Asbury Book Cooperative presents Local Author Panel Discussion on December 7th

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) — All are welcome to join a Local Author Panel Discussion with Tim DeMarco (Release Me), Anthony Ausiello (Brooklyn ’76), and Luigina Vecchione (Italian American) on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Asbury Book Cooperative. This discussion will be mediated by local author and Asbury Park High School Alumnus, Paul Bomba.

Bomba is the author of No Lifeguard on Duty, an important story that takes place in Asbury Park during the 1970s. New Jersey Stage interviewed him about this book in May, you can read the piece here.

All books will be available for purchase at the event but if you wish to purchase them in advance CLICK HERE.

About Release Me – Dreading the career laid out for him by his father, recent college grad Jacob Constantine accepts an offer to work in Germany for a year. When his ex-girlfriend Deirdre suddenly attempts to rekindle their relationship, the unexpected presence of the past casts a cloud over the future. With the help of a new environment and some new friends, Jake tries to navigate his emotions in Germany, but it seems that nothing can keep the dark secrets from the past from being stirred up in Deirdre’s wake.

Author Tim DeMarco is a teacher, translator, writer, and wannabe musician. Release Me is his first novel. He currently lives at the Jersey Shore, where—despite having such a big mouth— he constantly bites off more than he can chew. Visit him at timdemarco.com

About Brooklyn ’76 – In the heart of Bensonhurst, an Italian American family struggles to survive one explosive day—the nation’s Bicentennial.

The Agnello family wakes Bicentennial morning to the sound of fireworks. Outside their apartment, block party preparations are already underway. Paulie, husband and father, has been out on strike with his union and is desperate to make ends meet. Dee, wife and mother, is overprotective of her children and a stern judge of character, particularly when it comes to Paulie. Tony, the dutiful elder son who is fast coming of age, now obsesses over his first girlfriend and stands ready to defy his parents to spend the Fourth with her. Alex, the younger son, still sees the world through innocent eyes, a perspective unlikely to survive the day.

As the neighborhood celebrates, a string of public missteps drives the family apart, forcing each Agnello to face their own insecurities and regrets. At nightfall, the fireworks extravaganza draws the scattered family back together—but celebration soon turns into tragedy, and one life is left hanging in the balance.

Funny, dark, and unsentimental, Brooklyn ’76 is an urgent family drama set against the backdrop of a working-class neighborhood—and a country—on the brink of transformation.

Author Anthony Ausiello earned a BA in English from the Pennsylvania State University and an MFA in creative writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Between degrees, he spent two decades in corporate America. Brooklyn ’76 is his debut novel. Brooklyn born and bred, Anthony now lives in Westfield, New Jersey, with his wonderful wife, Talia, and his amazing children, Anya and Eli.

About Italian American – Following the heartwarming tale of love and resilience in Greetings from Asbury Park, Luigina Vecchione returns with the highly anticipated second installment of the duology Italian American.

In the captivating novel, readers pick back up with Jack and Mariella after they’ve finally tied the knot and are ready to begin their new life together. Mariella’s dreams of a life with her love lead her to leave behind her family and the haunting memories of war-torn Rome as she embarks on a journey to America. Yet, the land of opportunity presents its own set of hurdles for Mariella, from cultural barriers to the disapproval of Jack’s mother to paralyzing loneliness as she longs for all she left behind.

Author Luigina Vecchione is a trained actor who discovered a passion for writing when she put performing on the back burner to raise a family. Luigina draws inspiration from her own experiences growing up with an Italian mother. Her passion for storytelling and crafting engaging narratives will resonate with readers worldwide.

Asbury Book Cooperative is located at 644A Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It is a vibrant, volunteer-driven nonprofit serving as a literary hub and community space in the diverse and lively shore town of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Theirmission is simple yet powerful: to promote literacy, provide access to books for all, and create a welcoming gathering space for the arts.

They sustain their efforts through the sale of new and used books, and more importantly, through the generous support of their members and donors who share their passion for independent bookstores and believe in the strength of community.