Upcoming Jersey Shore Bookstore Events Spotlight Filmmaker & Author Stephen Vittoria’s Debut Novel

Eatontown, NJ & Long Branch, NJ — September 2025 — Join acclaimed filmmaker and author Stephen Vittoria for two special “In Conversation” bookstore events this September at the Jersey Shore, hosted by Margaret Fontana of The Filmmaker Forum.

Stephen Vittoria will discuss his powerful debut novel, Christina and the Whitefish, sharing insights into the story, its 30-year history, and its inspiration. This is a book for the moment—a heart wrenching tale about overcoming your demons and finding your people. Vittoria doesn’t flinch in the face of painful subject matter. At its core, Christina and the Whitefish is an antiwar, anti-empire narrative, one that reveals the trauma of PTSD while underscoring the importance of empathy and love.

Both events will feature engaging Q&A sessions and book signings, offering attendees the chance to connect with the author and acquire signed copies.

📍 Event Details:

📅September 11, 2025, 6:00 PM — The Book House, Long Branch, NJ

📅September 13, 2025, 3:00 PM — Barnes & Noble, Eatontown, NJ

Margaret Fontana, will lead the conversations, providing a unique lens on Stephen’s storytelling craft and his transition from filmmaking to novel writing.

In an era when independent bookstores face unprecedented challenges, these events emphasize the importance of supporting local book retailers. Attendees are encouraged to purchase copies of Christina and the Whitefish at the venues to help sustain these vital cultural hubs.

About Stephen Vittoria:

Stephen Vittoria is an award-winning filmmaker, nonfiction author, and now debut novelist whose work spans documentary film and literary storytelling. His novel Christina and the Whitefish has been praised for its emotional depth and vivid narrative.