Your Summer 2023 Reading List of Books by Famous Long Island Authors
Since the arrival of summer, I’ve been combining my love for a good book with my endearment and curiosity for Long Island. So, I’ve been exploring novels inspired by this beautiful coastal region, and deep dived into some contemporary famous Long Island authors. Subsequently, I’ve created my summer 2023 reading list inspired by novels based on Long Island and also written by famous Long Island authors.
My favorite famous Long Island authors
Long Island has long been a source of inspiration for writers and artists alike. This is due to the region offering a wealth of natural beauty, charming towns, and fascinating history. From the Hamptons to the North Shore, Long Island has been home to many famous authors who have captured the essence of the island’s unique character in their works.
Judy Blundell
Judy Blundell is an American author who has spent much of her life on Long Island. She currently resides in Stoney Brook with her family. Her connection to Long Island is evident in many of her works which are are closely tied to Long Island. So, it’s clear that this beautiful coastal region has influenced her writing and played an important role in her career.
The High Season
The High Season by Judy Blundell is set in a beach town on the East End of Long Island, where the arrival of summer marks the start of the high season and a flurry of activity. Overall, this a compelling and beautifully written novel that captures the essence of summer on Long Island’s East End.
Nicola Harrison
Nicola Harrison is an English-born author who has spent much of her life on Long Island. Her work is closely tied to Long Island, which has influenced her writing and provided the backdrop for her stories. She has been praised for her ability to capture the magic and complexity of Long Island’s most iconic destinations and for her sensitive treatment of issues such as domestic abuse and women’s roles in society.
Montauk
Montauk by Nicola Harrison is set in the seaside resort town located on the eastern tip of Long Island. It captures the magic and complexity of one of Long Island’s most iconic destinations. Montauk is an excellent portrayal of life in Montauk during the late 1930s and covers issues such as domestic abuse and women’s roles in society.
The Show Girl
The Show Girl is a historical fiction by Nicola Harrison. Set on Long Island’s North Shore during the 1920s, it follows the story of Olive Bright, a young woman who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. It’s a beautifully written novel that provides a fascinating glimpse into life on the North Shore during a time of great change and transformation.
Nelson DeMille
Nelson DeMille is one of my favorite famous Long Island authors. Though originally from New York City, Demille grew up on Long Island where he currently resides with his family. DeMille is best known for his suspenseful and action-packed novels, several of which are set in Long Island. He has written over 20 books, achieving numerous New York Times bestsellers, with some being adapted for film and television.
Plum Island
This novel is the first to feature recurring character, detective John Corey who investigates a double murder on Plum Island. To explain, Plum Island is small island off the North Fork, which is home to a government research facility. The story unfolds in Southhold, a small coastal town between Long Island Sound and Little Peconic Bay.
Night Fall
Night Fall by Nelson DeMille is a thought-provoking and thrilling read featuring recurring character, detective John Corey. In short, it’s a fictional account of the true story of TWA Flight 800 that exploded over Long Island just minutes after taking off from JFK in July of 1996.
The Maze
The Maze by Nelson DeMille is another novel set on Long Island that features the recurring character John Corey, an ex-NYPD homicide detective, who investigates a complex murder mystery set on Fire Island. Significantly, this novel is inspired by the unsolved Gilgo Beach murders and is a thrilling and entertaining read.
Conclusion on Famous Long Island Authors
Long Island has some of the world’s most prolific authors and a diverse literature history that reflects not only the history and culture but also the beauty of this coastal region. As a new resident, I’ve found it great way to get more acquainted with Long Island by reading books from the authors that call it home. So, be sure to include some of these fantastic books by famous Long Island authors to experience a rich and authentic depiction of this unique place. Happy reading!
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