the setting and environment of a story always play a large part in how the events unfold. in most forms of media (literature, film, television), new york city is a common setting. in fact, it has become so common a setting that, in most cases, it has become a character of it's own; everyone has an idea of what new york city acts like, portrays itself as, and what values it holds.

what i love about this novel is that it takes the idea of new york city being a character of it's own and actually asking the question what if the characters became the environment itself. the emphasis placed on the traditions and values held by both new york city and the boroughs it is comprised of highlighted the diversity of thought that can be present in a confined area - the strengths and the flaws.