Free book signing event to be held at CM Performing Arts Center

Sam Desmond, pens ‘In the Light of Men’

Author Sam Desmond

Courtesy photo

Posted Wednesday, January 8, 2025 12:00 am

About the Book

Belén Aguilar has spent her life dreaming of British lineage and family prestige. In marrying Patrick Stratton-Delaney, she moves to his idyllic town of Carel, where she becomes a reporter for the local paper. Carel, located on the South Shore of Long Island and a 90-minute train ride to Manhattan, becomes the almost-English-countryside home of her dreams. Euphoric over painting and highlighting the tight-knit community’s stories, Belén internally struggles with her self-deprecation and machinations of being subpar for Carel. In her stories and dalliances, she seeks to be in the light of men to outshine her self-doubt.

About the Author

Award-winning journalist Sam Desmond is currently the Contributing Editor for the Suffolk County News that covers the southeastern portion of Islip Town on Long Island.

Previously, her essay “The Gift of the Tortured Specter” on Joan Vollmer was included in the anthology, “Fever Spores: The Queer Reclamation of William S. Burroughs,” published by Rebel Satori press in 2022.

She lives in Bayport in her aptly named Squirrel Cottage with her husband of over 20 years, their two dogs and four cats.

Compiled by Nicole Fuentes

The CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale will be hosting a free book signing event on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. with acclaimed award-winning Suffolk County News journalist Sam Desmond.

“Chances are, if you’ve subscribed to the paper at Suffolk County News, you’ve read a review or two of a show at CM by Sam Desmond. She’s been an avid supporter of the arts, so it’s nice to have the roles reversed and this time be the ones supporting her and her brand-new novella,” said Brendan Noble, CM marketing coordinator.

Desmond, a longtime contributor to the Suffolk County News, has been writing for the publication since 2019, covering the vibrant communities of Oakdale, Sayville, West Sayville, Bayport, Blue Point, Oakdale and Bohemia.

“In the Light of Men” is her first art novella, which took over 11 years to finalize and draws from the vast inspiration in her articles, friendships, and loves developed and cultivated from the dynamic and dedicated people she has been honored to cover as a writer.

“The everyday life of the beautiful people in the towns I cover inspire me so much and create such a sense of peace. The novella is a deep dive into the psyche of the main character, Belén, but amongst a gorgeous backdrop,” Desmond said of her inspiration. “Through social media, I’ve gotten to connect with so many people in the community and I hope to finally meet all these wonderful people in person.”

During the event, Desmond will read excerpts from the book. Participants will also get the chance to meet the author and purchase a signed copy. Books will be available for purchase at $17 for paperback and $25 for hardcover.

“We are so excited to host Sam Desmond’s book signing at the theatre,” added Marc Hollid-Ausset, CM CEO and president. “As an organization, we believe in showcasing and supporting local artists of all mediums. We are a big fan of Sam and can’t wait to celebrate this huge accomplishment with her!”

Books are also currently available at The Catbird Seat on Main Street in Sayville as well as online in paperback, hardcover, and eBook at Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Light-Men-Sam-Desmond/dp/B0DQVTKQ5J, and Barnes and Noble, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-light-of-men-sam-desmond/1146721966.

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