A fascinating glimpse into a world that few really understand. In this book, Heidi Kole presents a first-hand account of performing in the New York subway system in an honest and elegant voice. From her initial fright at the idea of performing to gradual understanding of the ‘code of the underground’ to her acceptance and befriending of fellow performers, this book is filled with interesting insights and philosophy. Each chapter reads like a short story, and those short stories are beautifully woven into a compelling narrative that I found impossible to put down.

Heidi is a free spirit in the best sense of the phrase….trusting her own instincts to be a creative human being. This is the truth, I will never look at people on the Metro or downtown DC the same way after reading her book.

I read a couple of chapters in the evenings as a way to experience New York since I have only been there a couple of times. Thanks for the enjoyable read and for modeling a life based on art and openess to new relationships. Alice

This is a great read and insight into the underground world/code, that many pass by everyday without knowing, overall just a great experience to read and definitely worth a look.

This book should be mandatory reading for every American !!I could not put it down.The underground culture described by Heidi is an amazing model of trust, caring for each other,and unity. If all people would read and apply the features of the model our world would be an amazing place!!

Reminiscent of an urban, underground Celestine Prophecy (but much more well written), Heidi Kole takes her readers through an incredible journey – filled with larger than life characters, personal revelation, love, compassion, heartache and fear – without ever leaving the confines of the New York City subway system. Through short chapter-like diary entries that keep the story moving at a quick, exciting pace, Kole gives us an insider’s look at the lives of some of the city’s best, and least well-known, musicians as they deal with background noise, foul odors, bizarre on-lookers, and the fight for their right to exist – all in the name of entertaining their audiences – and while asking for very little in return. Heidi is part story-teller and part philosopher in a guided tour of a city’s underground that will change the way you look at the people who make your commute a little more bearable.

Wow! Wow! Wow! I thought I would just take a peak at Heidi Kole’s book, “The Subway Diaries” instead I found myself hours later, past midnight, with red tired watery eyes and a night getting shorter and shorter…not being able to put her book down! I kept on scrolling page after page, reading about her amazing world. I felt like being propelled into a C.S. Lewis world! My! I am so fascinated!! Who would have ever imagined what is actually happening on the platforms under our streets??? Tomorrow I am rushing myself to buy hard copies and give them to my friends! I want them to know that Hey! Heidi Kole is FANTASTIC!!!
Therese
Washington, DC – New York City

The Subway Diaries was reviewed by Barry A. Farber in issue 15 of Dig This Real.