‘It Wasn’t Until I Changed Trains That I Noticed My Bag Felt a Little Light’

People do read real, paper books on trains!! I'm always so pleased that despite presence of many electronic devices ( which I don't see lately that often in hands of fellow commuters!) , many choose paper versions of books. Last title I bought, after seeing a guy totally immersed in reading, and later researching online about that book, was "Fat for Fuel" .

Regarding "Plain Bagel to Go", I noticed the same golden retriever in West village. The owner got a sandwich and gave it to her dog. They walked to Washington Square park, the dog gave her the sandwich, she ate half of it and gave the dog the rest. I was quite taken by the scene!! It is a beautiful retriever that carries itself so well!!!

Ms. Santamaria, (And what a timely name you have for this pre-Xmas eve day.) In this very issue of the New York Times, we are informed that physical book sales are up, including hardcovers! Considering the cost to the reader, and the current economy, one can only deduce that people want off their devices, and a return to reading the old fashioned way, especially during times of stress. I don’t know if that will hold true on a crowded subway, and newspapers and racing sheets are other animals, but I, like you, hope so. I created entire life stories for people just from the clue of what they were reading. Terribly missed!

I love Metropolitan Diary. The Sunset Park story of the boys and the two quarters brought happy tears to my eyes.

Dear Ms. Harwood, It certainly appears as though you and your brother were the recipients that day of the kindness of a stranger who fulfilled the wish of two children to be able to get a gift for their mom. It is precisely that kind of caring act of goodness that stays alive in the memory sixty-three years later. It made me think of all the years New Yorkers could go to the main post office and pick up letters addressed to Santa, and hence try to fulfill the wishes of the children who had written those requests and put them in a mailbox. May that generosity of spirit continue and thrive. Thank you for a lovely Diary entry to begin this holiday week. Be well and happy, Allen

Really miss when people read books on the train! I know we don't judge a book by its cover but that's how I got into some interesting conversations and recommendations for reading. If it weren't for those paper books, I wouldn't have read The Goldfinch, The Orphan Master's Son, Band of Brothers, and many more.

"she’s still performing, but more than 50 years later, I don’t know that I’ll find the opportunity to see Ms. Streisand in person again." - Al Mammini Tune of “My Man” (Barbra Streisand's in “Funny Girl” movie) Al Mammini said it’s so. He missed the show. Though the tickets were not cheap He fell asleep. When he took pills for his cold Fatigue took hold. I’m told. What’s the difference if each tour I swear for sure Is my last farewell, that line is just a lure. So where Al Mammini is Seats are his Just please don’t snore.

The transit worker couldn’t take them into the booth ? That is pathetic.

Interesting juxtaposition of the first and last entries. I'll go with the last.

My family went to Quebec City for Christmas Vacation 1956. We stated at the iconic Chateau Frontenac Hotel. Watched my NY Rangers lose 6-3 to Montreal on Hockey Night in Canada....but it was broadcast in French! One night between Christmas and New Years we went out to eat at a local restaurant that wasn't cheap. I was 9.5 and my brother was 6.5. After the main course we got bored, put on our winter gear, and went outside to play in the snow. few minutes later I heard something whiz by my ear. Next my brother said: "Ouch!" and grabbed his wrist. Pretty soon we realized that we were being pelted with Canadian quarters. They were quickly gathered up and most have have come out to about 30. $7.50 was a lot of money for a little kid in 1956. As the money was flying we looked out into the street. A well dressed older gentleman, in a fancy car, was flipping the coins at us "street urchins?" He got back into his car and we ran inside. Our parents were only moderately amused. We were really excited!! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays to everyone who reads Metropolitan Diary!

I love the story of the looks-like-silver tray. Regarding the shift from publicly visible reading material to private reading on devices: I've often had the same thought. The subway ride was more human and more fun when you could get glimpses of what people were reading. On the other hand, how wonderful it is (NOT!) that you *can* hear what people are listening to...

A terrific, uplifting collection — thank you! "Life's candy and the sun's a ball of butter."