Hot Night, Hot Books, Hot Readers

It was the East Hampton Library’s 22nd annual Authors’ Night. And even though there was a big tent in Herrick Park, with 2,000 peple, it was hot — very hot. Everyone was sweating, but in a polite, literary way. The library raised more than a half a million dollar, including what was brought in from the 20 fancy dinners that followed book buying.

(Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

How does it work? Authors donate their books (or their publishers do) as an act of charity or for the publicity. Some 5,000 books were bought and signed by the 100 authors. All of the money earned from the cover price (no sales here!) goes directly to the library. What’s in it for the authors? They hope that if someone reads their books, and talks about them, or even enjoys meeting them, they may have made future customers. It is hard work being an author, even harder these days, with so many competing forms of entertainment. Finding people who are dedicated readers is an author’s fantasy.

Not every book gets in. Books are nominated and selected by the East Hampton Library Authors Night committee.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, a perennial star, with his book, “Take Me to Your Leader” (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

So Authors’ Night, which begins at 5 pm, seems wonderfully old-fashioned. Readers pay $150 to mill around, meet authors and buy books, mostly hard-cover. They know that Robert Caro will be here, even though he supposed to be finishing his fifth and last volumn of his life of Lyndon Johnson. There is always a long line for Neil deGrass Tyson’s latest book. He is larger than life, full of enery and his books are welcome by everyone.

Don Lemon has been in the news lately because of charges from Trump’s Justice Department. Another hot political author: Karine Jean-Pierre, President Biden’s press secretary, whose book  “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines” was about her decision to leave the Democratic Party.

Michael Gross with his book about St. Bart (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

Thinking of a Christmas present for a globe-trotting friend? Then a signed copy of Michael Gross’s book, “Treasured Island: The Story of St. Barth . . . and Its Barbarians, Billionaires, and Beauties,” might be ideal. Gross is a great channeler of gossip, best known for his portrait of the rich who live at 740 Park Avenue.

Michael D. Symon is a draw for the foodies. His book (with Douglas Trattner), “Fix It With Food” — about healthy eating to defeat autoimmune disease, is a hit. Now he’s got a book out about grilling, a great gift for the griller in the family.

Michael Symon with one of his books, “Cooking Out” (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

During the cocktail reception (which is what the $150 ticket was called) guests who weren’t busy buying books or talking to writers (also allowed) could eat from a spread of sushi and salads. It was enough to make a light meal for those who did not have a ticket for one of the author dinners that follow the cocktails in the tent.

Sometimes it was shocking to see a familiar, but now older face, like Jay McInerny, here with his novel “See You on the Other Side,” and realize that “Bright Lights Big City” was 40 years ago.

Jay McInerny (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

There were two firsts here, and they were both worth a look. Jenna Blum’s “Murder Your Darlings” is a psychological romantic thriller that also manages to be funny. It involves a preening male sucessful writer, a stalker-fan called “the Rabbit” because of her overbite, and a once successful female writer struggling with a new novel. Jenna Blum has written best selling historical novels before, but this is her first try at a thriller and a romance.

Jenna Blum’s “Murder Your Darlings” (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

The other author is a true newby as a novelist, but already known as a poet and playwright. Lila Raicek’s “The Plunge” has gotteen stellar reviews such as “riveting,” “searing,” “sensuous,” “provocative” and spellbinding. It’s an international JetSet thriller about a love triangle. Sounds irresistable.

Lila Raicek with her first novel, “Plunge” (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

One of our personal favorites, the designer Jeffrey Banks, began as an intern at Ralph Lauren. He has quite a story to tell. And we cannot forget to mention our local hero, Alejandro Saralegui, who manages the beautiful garden called Madoo in Sagaponack and Kendell Cronstrom, the former editor of Hamptons Cottages and Gardens. Together they have written “Madoo: The Making of an American Garden.”

Jeffrey Banks, fashion designer and author (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

For those who bought the top tier tickets, the evening continued with intimate dinners at private East Hampton homes, where guests could actually sit down with some of the authors. This year the most expensive dinner, with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jay McInerney, took place in two adjoining houses. It cost $1,000 a ticket.

Alejandro Saralegui and Kendell Cronstrom (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty)

There were seven of the top level dinners, involving two authors. In addition there were 22 single author dinners with authors like Bobbi Brown, Florence Fabricant and Don Lemon.

That may be the secret of Authors Night: it feels both glamorous and completely unpretentious. No complicated formula — just books, authors, food, friends and the pleasure of running into people you know.

In the Hamptons, where so much changes every summer, it is wonderful that for 22 years this event keeps happening.