The Mayor of Jackson Heights

Growing Up Jewish in New York in the 1950s

by Cary Silverstein

The Mayor of Jackson Heights
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The Mayor of Jackson Heights

Growing Up Jewish in New York in the 1950s

by Cary Silverstein

Published Oct 16, 2020
302 Pages
Genre: BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Personal Memoirs



 

Book Details

Welcome to Jackson Heights!

This diverse neighborhood in the shadow of LaGuardia Airport was once called “Manhattan’s Bedroom.” Famous comedians, actors, physicians, scientists, and business leaders called it home, playing stickball in its streets and handball in its schoolyards. The roster of alumni is impressive; it includes comedians John Leguizamo and Don Rickles, NASA scientist Dr. Willey Ley, shock jock Howard Stern, actor Mercedes Ruehl, rock musician Gene Simmons of KISS—and me, Cary Silverstein! Join me as I share stories of my youth, my family, and of why growing up in Jackson Heights had such a profound impact on my life and the lives of others.

 

Book Excerpt


Reader reviews:

  • I bought and read your book. It brought back so many memories, and I loved it. I lived at 77-11 35 Avenue from 1954-1976.
  • I ordered three copies of the book and love it
  • Cary, we’re so proud of you. After reading the book I understand why Amazon is back ordered. Kudos.
  • After reading your book I believe I now have a better understanding of who you are and more importantly, why you do a lot of the things that you do.  Charity has been an important part of your life so giving back to others is what drives you.
  • A good, entertaining and informative read!  I learned a good bit about NY and some about being Jewish.  The area I grew up in had a significant Jewish population.  I think there is a value in being exposed to other's cultures and am well aware that many cultures don't reveal much about themselves.  Being in school with many cultures provides an exposure with I think is valuable to us as a society.  
  • The Mayor of Jackson Heights is a wonderful journey into the streets of New York during the 50s.  Cary's attention to detail and anecdotes are sure to delight readers even if you aren't from the neighborhoods within the book.  The story of his childhood resonates with the kid in all of us. You won't be disappointed.

 

About the Author

Cary Silverstein

Cary Silverstein, the future Mayor of Jackson Heights, was born in the borough of Brooklyn, New York, in 1944. After a fire damaged their home when he was two, his family moved to Jackson Heights, New York. Cary is a product of the New York City Public School System. He graduated CUNY Queens College in 1967 and received MBAs in both Marketing and Organizational Behavior from the Arthur T. Roth School of Business at Long Island University in 1971. In 1978, he moved his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to further his career in retail management with Gimbels Midwest. Cary served as a Senior Vice President at JH Collectibles, a women’s sportswear manufacturer, from 1986 to 1997. For more than thirty years he facilitated graduate classes at three Wisconsin universities.