Benjy Melendez, founder of the Ghetto Brothers street gang, social activist, and lead singer of the Ghetto Brothers band, now tells his story: a memoir of life as a late 1960s/early 1970s street gang member, of a musician on the cusp of stardom, a fighter for peace, and a man on a quest to reclaim his Jewish roots. With chilling detail and candor, Benjy Melendez opens up as never before in 'Ghetto Brother' (Benjy Melendez with Amir Said). Telling the story of his family, growing up first in the West Village in in the '60s, his family's forced move to the South Bronx, his life in a street...

New York City is tough to figure out. For short-term visitors, this usually isn't a concern. But for long-term visitors -- those who plan to or have already relocated -- understanding NYC is a must. For many, the task of learning NYC becomes little more than a wishful bargain with time. But time and patience alone doesn't necessarily help you figure out NYC.

That's what makes 'The Truth About New York: The Long-Term Visitor's Guide to the City That Never Sleeps' so useful. This innovative book by Amir Said is a cultural study that works as the ultimate NYC study guide for newcomers...