Thanksgiving 1959: When One Last Corner of New York City Was Still Part of Small-Town America, and High School Football Was the Last Thing Guys Did for Love Hardcover – Import, 1 September 2009

I grew up on Staten Island and was at the ‘59 football game described. Mr. Price’s research provides a rich tapestry of details regarding the history of the people and place. Neighborhoods that were only words to me at the time come alive with added depth. A treat to read. Jays prose style holds the reader’s interest and captures an era.

I heard the author of this book on the radio being interviewed and was really interested in the book for my dad and fiance. My dad called me to tell me that it is a terrific read and that he thinks I would really enjoy the book too. In short, it is a great story about a 1959 high school football game - however it is way more than that with the various characters and side stories that intertwine throughout the book. And it is a true telling of people and places, a great read for all ages.

Jay does a great job writing about the little known sports history of one of the least known parts of New York City. As a native "Islander", I found it to be informative and entertaining. However, Jay's love affair with the New Dorp team and especially their coach, Sal Somma permiates the book. It could have titled, "Sal Somma The Greatest Role Model The Game Has Ever Produced".The changes the bridge brought are well documented. Instead of passing through the island and going to New Jersey, many (too many) people stopped and made a home there. The population quadrupled with all of the accompanying "big city problems".The picture on the cover is from the historic 1959 Thanksgiving game between New Dorp (the city champs) and Curtis High school. Not enough background was written about the Curtis players. I played on that team. Although Jay appologized for getting my name wrong in the book, he made it seem that our victory was a fluke rather than well deserved.All in all, I recommend the book. It's about a place, teams, coaches and a game that will never be forgotten.Raymond Jenkins #30(Offensive Tackle, Defensive End, a 60 minute man)

Book arrived quicker than promised and is in perfect condition.

The fact that I knew so many of the people or names made it so enjoyable.I would be interested in seeing reviews from someone that was not from Staten Islandand knew no one from the book.