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

Friday, March 6 Women’s Comedy Mash-Up Benefit Show Join the Islip Arts Council for a night of women-led comedy to benefit the arts in our community. Held at Islip Arts Council Gallery, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore, at 7 p.m., enjoy fiercely funny ladies in a night of stand-up and big laughs. Lineup curated by Karen Anderson, hosted by Brian Cutaia. Tickets in advance: $22; at the door: $25. For more details, visit isliparts.org.

Movies, Music, and a Little March Mischief: Things To Do Along the Great South Bay This Week

Posted on March 6, 2026

If you were to ask Liz Finnegan, the author of Witness to Tribulation, why she wrote a book set in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, she’d likely tell you that there’s something special about this place—not only its story, but of course, all the history and spiritual connection of knowing what happened there all those years ago.

Books & Authors

Liz Finnegan: Longtime Islip News Reporter and Editor Turns Novelist

Posted on March 2, 2026

https://www.fireislandnews.com/arts-culture/limehof-great-south-bay-talent/

February Thaw: Things to Do Along the Great South Bay this Week

Posted on February 13, 2026

Some folks don’t know what to do with themselves when they retire, but Oyster Bay’s Steve Israel had no such problem. Former Democratic Congressman from Long Island for 16 years, Israel left Congress in 2017 and started a new chapter by opening Theodore’s Books—named after President Theodore Roosevelt, a fellow booklover who lived nearby. He remains the only Congressman ever to pursue such a venture.

Books & Authors

Former Great South Bay Area Congressman Steve Israel Authors a Thriller Historical Novel

Posted on January 27, 2026

Wednesday, January 21 “A Few Good Men”: The Celebrating Rob Reiner Series A powerful courtroom drama driven by sharp dialogue and unforgettable performances, A Few Good Men stands as one of Rob Reiner’s most commanding films. In conjunction with the series, Celebrating Rob Reiner’s Life in Cinema, The Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, 37 West Main Street in Bay Shore, intends to carry on Reiner’s legacy and talent. Intense, intelligent, and endlessly quotable, attend the viewing of the classic film at 7 p.m. and gain a deeper understanding of a cornerstone of Rob Reiner’s cinematic legacy. For tickets and more details, visit boultoncenter.org.

Books & Authors

Being Chill in January: Things to Do This Coming Weekend, and the Week Ahead Along the Great South Bay

Posted on January 15, 2026

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

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

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