My River Chronicles

Rediscovering America on the Hudson

By: Jessica DuLong

Narrated by: Jessica DuLong

In 2001, journalist Jessica DuLong ditched her dotcom desk job for the diesel engines of a rusty antique fireboat, the John J. Harvey, and the storied waters of the Hudson. My River Chronicles: Rediscovering America on the Hudson, tells the story of this mechanic's daughter and Stanford graduate who had left her blue-collar upbringing behind until the fireboat drew her back, offering a chance to become an engineer and a taste of home she hadn't realized she was missing.

The more time DuLong spent toiling in the engine room, running the boat's finely crafted machinery, the more she wondered what America is losing in our shift away from hands-on work. These questions crystallized in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, when the FDNY called the retired fireboat back into service, and DuLong and the rest of the boat's civilian crew pumped water to fight blazes at Ground Zero. As blue-collar workers clambered on the pile, DuLong was struck by the dignity of physical labor and the honor of having joined the world of skilled labor whose talents were useful at the site.

DuLong brings her two worlds vibrantly to life in this beautifully written memoir that evokes the vitality of New York City's bygone working waterfront and the Hudson River, a birthplace of American industry. Blending four centuries of Hudson River history with unforgettable present-day characters and events, DuLong offers a porthole-view narrative of the river and its social tapestry as a microcosm of postindustrial America.

While searching along the river's edge for the meaning of work in America, DuLong pays homage to our industrial past and raises important questions about the future at this pivotal moment in our national story. My River Chronicles is a journey with an extraordinary guide, a woman who bridges blue collar and white.

©2009 Jessica DuLong (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"An unexpected portrayal of America in the decline of industry, delivered from the unique vantage point of the Hudson River....Powerful." ( Kirkus)

Intimate story of the Hudson River.

great story, Hudson Facts, History, personal stories.
lots of metal boats being repaired.
Intimate story of the Hudson River

Outstanding Stories of Preservation and Industrial Adventures on a Historic and Inspiring American River

This book should be in all the school libraries in New York State, it was a very enjoyable listen (audiobook), well read by Jessica DuLong.

I could identify with Jessica's Engineering experience in learning diesel engines from my time and experience in the US Navy submarine service, and now as a nuclear power plant Operator. I wish your experience in preparing for the license exam had not been so frustrating!

Thank you for the chapters on 9/11, the Hudson River School painters, the industrial archaeology, and military history, too!

For the Adventure!

Not just chronicles, but an adventure. My favorite part is the change from suit to coveralls, and the eventual change to the 'this is where I'm suppose to be' moments. If you like Bill Bryson's writing and adventures, you'll love Jessica DuLong's My River Chronicles.