From Dear Evan Hansen to Mayor Hague – JC Book Recs
You are likely already sharing book recommendations among friends, but here are some more to throw in the mix. We are revisiting works from two celebrated writers with Jersey City roots – Heights resident/acclaimed author Val Emmich and the late, great historical writer and novelist Thomas Fleming, who was born and raised in Jersey City during the infamous reign of Mayor Frank Hague.
Val Emmich:
The Reminders
Upon publication, Emmich’s debut novel topped the Must-Read lists of countless magazines, newspapers and media outlets. It’s a sweet, sad yet super-funny story of a friendship between two unforgettable characters. Gavin, an unknown actor grieving the loss of his partner flees LA after finding himself a national sensation for all the wrong reasons. He heads to friends in New Jersey for some respite, and there he encounters their 10- year-old daughter, whose amazing memory and eye for cinematic detail includes stories about Gavin’s deceased partner. There’s unexpected twists and turns and it’s one of the most entertaining reads we’ve had, start to finish, in some time.
Be sure to look out for our interview with Emmich next week, but in the meantime check out his website. This modern Renaissance man is an accomplished actor and musician, and his website includes a playlist of songs (mostly written and performed by him) that were inspired by the book.
http://valemmich.com/the-reminders-album
Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel.
Based on the hit Broadway show, the book was an instant NYT bestseller. Just in case you are not familiar with this beloved story and popular culture sensation, it’s a big-hearted, coming of age tale of a troubled teenager who unwittingly finds new purpose and happiness based on a lie surrounding another’s family’s grief. While the book is Young Adult Fiction, it’s a moving, touching story for everyone. As Entertainment Weekly wisely warned, “Yep, the hit musical will make you cry just as much in book form.”
Thomas Fleming:
History buffs reading this are likely familiar with Fleming’s prolific body of work. A renown historian and historical novelist, he wrote over 50 books. Born in Jersey City in 1927, his parents were deeply entrenched in local politics. His mother taught in the public schools and his father, a World War 1 hero, was Ward 6 leader in the notorious tough-guy world of Mayor Frank Hague during his three decades in office. Fleming writes about this defining time in Jersey City in “An Irish-American Memoir: Mysteries of My Father.”
Fleming wrote esteemed biographies of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin and wrote extensively on the American Revolution and both World Wars. Reading about history offers some nice perspective (and distraction) these days. Among Fleming’s most popular works are “The Great Divide: The Conflict Between Washington and Jefferson That Defined a Nation,” “The Strategy of Victory: How General George Washington Won the American Revolution,” “The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers”, and “Ben Franklin: Inventing America.”
For a complete list of his works, visit http://thomasflemingwriter.com/
Wishing you all some relaxing reading!