By Vladimir Brezina
The Other Islands of New York City: A History and Guide, by Sharon Seitz and Stuart Miller. Third Edition 2011. The Countryman Press, Woodstock, VT; distributed by W.W. Norton, New York.
How many islands are there in New York City? Even lifelong New Yorkers would have trouble answering this question. Several of the islands, of course, are home to millions. A few other islands have mythical fame: Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Rikers Island… But next to them, sometimes just a stone’s throw away, are many other islands. Some have long supported their own small human communities; others have colorful histories but today are inhabited only by birds and rats. This unique book tells the histories and human stories of 45 of the “other” islands of New York City.
Vladimir Brezina (RIP) 
Johna Till Johnson
Wind Against Current 