Books & Authors Archives » Fire Island News & Great South Bay News

Holiday gift lists can often induce mild panic. But imagine driving past the mall and big-box stores, ignoring the carousel of convenient but soulless gift cards. Head to your local indie bookstore! Pull open the heavy wooden door to the festive sound of reindeer bells and the faint aroma of paper and pine. You leave with a compact, gift-wrapped pile of joy. Books make the best gifts—personal, thoughtful, and inviting imagination, conversation, and sometimes even transformation. Long after gadgets die and sweaters pill, your gift will still be there—on their shelf, in their hands, and in their heart.

Books & Authors

Booked for the Holidays: A Bookish Gift Guide

Posted on December 20, 2025

Saturday, December 20 Meet Santa at Willy Nilly Trading Cue the sleigh bells—the magic of the holiday season comes alive. Santa will make one last appearance at the Willy Nilly Trading Christmas Store on December 20, from 1 to 4 p.m., before he prepares for his busy week ahead! A visit with Santa is free, and there is a complimentary candy cane for the kids! Plus, you can take magical photos with Santa on your mobile device. Friends and family are welcome. Willy Nilly Trading is located at 153 West Main Street in Bay Shore.

Countdown to Christmas Day on the Great South Bay: December Things Do This Weekend and the Week Ahead

Posted on December 18, 2025

In the heart of December, the holiday edition of Great South Bay News is on its way to newsstands, and we are confident it will enrich your celebrations.

Holiday Cheer is Here with Our December Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on December 17, 2025

Tiny Raccoon Books in Sayville is preparing to celebrate the holiday season with its third annual Jolabokaflod, a community event centered around books, chocolate, and cozy winter traditions.

Books & Authors

Tiny Raccoon Books Prepares for its Third Annual Jolabokaflod Celebration in Sayville

Posted on December 9, 2025

Classic holiday tunes come to life as Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet take the stage in A Swingin’ Little Christmas, showing at Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, at 8 p.m. The hilarious and heartwarming holiday extravaganza is a delightful blend of comedy and music, ensuring a ‘swingin’ good time for all audiences! This group has brought their joyful banter to audiences across the country—experience the showstopper for yourself this holiday season! Admission: ~$60-$90 including fees. For tickets and more details, visit patchoguetheatre.org.

The November to December Holiday Miracle Across the Great South Bay

Posted on November 26, 2025

Free music at the best bookshop in Indy Sayville begins at 2 p.m. Featured bands include Dan Board Hula Mat, Ang, Pin Cushion, and Bad Guise. The bands might be edgy, but Tiny Raccoon Books is a family-friendly place, located at 277 Railroad Avenue in Sayville.

November Through Thanksgiving: South Shore Events Happening Before and After Turkey Day

Posted on November 20, 2025

Christopher Verga, an American history instructor at Suffolk Community College, a reporter with Schneps Media, and a Bay Shore resident, has authored several books previously reviewed in this publication. They include Saving Fire Island from Robert Moses, coauthored with Neil Buffett; and Cold War Long Island, coauthored with award-winning journalist Karl Grossman (also a frequent Schneps Media contributor), who provides the foreword to Verga’s new release, Nazis of Long Island.

Books & Authors

Great South Bay News Columnist, Christopher Verga, Releases His Latest Long Island Historical Book, “Nazis of Long Island: Sedition, Espionage & the Plot Against America”

Posted on November 16, 2025

November feels nostalgic along the Great South Bay, as the cool, salty coastal breezes blend with the scent of smoky fireplaces inviting us home. Our latest edition of Great South Bay News honors these cherished autumn traditions.

Books & Authors

TOUCHDOWN! The Rites of Autumn are Celebrated in the November Edition of Great South Bay News

Posted on November 12, 2025

Thursday, November 6 Movies Turning 50 The Islip Arts Council (IAC) and AARP Long Island present Movies Turning 50, a celebration of classic films turning 50 years old! Enjoy a screening of Tommy at Sayville Movie Theater, 103 Railroad Avenue, Sayville, at 7 p.m. Registration is required; visit isliparts.org for details.

November Begins – Things To Do Over the Week Ahead Along the Great South Bay

Posted on October 30, 2025

Jo Piazza is an American journalist, editor, and the author of 13 books, including The Sicilian Inheritance and the Good Morning America Book Club pick We Are Not Like Them, co-written with Christine Pride. She also hosts the Under the Influence podcast and writes the popular Substack newsletter Over the Influence—both of which take a sharp, insightful look at influencer culture.

Books & Authors

Cake or Pie? With Jo Piazza

Posted on October 28, 2025

John Collins at Tiny Raccoon Books, Sayville

Books & Authors

Sayville Author Writes Gothic-Thriller Novella with “The Leeds Point Horror”

Posted on October 20, 2025

Saturday, October 18 Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest The Town of Islip Animal Shelter invites you and your furry friend to a Pet Halloween Costume Contest at the Islip Animal Shelter, 200 South Technology Drive, Central Islip, at 1 p.m. A $5 cash entry fee grants you access to the competition! Donate unused pet costumes to the shelter for the adorable shelter dogs to wear at the event! Please RSVP to animalshelter@Islipny.gov by October 15 to participate!

Get Scary as Halloween Approaches in October

Posted on October 17, 2025

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