A Foreigner in New York: A Book Review and Reflections
Book Review: *A Foreigner in New York* by Ramón Ybarra Rubio
The book *A Foreigner in New York* follows Antonio, who travels to New York City with the objective of writing an article about his journey. During this trip, he discovers the city he has dreamed of visiting since childhood, influenced by the films and series he grew up watching. Moreover, he meets several key people who play an important role in his personal growth.
Personal Thoughts on the Narrative
In my opinion, the evolution of the story is well-constructed. While some parts are more interesting than others, they all feel necessary as the book balances exploring the city’s history with Antonio’s relationships with his friends. The story features a limited number of characters, which helps the reader follow the plot and understand its development. However, there are some unnecessary characters who, in my opinion, do not contribute much to the story.
The vocabulary and grammar are simple and easy to follow, which is essential for understanding the text. A particularly positive feature is the small dictionary included at the end of the book, which helps clarify more complicated words.
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to practice English in a dynamic and engaging way.
A Brilliant Kiss in Times Square
Antonio books a table at the restaurant where Eliane’s flatmate, Elise, is playing, and they dine with laughter and good food. Then, the final chimes begin, everyone in Times Square shouts out the countdown, and the excitement of the moment is palpable. All of a sudden, the new year comes in, and Eliane and Antonio share a sweet kiss.
Reflecting on a Pivotal Scene
My drawing illustrates exactly that moment, the moment of the kiss after a dinner between friends as wonderful as the protagonist describes in this part of the story. In addition, you can see the fireworks in the background that make it a really magical moment. I have chosen this scene because I think it is one of the most emotional in the book, with the first sign of love between the couple that was so long-awaited from the beginning. In my opinion, it is a turning point in the story where Antonio really connects with the city and his new friends during dinner and the after-party.
Journal Entry: A New Year’s Reflection
Date: January 1st
What a day. No, what a night. I can still hear the cheers and countdown echoing in my head, and I can’t stop smiling. Tonight, something changed—not just in the calendar but in me.
Elise’s music at the restaurant was beautiful. She seemed so confident up there, and it made me admire her even more. The dinner was lively, full of laughter and stories. For the first time since I arrived in New York, I didn’t feel like an outsider. I felt part of something, part of a group that truly welcomed me.
And then came the kiss. It wasn’t planned, and yet it felt… inevitable. In that moment, standing in Times Square with all those strangers cheering around us, Eliane and I shared something personal, something ours.
When I first came to New York, I thought I’d just be an observer, someone here to write and leave. But now I see I’ve been writing my own story all along. This city, these people, have given me more than just a story to tell. They’ve given me a new version of myself, someone braver, happier, and more alive. Tomorrow? Who knows. But tonight, I’m grateful.
An Alternate Ending: Love Across Continents
Once at the airport, I noticed that Eliane seemed a little nervous and uneasy. “Is everything all right, Eliane?” I asked her. “Yes, it’s just that…” She paused for a moment, as if gathering her courage. “I’m going back to Spain with you,” Eliane confessed quickly. At that very moment, I hugged Eliane with all my strength. “That’s perfect, Eliane!” I told her with great emotion. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?” “Because I didn’t know how to say it,” she admitted, the nervousness disappearing from her face.
And so, we got on the flight back to Spain together. During the journey, we talked endlessly about all the places we would visit once we arrived. In Madrid, I took Eliane to see the most important monuments. We started at Puerta del Sol, enjoying the vibrant energy of the city’s center. Then, we explored the majestic Royal Palace, where Eliane was amazed by its grandeur. At the Prado Museum, she was captivated by the works of Velázquez and Goya.
But eventually, the day came when I had to return to New York. At the airport, Eliane held my hand tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. “Promise me that we will see each other again, Antonio,” she said softly. “I promise,” I replied, looking into her eyes. “As soon as I can, I’ll come back to New York.” I kissed her gently on the forehead, and we embraced one last time. Once again, we said goodbye at the airport, unsure of when we would see each other again.