Parking a car in NYC is insanely expensive. If you cannot split the driving and maybe stay overnight half way (which costs $$) then it is better to watch airline sales. Most airlines have their best deals posted on Tuesday or Wednesday - that is not the day you have to FLY eventually, but it is the best day to grab sales.
Atlanta is a hub for many airlines, so you should be able to score a good flight direct to NYC. So - gas is not cheap, neither is the hotel on the drive up AND back home, and parking is awful - and you will FREAK if you try to drive here ( we do - but we live outside NYC, and have been driving to and around the city for decades - we are fearless. I also grew up in Boston - the home of the truly crazy drivers).
The subways are NOT dangerous and scary, unless you are stupid and going to the end of the line at 2 am. Busses require exact change or tokens. There are tons of great things for you to do here - I am sure that you are having fun looking at all kinds of tourist guides.
If you want to see a Broadway show, there is a TKTS booth at Times Square (sort of . .) that sells tickets CHEAP the day of the show - you have to choose from what they have. Ordering from home is really expensive!
So - I hope you have fun! There are ample good hotels - this is NOT a time to be cheap and stay in some place that grosses you out when you get there! Consider the Edison - it is next door to the Marriott Marquis, right at Times Square.
Cute old-fashioned coffee shop where you can split huge order of blintzes. Restaurant Row is right down the street from the Marquis - lots of restaurants, all competing for your business - do NOT eat in some icky place right in Times Square! There are 10,00 restaurants in NYC - I am sure you will find ones you like!
So - do not stress, arrive safely, and have a great time. Welcome to NY! Yes, people are polite, and will help you - *I* was looking at a map to find a specific office for my sister back home, and right away, a man came up to me and my husband and asked it he could help!
Other people respect your space,and keep moving - so get out of the sidewalk if you want to look at a map or book!
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.