Palm Trees on the Hudson: A True Story of the Mob, Judy Garland, and Interior Decorating Hardcover – June 1, 2011

I adored this book! The book description on Amazon doesn't do it justice, it's so much more crazy, funny & is wrought with more emotion than what's it's depicted as, in the short buzz they give it. The main character Elliott is trying to live his life as a gay man in the 1960's, his parents aren't keen on his choice of lifestyle, nor do they really acknowledge the talent that is within their son & at the same time, he is just trying to find some kind of happy & find his own niche in the world. Elliott doesn't know it yet, but he will live the life he was meant to, he will become an artist, a decorative genius at that and he will get to meet his childhood desire - "Dorothy" aka Judy Garland, among other things - but first he has to survive many crazy personal disasters, pitfalls & set backs, before getting on the road to his own personal redemption & what will be the legacy he ultimately makes of that which is his life. Yes, this is Elliott's journey, but you shouldn't miss being a part of it, because it's funny, heartwarming, poignant & just such a delightful read - get the book! I give it 5 Stars for totally entertaining me from the 1st page to the last!

Palm Trees on the Hudson was a lovely book. I got this book free (Now almost $15) from Amazon, left it sitting on my Kindle for a few months and finally read it this summer. The book was a nice light read which I finished in one road trip. It was a little difficult to make it through the beginning; I felt that the author was a little heavy-handed in his negative comments about his own parents, although he definitely set the scene for his childhood and growing up. I enjoyed the storyline including the author's self-discovery and move to NYC as well as his lucrative design business, which I would like to have learned more about. I, too, have a light Judy Garland obsession and thoroughly enjoyed the author's recount of his experience meeting her.I had no idea that Eliot Tiber penned Taking Back Woodstock until I finished the last chapter, and I was happy to have been oblivious for fear that it would have influenced my opinion of TBS. Palm Trees on The Hudson isn't for everyone, however I thought it was an entertaining read.

This was a Kindle freebie, and it piqued my interest. What a wonderful story, and what a wonderful way to tell it! This guy made me laugh out loud, made me cry (what made his mother treat him, or anyone, like that??) and the whole time I was reading it (four commutes and a half a weekend) I felt like one of my friends was telling me their story. Not too self-aggrandizing, with a wonderful self-deprecating quality to it, I was quickly drawn in, and rode the wave of fun and excitement to the end. While he didn't tie up all the ends into a perfect bow, I was satisfied with the end of the book as well. A truly worthwhile glimpse into not only the 1950's and 1960's gay life in NYC, but into that era that came before the 70's, when gay pride came of age. Enjoyable, fun, quick read. Thank you, Elliot!

While Tiber's background as a painter and decorator shows that he has an eye for visual details, he also has an eye for details as a writer. He's able to evoke a scene or emotion with a few quick words and so his misery as a fat, unhappy, artistic kid whose mother rules with an iron, greedy fist, elation at finding easy acceptance and friendship in Greenwich Village, and sensations of being on top of the world and then thrown back down again are all as vivid as if you were chatting with a friend over drinks and already knew the people and situations.Some of same events could form a horrific memoir from another writer, but Tiber's wry tone makes even some of the worst moments funny in their own dark way.The book reads very quickly and because the storyline is consistently straightforward and there are relatively few characters, it's perfect for beach or airport reading, where you want something quick-paced and vivid enough to keep your attention but not so complicated that you'd lose track if you got distracted. Also recommended for anybody who likes an "I got through it, with flair" story about making a success of oneself despite everything.

What a clever, captivating story this author has shared of his youth and his transition into the world of interior decorating. I found myself rooting for the author as he struggled to rise to the top, and wanted to weep when he experienced downfall. He paints exquisite word-pictures, as I could envision the scenes as they played out in the story. Even though I got this kindle book for free (!SWEET!) I would have gladly paid for the privilege of reading it.

I read this all in one shot on a particularly insomniac night, and it was a good way to pass the time. It makes me want to read his other book about Woodstock. Sorry for the short review, but I'm at the end of that particularly insomniac night, and my brain is not coming up with anything particularly pithy or witty. I'll just say that it's definitely worth picking up on the kindle, especially if it's free!

I don't think I have ever written a review before, but I just had to share how much I loved this story! I had a smile on my face the whole time. Even in his more difficult times, we know (since he did write this book. . . ) that he would pull through. I can't wait to read the follow-up!This is just enjoyable and entertaining all the way through, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering it. The only problem - too short - but in a good way!

I thought it was an easy read and found it to be entertaining. Of course I got it for the kindle when it was a free book. If I had to pay anything over $1.99 I wouldn't have been happy either. It was very short, and it ended rather abrubtlty.

Had never heard of this book or it's author, had no idea whether it was fiction or non-fiction as Amazon never gave a description of the book, but I thought the title was intriguing and it had an interesting cover. Also, what 'sold' it is that it was for free!I soon found out it was a biography of Elliot Tiber, who I'd never heard of so looked him up on Wiki. He's an interior designer who had something to do with Woodstock (this book doesn't cover that part of his life but I'm determined to read his other book about it now.) It's his life story up to when he's approximately 30ish but what a lot was packed into those years. Born into a Jewish family with an overbearing, seemingly incapable of praise mother he left home, a bright young man with a talent for art, changed his name and went on to become an Interior Designer in New York in the 50's and 60's (a career which seemed to embrace the fact that he was gay when there was so much homophobia outside his 'circle') - and that's when the trouble started! I'll not give away what happened next (the clue is in the title, mob, Judy Garland etc) but in my opinion it was an exciting but also very emotional read.Mr Tiber has an eloquent but easily readable style of writing and, for me, this book was a joy. I couldn't wait to pick up my Kindle to continue to find out what happened to this guy next.While it's free take a chance on it. If I'd known how good it was I would have gladly paid for it.

The full title of this book is Palm Trees on the Hudson A true story of the Mob, Judy Garland and Interior Decoration. When I bought a new Kindle Reader I downloaded this free book from the Kindle Store and soon became engrossed. At first I thought it was a book in the same vein as somebody like Bill Bryson. I had no idea who Elliot Tiber was but soon got pulled into his New York world of interior designs, parties, Greenwich Village and the gay scene.Tiber weaves characters in and out of the book including his overbearing mother and a run down motel which he invests in. It took some time for the light to dawn that this was the motel featured in the Woodstock Festival and Tiber's best known book is Taking Woodstock which was turned into a film directed by Ang Lee. So being rather ignorant paid dividends as I was able to thoroughly enjoy this book without any preconceptions regarding just what it was about. A highly enjoyable read.

Throughly enjoyed reading this and was sad to get to the end, I also had no idea what it was about and had never heard of Elliot Tiber but downloaded it anyway, im so glad i did! will also be downloading his other 'life' telling book about woodstock. Certainly worth 5* stars

It's was an OK read although it certainly didn't live up to the reviews. July Garland IS mentioned in the book but its almost just in passing. Don't get excited about it