The article discusses the experiences of three prominent figuresâBarry Diller, Keith McNally, and Graydon Carterâwho arrived in New York City during their mid-20s. Despite the chaotic and dangerous environment of New York in the late 20th century, each man reflects on their initial feelings of disorientation, awe, and ultimately happiness. They reveal aspects of their personal struggles and insecurities while transitioning from young hopefuls to influential leaders in their respective fields of media and dining, now seeking to share their stories through memoirs.
Barry Diller, of Beverly Hills, arrived here in 1966 in his mid-20s, finding the city so "overstimulating and disorienting" that he had "severe stomach cramps" each night.
Keith McNally arrived a decade later, in 1975, at the time of his arrival also about 25 and late of bumming around the world. To him, the city "seemed more like the films than the films themselves."
Graydon Carter about his arrival in 1978: "New York was a festering pot of arson, stabbings, prostitution, and graffiti; I can't recall when I had ever been so happy."
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