Great NYC books I’ve recently found to be impactful, interesting or inspiring.
By Nightfall by Michael Cunningham (2010): The husband of an artsy power couple falls for his wife’s little brother.
Bright Lights, Big City by Jay McInerney (1984): Peon in publishing is left by his wife and gets swept up in vapid ’80s hedonism.
The Submission by Amy Waldman (2011): The city freaks when the winning entry for the Ground Zero memorial is from a Muslim architect.
Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran (1978): Gay men search for love and acceptance on the ’70s circuit scene.
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann (2009): Interweaving stories surround Phillipe Petit’s tightrope walk between the Twin Towers.
Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby, Jr. (1964): Heartbreakingly sad characters in lower class Brooklyn in the ’50s; taboo topics abound.
The Emperor’s Children by Claire Messud (2006): Three privileged Manhattanites in their 30s struggle with unmet aspirations.
iknowcoolthings 
You should add Lush Life. It is a procedural crime drama that is also a good post-gentrification look at the LES.
I will check it out for sure!
I love *In the City of Shy Hunters* by Tom Spanbauer. Read it and I bet you’ll add it to your list. I think I’ll try the Messud book from your list, never heard of it before.
I will get it from the library ASAP!