Janet Evanovich’s “One for the Money” introduces Stephanie Plum, a lingerie-buyer-turned-bounty-hunter from Trenton, New Jersey.
Struggling to make ends meet, Stephanie takes on a risky job tracking down Joe Morelli, a cop accused of murder and someone she has a complicated history with.
The book mixes suspense with humor as Stephanie navigates dangerous situations, colorful characters, and the quirks of her hometown.
“Ten Big Ones” by Janet Evanovich follows bounty hunter Stephanie Plum as she tries to catch a car thief while getting tangled up with a dangerous gang. Stephanie witnesses a robbery and becomes the gang’s target, forcing her to seek help from the mysterious Ranger.
On top of that, her personal life with Joe Morelli grows more complicated, leading to plenty of chaos and humor. The story blends danger and laugh-out-loud moments, keeping Stephanie on her toes in Trenton, New Jersey.
“American Pastoral” by Philip Roth tells the story of Seymour “Swede” Levov, a successful businessman in New Jersey whose seemingly perfect life unravels. Swede’s daughter, Merry, becomes involved in radical politics during the 1960s and commits an act of domestic terrorism.
The novel explores how this event shatters Swede’s ideals and forces him to confront the chaos beneath his once-idyllic existence. It’s a powerful look at family, identity, and the American Dream.
“Garden State” by Rick Moody is about a group of young adults navigating life in a working-class New Jersey town. Their lives are shaped by aimlessness, complicated friendships, and family struggles.
The story focuses on their attempts to find meaning in a place that feels stagnant, with moments of humor, heartbreak, and raw emotion.
Philip Roth wrote “Goodbye, Columbus,” a story about Neil Klugman, a young man from a working-class Jewish family in Newark, and his summer romance with Brenda Patimkin, a wealthy girl from an upscale suburb.
The book explores the clash between their different backgrounds, with moments that highlight family tensions, social status, and personal ambitions. The novella captures a slice of life in 1950s New Jersey, with sharp observations and memorable characters.
The book “Call of the Jersey Devil” by Aurelio Voltaire follows a group of misfit goth kids and their eccentric friends as they head to the Pine Barrens for a weekend festival.
What starts as a fun getaway spirals into chaos when they encounter strange townsfolk, bizarre creatures, and the legendary Jersey Devil itself.
With its mix of dark humor and quirky characters, the story keeps readers intrigued as the group faces both supernatural dangers and their own personal struggles.
Harlan Coben’s “Deal Breaker” introduces sports agent Myron Bolitar, who gets caught up in a mystery when his client’s ex-girlfriend suddenly reappears after being presumed dead.
Set in New Jersey, the story mixes sports and crime as Myron uncovers secrets and scandals connected to those around him. The book’s sharp dialogue and fast-paced plot make for an entertaining read.
Judy Blume wrote “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” This book follows Margaret, a sixth-grade girl who has just moved to New Jersey. She navigates new friendships, crushes, and questions about religion and growing up.
Her private talks with God give a glimpse into her worries and hopes, making her story relatable and heartfelt.
“The Hoboken Chicken Emergency” by Daniel Pinkwater is a hilarious story about a boy named Arthur, who can’t find a turkey for Thanksgiving and ends up bringing home a 266-pound chicken named Henrietta.
Chaos unfolds as Henrietta wanders through Hoboken, confusing and alarming the townspeople. The book is full of quirky characters and odd situations that keep the story lively and fun.
“In the Unlikely Event” by Judy Blume is set in 1950s Elizabeth, New Jersey, during a series of tragic plane crashes that shake the community.
The story follows Miri Ammerman, a teenage girl, and the people around her as they deal with love, loss, and the way these events shape their lives. The narrative weaves together personal struggles and the anxiety of a town grappling with an unthinkable series of disasters.
The book “Clockers” by Richard Price dives into the lives of Strike Dunham, a low-level drug dealer, and Rocco Klein, a weary detective in a fictional New Jersey city. The story revolves around a murder investigation that tangles their lives in unexpected ways.
Strike is torn between his aspirations for a better life and his ties to the streets, while Rocco wrestles with his own sense of justice. The novel captures the gritty atmosphere of urban New Jersey and explores the struggles of its residents.
“Independence Day” by Richard Ford follows Frank Bascombe, a middle-aged real estate agent navigating a holiday weekend in New Jersey. As he tries to reconnect with his troubled son, he also struggles with his own disappointments and relationships.
The story captures suburban life and personal challenges in a setting that feels real and grounded.
Richard Ford wrote “The Sportswriter,” a novel about Frank Bascombe, a middle-aged writer who once dreamed of being a novelist but now works as a sports journalist.
Set in suburban New Jersey, the story looks at Frank’s struggles with loss, his relationships, and his attempts to find meaning in his life.
Through his encounters with his ex-wife, his girlfriend, and his coworkers, Frank reveals a mix of loneliness and reflection that shapes his world.
Paul Auster’s “4 3 2 1” follows the life of Archie Ferguson, a boy born in Newark, New Jersey, and imagines four different paths his life could take. Each version of Archie faces unique events, relationships, and challenges that shape who he becomes.
The novel is filled with moments that show how small decisions or circumstances can shift the course of a person’s life. It captures the feel of growing up in mid-20th century America with references to history, culture, and family bonds.
“The Boy Who Went Away” by Eli Gottlieb is a moving story about a young boy named Denny, who lives in 1960s New Jersey. The book is seen through the eyes of Denny’s younger brother, who struggles to understand the challenges of living with Denny’s autism.
It captures the family dynamics, the complexities of growing up, and the unspoken tensions within their household.
“Florence Adler Swims Forever” by Rachel Beanland is set in Atlantic City in the 1930s. The story follows a Jewish family after a tragic drowning shakes their lives.
Florence’s sister is on bed rest during a high-risk pregnancy, so the family decides to keep the tragedy a secret from her. Through their efforts to shield her, hidden tensions and past conflicts come to the surface. The novel explores family loyalty and resilience.
Richard Price wrote “Samaritan,” a novel about Ray Mitchell, a former TV writer who returns to his New Jersey hometown to reconnect with his roots.
When he becomes the victim of a brutal attack, the story dives into uncovering not only who hurt him but also revealing layers of his relationships and past choices.
The book captures the complexities of old friendships, family ties, and the weight of decisions made over a lifetime in a gritty suburban world.