Excerpt - page 6: "... a body of water in New York harbor once infested with the industrial desolation that had become the emblem of Staten Island and NewJersey, but which was now clean enough for the birds to ..."
Excerpt - page 80: "... the strange pit bull that had died. She'd seen his birthdayparties out in the backyard. She'd seen him playing street hockey ..."
Excerpt - page 100: "... are assis- tants around to help. No food is allowed. Birthdayparties can be arranged by reservation. And there's a gift shop. ..."