A beautifully written once-in-a-lifetime book, about love, about life, soul, and the wonderful loving genius Oliver Sacks, and New York, and laughter and all of creation.
Anne Lamott
Bill Hayes came to New York City with a one-way ticket, all of his belongings, and only the vaguest idea of how he would get by. But, at forty-eight years old, having spent decades in San Francisco, he wanted a change. Grieving over the recent death of his partner, Hayes discovered quickly that the city, however ruthless its reputation, can also be a profoundly consoling place.
Within the city’s incessant rhythms, Hayes found companionship in unlikely sources—in the tree branches framed by his apartment window, in the sight of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings against the night sky, and in New Yorkers themselves, those strangers who, striving side by side, sometimes turn to face one another. A lifelong insomniac, Hayes took to wandering the city at night with a camera, gazing up at skyscrapers, meandering through deserted parks, and having chance encounters with other sleepless city dwellers. And he fell in love again, against all expectations, with his friend and neighbor, Oliver Sacks.
The stories in Insomniac City are drawn together by Hayes’ generosity of spirit, and by his photographs of urbanites that find beauty even in the ordinary. Bookended by two painful losses in Hayes’ life, this memoir is both a meditation on grief and a celebration of ongoing life. It’s also a love song to the city—not just to New York, but to all cities, and to all who have felt the particular magic and solace they offer.
For a selection of reviews and interviews on “Insomniac City,” click here.
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An intimate and sharply drawn portrait of one of the giants of science. This is a rare book.
Jad Abumrad, co-host of RadioLab
A unique and exuberant celebration of life and love.
Kirkus Reviews
A love letter—to New York City and to renowned science writer Oliver Sacks....Remarkably poignant.
Publishers Weekly
I loved every single sentence in this quiet night-book, erotic and evocative, at once.
Terry Tempest Williams, author of The Hour of Land
Like New York, the city he celebrates so poignantly in this book, Bill Hayes mixes 'memory with desire' to create a heartbreakingly gorgeous story of love and loss.
Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran
Insomniac City is a beautiful memoir in which Oliver Sacks comes wonderfully to life--a double portrait that also provides a vivid picture of New York City's neighborhoods and people. The ending is exquisitely wrought, heartrending and joyous.
Joyce Carol Oates
Bill, …looking forward to reading your next book.
The best to you
Bill: We are all keen to read your inimitable voice. Bravo in advance. XO. CHRIS
I feel grief in your writing and the stare in your eyes.
I also feel the power of love.
Your effort will be cherished by all and become a soothing balm for those who also miss Oliver.
So looking forward to this book. I loved Oliver Sacks (first heard him speak 30 years ago and was hooked by his intelligence and humanity) and I love NYC. Can’t wait to get to know him and the city and you from your vantage.
Beautiful, thank you, Oliver Sacks has been one of my heros both loved and admired.
Subhan
Just finished your book, Bill; I didn’t want it to be over, I loved it so much. I was a fan of Oliver’s since 1986 when he was keynote speaker @ Family Therapy conference in D.C. Now I am a fan of yours. Such beautiful writing, such wonderful photos, such poignant observations. It reminded me of Patti Smith’s Just Kids. Thank you for the delight.
Your beautiful book spoke to me in so many ways…about my previous life in the East Village…about the power of photography to engage the world…about the ailanthus tree outside my window…about all the people who cross my path every day. Thanks to your example, I have mustered the courage to give New York a second chance.
breathed in every word….so beautifully written.
How dare you make me cry!!!
You know that feeling you have when you want to finish something so badly yet don’t want to get to the end? This is exactly how I am feeling about insomniac city. I cannot put this book down however do not want my love affair with Bill, Oliver and New York to end.
Such a beautifully written piece. Thank you Bill for sharing your experiences with us.
I will treasure this book and hold my own memories of NY close , you have absolutely nailed it.
I too held off reading the end of the book, savouring every page , but when I finished It I immediately read it again.
Thank you so much.