Monday, April 28, 2025
Author Jane Rosen credited her love of writing to the supportive teachers she had while attending public schools in Baldwin — particularly singling out her sixth grade teacher, Wally Conyers.
Rosen recalled that Conyers shared her short stories with other teachers while Rosen stood by, watching them read.
“It was kind of funny at that age to be taken seriously in that way,” Rosen recalled. “I don’t remember if I wrote that much, but it was definitely encouraging.”
Rosen spent her early career as a screenwriter and has become the author of nearly a dozen books. Her latest book, “On Fire Island,” has been selected for this year’s Long Island Reads island-wide reading initiative. Jointly sponsored by the Nassau Library System and the Public Libraries of Suffolk County, the annual program encourages Long Islanders to read and discuss the same book.
Rosen’s book will be honored at a ceremony at the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library on April 6. The decision by Long Island Reads to select “On Fire Island” is based on the book’s connection to Long Island, with libraries and book clubs across the region hosting events and activities related to it.
“I loved growing up in Baldwin,” Rosen, who now splits her time between New York City and Fire Island, said. “It was kind of funny at that age to be taken seriously with Mr. Conyers. It meant a lot to me.”
A 1983 graduate of Baldwin High School, Rosen spent much of her free time at the Baldwin Public Library — a place she hasn’t visited since leaving the area. As part of the Long Island Reads selection, her book will be featured in a Long Island-wide book discussion, including one at the library on March 24, from 7 to 8 p.m. Registration began on Feb. 25, though walk-ins are also welcome.
“We’re always happy to feature books selected by Long Island Reads,” Elizabeth Olesh, the library’s director, wrote in an email. “Ms. Rosen being a Baldwin native is the cherry on top this year.”
“On Fire Island” tells the story of Julia Morse, a book editor whose life has always revolved around stories. However, at age 37, Julia faces an unexpected diagnosis and decides to spend her final summer at her Fire Island home. Accompanied by her novelist husband, Ben, Julia reflects on her life’s impact on those around her, from her baseball-loving neighbor who believes in the power of companionship, to two teenagers on the cusp of adulthood, and her best friend, ready to embrace new love after heartbreak.
The book is the third installment in the “Fire Island” series, which is set in Rosen’s home community. However, she noted that the novel could be enjoyed as a standalone, with readers able to pick up any book in the series without needing to follow a specific order.
