Insomniac City

Bill Hayes' memoir chronicles his move to New York City following personal tragedy and his unexpected romance with renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks. The narrative unfolds through a mix of prose vignettes, poetry, journal entries, and Hayes' street photography of New York City and its inhabitants. The book captures Hayes' dual journey as both a newcomer exploring the streets of Manhattan and as companion to Sacks during the final years of his life. Hayes documents their shared experiences, from scientific discussions to simple domestic moments, while painting a portrait of Sacks as both brilliant mind and tender partner. Through his photographs and written observations, Hayes reveals the pulse of New York City - its streets, citizens, and constant motion - while simultaneously exploring themes of love, loss, and the unexpected ways life can begin anew.

Readers connect with Hayes' intimate portrait of both New York City and his relationship with Oliver Sacks. The memoir's mix of photography, diary entries, and vignettes captures the energy of nighttime NYC and quiet moments of human connection. Readers appreciated: - Raw, honest portrayal of grief and new love - Photography that complements the narrative - Insights into Oliver Sacks' private life - Observations of NYC street life and strangers Common criticisms: - Structure feels fragmented and disjointed - Some sections drag or feel repetitive - Photography quality varies - Desire for more depth about certain relationships Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (3,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (300+ ratings) "Like a series of snapshot moments that piece together into something larger" - Goodreads reviewer "The photographs add another dimension but aren't always compelling" - Amazon reviewer "A love letter to both Sacks and New York" - NY Times reader review

Just Kids by Patti Smith Smith's memoir of her relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe captures the intimate connection between two artists against the backdrop of 1970s New York City.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion Didion's account of grief and perseverance after losing her husband chronicles the intersection of love, loss, and learning to navigate life alone in New York.

On Looking: Essays by Lia Purpura Through observations of urban spaces and human connections, Purpura's essays explore the art of seeing and documenting everyday moments in cities.

Time Was Soft There by Jeremy Mercer Mercer's memoir of his time at Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris combines personal transformation with portraits of eccentric characters in a vibrant city.

The Only Street in Paris: Life on the Rue des Martyrs by Elaine Sciolino Sciolino's documentation of life on a single Parisian street mirrors Hayes' attention to the minutiae of city life and the connections between urban inhabitants.

🌃 Oliver Sacks was 75 and had never been in a romantic relationship before meeting Bill Hayes, making their love story particularly extraordinary. 📸 Hayes developed his street photography skills after moving to New York, taking many of the candid portraits that appear in the book with a small point-and-shoot camera. 🌟 The author's move to New York came after the sudden death of his partner of 16 years, making his unexpected romance with Sacks even more poignant. 🎨 Both Hayes and Sacks were insomniacs who would often explore the city in the middle of the night, leading to unique observations of New York's twilight hours. 📚 The book's structure mirrors the fragmentary nature of sleepless nights, combining journal entries, photographs, and memories in a non-linear narrative that reflects the author's experience of the city.