Standing Room Only: Two Years in New York City

Standing Room Only: Two Years in New York City by Sarah Protzman

Okay, so lately I’ve been having a mini New York obsession. (Happens to everyone, right?) It all started about a week ago, after getting back to my quiet, rural life from a two-day trip to see How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette on Broadway. Usually, I’m quite happy to live on the outskirts, away from the hustle and bustle of fast-paced city life. However, this time I found myself moping, missing the sights and sounds (but maybe not the smells) of city living. There’s just something about being in the center of all of that energy, surrounded by people with places to go and things to do. Naturally, seeking both comfort and empathy, I turned to books. I came across this title and it immediately caught my eye. How could I say no?

Standing Room Only: Two Years in New York City follows the life of Sarah Protzman, a 24-year-old ambitious blonde, who decides that she’s finally going to make her lifelong dream of living in the Big Apple come true. She sets off from her hometown of Colorado with a firm determination and motivation, despite having no place to live and no job waiting for her there. As she adjusts to big-time city living, big-time city spending and begins to pick up on the dating scene she is bombarded time after time with disheartening obstacles. Between being yelled at by her ill-tempered landlord and her eccentric, rarely-sober roommate rubbing her the wrong way it’s incredible that she can still find New York to be endearing. Nevertheless, even through the embarrassment, pain and heartbreak, she does and she realizes that she’s living her dream despite a few mishaps…and poorly placed banana peels.

This book took about a little over an hour to read but is one of those rare pieces that will stay with me forever. The quotes in this book were so genuine and hit me on such a personal level that I could relate to the entire story despite never having lived in a city nor on my own in my entire life. One of the best things about this book is the layout. What started out as a personal blog was transformed into a diary and then published so the pages flow together with a natural speed. I love that the author doesn’t harp on aimlessly or drag out certain scenarios to the point where you’re no longer interested, there’s something new constantly taking place so there’s no chance of the reader becoming bored or distracted. I also love the level of honesty portrayed throughout the pages. The author isn’t afraid to tell you exactly how she is feeling or admit to the fact that she’s made a mistake or two in the past. I found her incredibly funny, refreshing and easy to relate to especially when she breaks down on the subway whilst carrying her 40lb backpack of possessions. I wouldn’t hesitate to read anything by this author in the future and I may just have to make another trip back to the city that never sleeps through these pages in order to get my city fix. Until I can get back there in person, that is.