Jersey Collective Reads - February Selection
plus the video from January's author talk!
If you missed our inaugural event last week where we talked to Katie Runde about The Shore, Bruce Springsteen, Sawmill Pizza, writing about different generations and technology, and telling stories about your hometown, you’re in luck—we recorded it and you can watch (or listen) to it here:
After a very successful first event, we talked about what we want to do for the next few months and have laid out an exciting plan, which of course you’ll hear more about soon! I know we originally said we were going to alternate books and essays/stories, but we had so much fun getting into a book that we decided to sprinkle those in when we feel like it rather than hold ourselves to a strict alternating schedule. Besides, it seemed like the majority of attendees at the first meeting had read The Shore, so it seems like you down for books!
Our February selection
Our pick for February is HURRICANE GIRL by Marcy Dermansky!
About the book & why we picked it
From the publisher: A propulsive and daring new novel by the author of Very Nice about a woman on the run from catastrophe, searching for love, home, a swimming pool, and for someone who can perhaps stop the bleeding from her head.
From the reviews: “Just a little comedy about the loss of all worldly possessions, near-deadly assault, brain surgery, and violent revenge… Small comic gems sparkle in their deadpan settings on every page… The only bad thing about this book is that you will likely finish it in one sitting.” –Kirkus Reviews, Starred
Kerri says: “I don’t remember which of Marcy Dermansky’s books I read first (I think it was The Red Car), but I do remember that I couldn’t put it down and then immediately dove into more of her novels. I was extra-sold on Hurricane Girl when I read that the darkly funny plot involves the protagonist driving home to her mother’s house in New Jersey.”
Courtney says: “Marcy Dermansky’s stories are so singular and specific, with a signature humor that makes her an auto-buy author for me. Her novels feel like living, breathing companions to me for the duration that I’m reading them—my favorite way to feel about a book. I’m so thrilled for HURRICANE GIRL to become your February companion, too.”
Other info: 240 pages, published by Knopf (June 2022).
Attend our chat with the author
Register to join us for a fun discussion with the author on Zoom on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00 PM EST. The meeting will be recorded and shared on our YouTube channel.
If you want to read the book beforehand, get it from your favorite New Jersey bookseller, from Bookshop.org, or borrow it from your local library.
If you don’t have time to read it but want to come a little prepared, learn more about Marcy Dermansky and the book by reading this interview.
About Jersey Collective Reads
Jersey Collective Reads promotes homegrown books and authors. We feature a mix of fiction and non-fiction, new releases and backlist titles, on a variety of subjects, from presses big and small.
We feature one selection a month–sometimes a book and other times essays, longform journalism pieces, or short stories–and host a virtual event with the author.
You won’t have to read the books ahead of time to enjoy the events (but of course you’re encouraged to)! We host Zoom-based events to keep it accessible to all, no matter where you’re based. We will also host some in-person casual meetups and outings that pair nicely with book selections throughout the year, so you can connect with other New Jersey booklovers in person.
Team Members
Kerri Sullivan, founder of Jersey Collective as well as editor of New Jersey Fan Club (Rutgers University Press 2022) and public librarian. Her Instagram is @ksulphoto.
Courtney Preiss, an Asbury Park-based writer and creative director. Her debut novel WELCOME HOME, CAROLINE KLINE is about baseball and recovery on the Jersey Shore, and is forthcoming from Putnam/Penguin Random House next year. You can find her on Twitter + Instagram @cocogolightly.