Hometown Glory highlights the backgrounds of your favorite booksellers through the literature they love. For this series, we have selected books which represent our histories and remind us of home. This is Jacque, who’s lived many places along Long Island and Brooklyn.

I’m a New Yorker through and through, born in the Bronx. I grew up on each end of Long Island and in between: from its borough of Brooklyn, to suburbs in Babylon, to beachy Montauk/ Hamptons. In my youth, I was blessed with having such eclectic, adventurous days; it is why I stayed! Within one day I can bike the Brooklyn Bridge, go to a brownstone coffee shop in Dumbo, jump to; somehow find myself at Jones beach where I can clean off the city grime by jumping in the ocean - and become a mermaid. Here are some books that respect parts of versatile downstate New York.

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold

One of my first memories is picnicking on my family’s apartment building roof, looking out to the city lights of Manhattan. Skyscrapers were my stars. I didn’t even know picninicing was supposed to be on grassy land until a little later in life! Although Tar Beach takes place in Harlem, Bronxers can relate, I’m sure.

I also recommend this book because Faith Ringgold has an exhibit at the New Museum. If you live in NY, please check it out! Ringgold is one my favorites from the Harlem Renaissance and totally deserves the hype.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

Truly, a new reputable classic! A coming of age story about an Irish working-class girl who immigrates all alone to Brooklyn. Sometimes I read books that glamorize or just plain get Brooklyn wrong - it’s a pet peeve of mine. This one rings true - even though it takes place in the 1950s I enjoyed recognizing all places I dwell in. Ellis, the main character, works at a Fulton Mall department store, which is basically a street with a bunch of shops, not like a standard mall. I also once worked at a department store in Fulton Mall! The similarities were mind boggling. Have you ever read a book where the main character has almost a replica life of your own? It’s crazy!

Town of Babylon by Alejandro Varela

A contemporary queer novel about ordinary life messes. It shows how American small-town life can stifle what I call “Little Mermaid” people - you know like,“I wanna be where the people are, I wanna see, wanna see ‘em dancin.’”

Okay, this book does not shed a great light on Babylon, where I grew up, but I *HAD* to include it on my list because I never heard of a book set there! When I saw it I thought “Who in their right mind would write about Babylon?!” I’m grateful it caught my eye because I discovered it is a great read for Pride Month - I’m for sure adding it to our Pride list.

Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

My grandparents grew up a street away from the Amityville Horror House - you might already know the book is based on a true story of familial murder. When I was in middle school I read the book, and told my grandparents, “I’m NEVER coming over EVER again!” Of course this did not last very long, I loved them too much!

Montauk: A Novel by Nicola Harrison

I would describe this book like a modern Great Gatsby for fans of American Royals, Gossip Girl or City of Girls.

It’s 1938 in Montauk, Long Island. A large number of New York City's wealthiest residents descend upon the new East Coast playground which was once a humble fishing village. Wives will spend an entire summer there at the luxurious Montauk Manor where Rebecca -esque drama unfolds.

I find this book very entertaining because 84 years later Montauk has a whole different vibe! My Montauk is, first of all, more accessible - freedom, sandy, nautical, easygoing, summer-fun. It is so interesting to see where you are from through the lens of the past. Places grow or change just like people do.