Nostalgic to read this account. Actually lived on Mulberry Street, the southern part across from Columbus Park, for a few years right after college. Soon as I read your description, thought 'this store must be on Mulberry between Canal and Bayard, or Mott between Bayard and Worth.' The lookalike store Mia Farrow's character goes into in Woody Allen's 'Alice' also came to mind... Feel similarly about NYC/Brooklyn as you do now, but--those were the days, my friends! NYC hadn't quite yet become the consummate consumeristic 'playground for the rich' it is now (no offense, rich people-enjoy)
Hmm, may have some such writings from other hallowed 'stomping grounds' (Montreal, etc), but not sure going as far back as NYC.
At the moment don't feel much inspiration for writing Memoir--maybe when I get somewhat older and more reflective. (Never say never though, I suppose.)
Will make a mental note that when I start going through my Miller-esque (sans misogyny) / Proust-esque / me-esque novel series drafts in several months to see if any germane excerpts emerge.
Luckily for me, my story had a happier ending. :-)
Did you know this was the original title for Judith Rossner's "Looking for Mr. Goodbar." Strange but not true!
My favorite part is the observation about the students' "uncrushed dreams".
Nostalgic to read this account. Actually lived on Mulberry Street, the southern part across from Columbus Park, for a few years right after college. Soon as I read your description, thought 'this store must be on Mulberry between Canal and Bayard, or Mott between Bayard and Worth.' The lookalike store Mia Farrow's character goes into in Woody Allen's 'Alice' also came to mind... Feel similarly about NYC/Brooklyn as you do now, but--those were the days, my friends! NYC hadn't quite yet become the consummate consumeristic 'playground for the rich' it is now (no offense, rich people-enjoy)
Jason, is there a piece in your few post-college years on Mulberry Street? I'd love to read that.
Hmm, may have some such writings from other hallowed 'stomping grounds' (Montreal, etc), but not sure going as far back as NYC.
At the moment don't feel much inspiration for writing Memoir--maybe when I get somewhat older and more reflective. (Never say never though, I suppose.)
Will make a mental note that when I start going through my Miller-esque (sans misogyny) / Proust-esque / me-esque novel series drafts in several months to see if any germane excerpts emerge.
Amazing! Sorry you didn't find Mr. Wang. 😢
“Red gingko-leaf tie...” I know it! Great story. Thank you for sharing.