Nora Johnson's The World of Henry Orient, first published in 1958 and now happily back in print, is a warm and amusing look at the lives of two New York girls, Marian "Gil" Gilbert and Valerie "Val" Boyd. Their escapades transport them from being dull schoolgirls in uniforms to young adults taking control of Manhattan (or trying to).

Val and Gil become friends at an age when conforming is all important, and they are outside the magic circle until they find each other. They are just old enough to have some independence, to play at being grownups, with the city as their playground. At a Carnegie Hall concert, they see a pianist named Henry Orient, and they become fascinated with him. Henry Orient becomes the focus of their lives. They follow him around Manhattan, observing his routine, his "world," unaware at first that they are observing the pianist bound up in a snarl of romantic liaisons.

Val and Gil learn a lot about themselves in the course of their adventures, discovering a world that offers them much more than the activities of Henry Orient.

The World of Henry Orient is one of the best books I have ever read. Val and Marian, two misfits living in New York City, form a truly touching friendship with each other. The story is well written, and I like the characters, especially Boothy. I can relate well to the whole book, and I think it is wonderful. Preteens, teens, and adults alike will find it an amazing book, one that they will never forget. I reccommend it to all.

Ah, my favorite book was this one. It brings back fond memories of bedtime just looking at it here! The cute stories are made even better by the cute illustrations and the wonderful, fluffy toys they go with. It's the cutest book ever! (Important Notice: Must be read with a favorite Puffalump.)