Bowery Mission: Grit and Grace on Manhattan’s Oldest Street

Storbakken (Last Stop on the Z Train), former director of the chapel at Bowery Mission in New York City, traces the history of the institution and delivers a persuasive case that shatters stereotypes of the homeless. Storbakken explores the past and present of the Bowery, which got its start as Bowery Lane in the early 19th century and was renowned for its theater, gin mills, and gambling halls. Starting with the first prayer hall on Bowery Lane in 1879 and finishing with the current mission, Storbakken weaves together a rich history of the characters and politics of the area—always centered on the plight of the homeless and their influence on the neighborhood. Storbakken profiles his subjects with gentleness and respect. Several characters leap off the page: drug dealers Carlos and Sharif, who reformed themselves through the mission’s tough love and forgiveness strategy; Desert Storm veteran Chris, who attempted suicide several times until he found peace at the Bowery; and ex-con Slim Perry, who healed by learning photography. Tinged with both sadness and triumph, this short, refreshing study is a fine testament to one of New York’s oldest organizations. [em](Nov.) [/em]