If you know anything about NYC, you've probably heard about the Bowery. This book gives us a peek into it's history through the eyes of a Christian mission based there. I'm often hesitant to read Christian-based books, fiction and non-fiction alike, but this proved to be one of the good ones. We get to see the changing faces of those the mission helped, as well as those who helped support the mission. An interesting history book for those interested in this small piece of NYC history.

I grew up aware of The Bowery, Bowery Mission, but I didn't know the full history related to and around The Bowery Mission. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read and learn more about this piece of New York City history.

Disappointed. The book isn't what I thought it was going to be, a history of the Bowery.I mean, it is, and it isn't, if that makes any sense. It's about the Bowery Mission. Not the Bowery in general, which is what I though it would be. Still, it's an engaging story and I am sure there are readers who who find it fascinating and insightful (it is), it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be about. Well researched and well written.

Bowery Mission
Grit and Grace on Manhattan’s Oldest Street
by Jason Storbakken
Plough Publishing
Plough Publishing House
Christian | History
Pub Date 05 Nov 2019



I am reviewing a copy of Bowery Mission through Plough Publishing and Netgalley:



Jason Storbakken a recent director of the Bowery Mission and pastor of the Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship. He writes of his ministry that includes providing meals and other support to the homeless in New York City’s notorious neighborhood.


Bowery Mission is a mixture of history and memoir. It tells of Bowery Missions service to the homeless and hungry from it's founding in 1879 to present day. Storbakken uses personal anecdotes drawn from his own experience as Director of Chapel and Compassionate Care with compelling narratives of the Mission’s founding, development, and transformation over time.



I give Bowery Mission five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Over 100 years, the Bowery has been an infamous street in New York. The Mission has been helped by people coming together to provide the simple basics of life . What are they? Hot meals, showers, clean beds and warm clothes. They are helping the homeless get off the streets and back on their feet. The Bowery Mission helps the mentally ill, troubled war veterans, drug addicts and those down on their luck. They even help those who were in prison but now are out. It’s a place that one goes to when there is no other place to go for help. The book is a history of it helping the unfortunate.

If nothing else, this book will make you grateful for what you have. It’s all too easy these days to be down on your luck or homeless and nothing to look forward to. It is too easy to feel that no one cares. The author has written the interesting history of this mission. It’s amazing that it has existed for such a long time. I think differently about places like this now. It’s amazing.

This book chronicles the fascinating history of New York's famous Bowery Mission. The history is enlightening - I had no idea the Mission had been involved in worker's rights and antipoverty work. Interspersed throughout are some unbelievably inspiring stories of lived changed and healed. My favorite is the story of what the men did with their nickels. The author doesn't hide the reality that not all visitors to the Bowery Mission experience transformation, that often the struggles of drugs and alcohol can overcome so many individuals, that Bowery employees and volunteers can even experience violence in their line of work. Still, as one member of the mission wrote, "We are looked at like dirt, but we are somebody." The book is not just a history and and a description of lives changed but a call to action. I learned that the numbers of homeless in NYC today "parallels" those of the Great Depression The writing is choppy at times, but the stories and the photos overcome that shortcoming.

For 140 years the Bowery Mission on New York’s Lower East Side has been helping the homeless. Jason Storbakken was a director for many years and has now written this compelling history of the mission and its work, introducing the reader to many of the people who have supported and worked there over the decades as well as many of the people it has helped. It’s a Christian mission and the Christian ethos pervades the account, but even for a non-Christian it’s an uplifting and inspiring story. It’s a salutary lesson for us all to see Christian beliefs and values in action. I found it a compelling read and felt that I gained a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be out of luck and on the streets.

Fascinating read about a difficult subject. The Bowery Mission is an eye-opening account of the difficulties faced by real people, both the homeless who are served by the Mission & the staff who trying to make a difference. I enjoyed this book for it's look at the history of the Mission and the impact it has on individuals. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

Inspiring and challenging!

From the beginning of this book, also known as the “Forward”, I became engaged in the stories shared within the pages of this book. The Bowery Mission has been active as a haven for the homeless and others who have lost their way in life and has also provided programs to assist its clients with turning their lives in a positive direction. The author brings the reader into an intimate view of the work being done behind the Mission’s red doors.

While much is being said about the current homeless situation in our nation, the Bowery Mission is one of the organizations that has been on the forefront of this battle. In fact, they have been there for more than 140 years.

The author shares the history of the Bowery Mission in this ongoing battle. The reader is transported to 19th Century Lower Manhattan and then continues the journey to the present-day work of the Mission. On this journey, the author shares stories about the clients served in a way that is respectful, but real. The stories shared allow the reader to see beyond the nondescript, homeless persons they may encounter to people who have experienced trauma in ways that have led to their situations – experiences none of us would want to have. Yet, The Bowery Mission continues the work it has done from the beginning to impact their clients’ lives in significant ways. Do they win all the time? No. However, they have made significant impact in the lives of many clients while continuing the fight in this overwhelming battle.

I encourage everyone to read this book. Then, purchase a few copies to give as gifts. Not only will you be impacted, but you will impact the lives of those receiving those gifts in ways you will not believe.

Very interesting read about a place in history. Colorful characters and history about Bowery Mission. Entertaining read. Enjoyed reading about this place, the people, and events that took place. Would recommend.

I put a review on Goodreads under my name Jeannie Huie.

This is a very interesting book about the history of the Bowery Mission. It has lots of real life stories about the people involved in the Mission in some way! This is not a thriller, but if you are a people-person and are curious about "bad places" you really need to get this book!