Max Millard's 100 New Yorkers of the 1970s is exactly what it says on the tin, but so much more. This isn't a novel with a plot; it's a collection of 100 snapshots—both photographic and written—of regular people Millard met on the streets of New York City during one of its most infamous decades.

The Story

The 'story' is the city itself. Millard acts as your guide, introducing you to a cast of characters you'd never find in a standard history book. Each entry is a short, first-person profile accompanied by a black-and-white photo. You'll meet Carmen, a waitress in a diner who has seen it all, and David, a young punk with a homemade jacket and big dreams. You'll hear from a cop walking a beat in a tough neighborhood, a teacher trying to hold her classroom together, and a drag queen lighting up the night. Together, their voices create a buzzing, noisy, and incredibly human chorus. There's no overarching narrative, just life—messy, hopeful, tough, and vibrant.

Why You Should Read It

This book completely changed how I see New York. We often get stories about the rich, the famous, or the powerful from that era. This book gives the microphone to everyone else. The power is in the details: what someone wore, what they worried about, what made them laugh. You feel the city's decay, but you also feel its incredible spirit. These people aren't symbols; they're individuals. Reading it feels like walking down a crowded 1970s sidewalk, eavesdropping on a hundred different lives. It's honest, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and never boring.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone fascinated by urban life, oral history, or the soul of New York City. If you love shows like The Deuce or movies like Taxi Driver (but want the real, unvarnished version), this is your next read. It's also great for people who think history is dull—this proves it's anything but. Dive in for a raw, authentic, and unforgettable trip to the past.