes, (and with some rather odd illustrations, I thought), but it's also a nice little history of how a great American landmark was saved: When Jackie Saved Grand Central: the True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight For an American Icon, written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Read how Jackie was able to inspire not just New Yorkers, but people nation wide.

Reading Hermit With Dog