There are some places in the world that have a way of capturing your imagination before you've even set foot there. New York is one of them.
Whether it's the yellow taxis, Central Park in autumn, tiny coffee shops in Brooklyn or Christmas lights on Fifth Avenue, there's something about the city that keeps calling you back (or makes you desperate to visit for the first time).
If you're anything like me, books are part of the excitement. They have a wonderful way of transporting you somewhere long before your passport gets stamped.
So if you're dreaming of New York, or simply fancy escaping there from your sofa for a while, here are seven brilliant books to add to your reading list.
1. The Goldfinch - Donna Tartt
For lovers of atmopheric New York.
If you enjoy books that make a city feel like a character in its own right, The Goldfinch deserves a place on your reading list. It begins in Manhattan following a tragedy at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, before weaving through grief, friendship and growing up.
New York isn't just the backdrop here, it's part of the story. From elegant Upper East Side apartments to rainy Central Park walks and the quiet corners of world-famous museums, the city is beautifully captured in all its grandeur and grit.
It's not a light holiday read (it's around 800 pages!) but if you enjoy getting completely lost in a novel and immersing yourself in a place before you visit, it's hard to beat.
Perfect if you enjoy: museums, character-driven stories, beautiful writing and seeing a deeper side of New York.
2. The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
For lovers of the glamorous New York of the Roaring Twenties.
If your idea of New York involves champagne, jazz and spectacular parties, The Great Gatsby is the perfect companion.
Although much of the story unfolds on Long Island, Manhattan plays an important supporting role, offering a glimpse into the glamour and excitement of 1920s New York. Lavish hotels, bustling streets and glittering evenings provide the backdrop to one of literature's most famous love stories.
It's a surprisingly short book, making it ideal to slip into your hand luggage, and you may find yourself looking at the city's grand old buildings in a completely different way afterwards.
Perfect if you enjoy: classic literature, old-world glamour and imagining New York during the Jazz Age.
3. The Little Brooklyn Bakery - Julie Caplin
You'll probably find yourself Googling flights before you've finished the final chapter.
Perfect if you enjoy: cosy fiction and travelling through food.
4. Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
For lovers of iconic New York moments.
Few books capture the romance and mystery of New York quite like Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Following the unforgettable Holly Golightly, this novella paints a picture of post-war Manhattan filled with brownstone apartments, cocktail parties and early morning strolls down Fifth Avenue. It's stylish, witty and surprisingly poignant.
If you've ever dreamed of standing outside Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue, coffee in hand, this is the book that started it all.
Better still, it's short enough to read over a couple of evenings, making it a lovely addition to your holiday reading pile.
Perfect if you enjoy: charming classics, New York icons and stories full of style and wit.
Planning your own New York story?
If these books have you dreaming of yellow cabs, Broadway lights and hidden neighbourhoods, I've put together my New York Adventure Kit to make planning your trip a little easier. It brings together my favourite itineraries, neighbourhood guides and practical tips in one place.
5. City of Girls - Elizabeth Gilbert
Set largely in New York during the glamorous theatre scene of the 1940s, this is a joyful celebration of friendship, independence and living life on your own terms.
It perfectly captures the energy and excitement of Manhattan.
Perfect if you enjoy: historical fiction with plenty of sparkle.
6. Winter in New York - Josie Silver
This is probably the one I'd most recommend.
It's warm, romantic and full of New York atmosphere without being too "chick lit". It features cosy bakeries, snowy streets and all those little New York moments people dream about.
Perfect if you enjoy: cosy romance, winter city breaks and books that leave you smiling.
7. Rules of Civility - Amor Towles
This feels a bit more sophisticated but is incredibly readable.
It's set in 1930s Manhattan and absolutely oozes New York. Cocktail bars, jazz clubs, elegant apartments... if someone is planning a trip to NYC, this really sets the mood.
Perfect if you enjoy: stylish historical fiction, old New York and memorable characters.
Before you go....
Reading about New York is wonderful. Actually wandering through Central Park with a coffee in your hand is even better.
So whether you're still dreaming about New York or already searching for flights, I hope one of these books has inspired your next adventure. And when you're ready to start planning, my New York Adventure Kit is there to help you make the most of every moment in the city.
And if you've got a favourite New York book that isn't on my list, I'd genuinely love to hear it, I'm always looking for my next read.