1.) What is your impression of the opening line of White’s book: “New York bestows gifts of loneliness and the gifts of privacy.” Do you agree or disagree with White? If so, why? If not, why not? How effective is the opening? What does it accomplish, if anything?

The opening line gives the reader a glance into White’s mindset and thoughts about New York City, allowing them to get an idea of the tone of the rest of the book. I agree that New York “bestows gifts of loneliness and…privacy.” The city is so large that one can often feel small and lost in the hustle and bustle. A place with such grandness often makes people feel alone. Despite the overabundance of people, there is a sense of privacy in that everyone is generally more concerned with themselves and their own issues or tasks that they often don’t take notice of others, allowing for that sense of privacy. I feel the opening was very effective. It establishes the topic of the book and it gives the reader a look into White’s view of NYC.

2. How and why does the writer use lists in this book?

The writer uses lists in paragraph form as description. He lists places, situations and people in a way that exemplified that topic being discussed. These examples give the reader a deeper look into New York, aiding in their comprehension of the subjects presented.