Dan's Papers - August 17, 2007 - review: novel night at the library

The Hamptons have been and will surely always be a fertile field for blooming writers. To name a smattering of the most prominent authors who have hailed from this literary hatchery: John Steinbeck, Truman Capote, Arthur Miller, Joseph Heller, Kurt Vonnegut, and many others, though not as famous, but equally deserving of their mention, and praise.

The writers, a peculiar coterie of artists, who, in general, are in constant gasping for attention and laudations, on Saturday, August 11, received a commemorative day hosted by the East Hampton Library. The theme and title of the affair was Novel Night, a yearly occurrence, which elegantly took place in the library's garden under a commodious, white tent. The proceeds from the sale of the tickets will benefit the East Hampton Library.

Part of the event, The Authors' Reception, brimmed with the presence of 46 authors, who displayed their recently published tomes, proudly indulging in discussions, story-telling and book signings, all to the delight of their egos. (Vanity and ego are a writer's natural instincts, perhaps even requisite to their craft). The effervescence of the ceremony and the spirited raconteurs captivated and thrilled the attendees, a crowd of approximately 350.

One of the crafty raconteurs, East Hampton resident James Brady, an author and veteran columnist for Parade Magazine, enthusiastically conversed about his new book, titled Why Marines Fight, which, the publisher, St Martin Press, has scheduled its release on or about November of 07. The duet of Hamptonites, Tom Clavin and, Bob Drury, who had co-authored a New York Times Best Seller, Halsey's Typhoon, again have joined their literary forces to produce a new project. Its working title is Fox Hill, also a story about U.S. Marines; a Fox Company of 240 courageous men, who in 1950 staved off several thousand Chinese soldiers to protect the lives of 8000 American servicemen, a confrontation that when ended, resulted in the loss of 180 of the 240 gallant Marines.

One of the honorary co-chairs of the Novel Night Committee, the gracious Barbara Goldsmith, beamed when she discussed her latest release, Obsessive Genius: The Inner World of Marie Curie. As the title implies, the story displays the impetus, drive and brilliance of the Polish Physicist who co-discovered radium. Ms. Goldsmith disclosed how she had pursued the tracking and discovery of myriad documents that outlined and described Ms. Curie's findings. Then, she explained about the arduous task that had been required to decontaminate the radioactive-infected papers prior to their review.

Besides the roster of authors, the participants were a miscellany of personages. One in particular, the astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, who mesmerized his audience through an avid exposé of galactic facts and their relevance to astrology, also engaged in signings as he promoted his most recent book, 'Death By Black Hole'. Impressively, in 2007, Time Magazine had inducted him in the list of the 100 most valuable people in the world. Following the reception, Mr. Tyson, along with approximately 19 other authors, chaired a dinner party hosted at the home of a library supporter. The participating celebrants, 294 in total, had been divided into 20 clusters, and each group dined at one of the hosts' residences.

After dinner at his home, Mr. Tyson surprised his guests when he distributed pillows to everyone and marched them outdoors. At the astrophysicist's suggestion, they all sat gazing at the star-cluttered, dark-blue sky as he launched into a dissertation about "cosmic quandaries and celestial topics," while navigating his mystified assembly through the sea of heavenly bodies. One of the awe-struck congregants remarked, "I never expected this after having enjoyed such a splendid dinner and a great selection of fine wines. Absolutely fantastical. My wife and I will never forget this evening and this wonderfully talented man." This statement mirrored those from the other groups, who all had been equally entertained and fascinated in some manner or other.

Jack Kelleher, a co-chair of the affair, hosted a dinner function at the library's Bennheim Room, a quaint, heart-warming setting, whose windows offer an inviting view of the library's gardens. Mr. Kelleher seated his guests at three round tables, an accommodation that afforded an informal ambiance, providing a view of the room's old-world fireplace. The aforementioned Barbara Goldsmith entertained and intrigued this group by engaging in fervent discussions about the accomplishments of Madam Marie Curie.

Lynn Sherr, the stimulating television news correspondent and Hamptonite, also spearheaded a dinner party. She excitedly talked about her new book, 'Outside The Box', a memoir that links the elements of television, news reporting, and the women's movement.

The assemblage at the Authors Reception also formed an interesting blend of distinct individuals. The renowned courtroom artist, Marilyn Church and the CBS news correspondent, Lou Young were present to promote their release, 'The Art of Justice', an artistic compilation of Ms. Church's expressive eyewitness views of thirty infamous criminal trials. The Italian designer, Ippolita Rostagno, also on hand, had mentioned that she would soon be inaugurating her own jewelry showroom on Madison Ave. The identity of her coveted line of eighteen-karat gold adornments is, well, simply, Ippolita. She graced the event with her charm and beauty. Ms. Rostagno, an East Hampton resident and devoted booster of the library, was one of the gratuitous dinner hosts of the evening. Then, the respected and talented East Hampton architect, Eva Growney, arrived, glowing with eagerness to socialize with the writers and the variety of library supporters. An interesting gentleman, Rob Likoff, along with his wife Shery, milled about the tent as they selected a book here and there, soon filling several bags. Mr. and Mrs. Likoff enjoy a particular interest: They collect books, new and old, and evidenced their devotion to the benefit of this great library by purchasing quite a few tomes from the various authors, an obvious display of commitment.

"We're aiming to increase the popularity of this event year by year, and hope to recruit more writers for the occasion. The trustees hold a strong dedication to any cause that helps the library," said Jack Kelleher, and judging by the effort and results of this event, it certainly seems so.