Trending - Buy Books From Local Authors Smithtown Library's Local Author Fair

 By p.biancaniello

Authors presenting at the Smithtown Library’s Local Author Book Fair. L-R Claudia Reiss, Marilyn Fierro, John Merenda, Debby Peoples, Jim Ryan (back), Paula Klee Parish, Sara Ronan, Ralph Brady (back), Ann Agueli.

Buy local, shop at farmers markets, and farm to table are trends that help local farmers and businesses. A new trend people may want to consider is buying books written by local authors.

The Smithtown Library hosted a Local Author Fair on Saturday. Nine authors: Claudia Reiss Marilyn Fierro, John Merenda, Debby Peoples, Jim Ryan, Paula Klee Parish, Sara Ronan, Ralph Brady and Ann Agueli shared their stories and in the process shared a little of themselves. Smithtown was well represented by Kings Park resident Marilyn Fierro and St. James resident Paula Klee Parish. 

Three of the authors, Ann Agueli (When God Nods and Joy-Full Journaling for the Caregiver’s Spirit, Transformational Journaling for Mind, Body and Spirit),  Paula Klee Parish ( The Journey to Be Your Own Best Friend: How to Discover Your Power Within) and Jim Ryan (Simple Happiness) presented their inspirational and empowering self help books. 

Sara Ronan’s first book (The Price of a Passport)  is a personal account of her parents leaving Poland emigrating to Israel. Claudia Reiss’ (Stolen Light, Semblance of Guilt) two novels deal with female exploration and freedom of expression. Marilyn Fierro’s ( The Limitless Spirit of Martial Arts) book deals with her journey mastering karate becoming a black belt with international recognition and finding spirituality in the martial art.

Ralph Brady (Landmarks and Historic Sites of Long Island, Borrowed Times)  and John Merenda (The Soviet Network, Straight to the White House)  have written historical novels. Debbie Peoples’ (Hollow State) novel takes place in in 2024 with flashbacks from events occuring in the 1930’s. 

This was the  Smithtown Library’s second Local Author Book Fair. It is the brainchild of Adult Services Librarian Lauren Scottaline. The MC for the event was Gina Ferreira. The Library hosts numerous programs that are open to the public that are informative and free. The Local Author Book Fair was a wonderful opportunity to meet creative people who have a story to tell and the passion, fortitude and the bravery to put it out there for all of us to see and enjoy.  The nine authors were approachable and very willing to share their writing experiences and provide some advice. 

Buying books from local authors may be something you may want to consider for yourself or for gift giving during the holiday season, it may also be a trend that you embrace.

 * I plan to  read all the books presented at the book fair. Currently I am half way through and mesmarized by Debby Peoples Hollow State. Pat Biancaniello

Comments

[Tim Fleming]

If it's "local authors", where is Smithtown "author" Jeb Ladouceur? Hmmmmm.......

[Jeb Ladouceur]

I had a previous commitment (which I deeply regret) on the day of the Book Fair.
I hope this note will serve as an adequate explanation to the many area residents who have posed the same question.
For those who have asked ... 'The Southwick Incident' (like all of my twelve novels) is available in the Smithtown Library.
- Jeb Ladouceur