Meet the author of Jewish coming-of-age story ‘Boy From the North Country’ on the Upper West Side tomorrow night

Sam Sussman’s debut novel Boy From the North Country was drawing buzz well before it hit shelves in 2025. A finalist for the National Jewish Book Award, the semi-autobiographical story follows Evan, a young writer from upstate New York who grows up convinced he might be Bob Dylan’s son—and edges closer to the truth when he returns home to care for his ailing mother, who slowly begins to reveal her past in 1970s New York.

A vivid portrait of upstate life, the novel has been hailed as essential reading for New Yorkers. Now, readers can meet Sussman in person when he sits down with Cantor Daniel Singer at the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue on the Upper West Side tomorrow at 6pm.

Expect Sussman and Singer to dig into the novel’s origins, circling themes of memory, loss and family. In a fitting twist, Singer has his own unexpected Dylan connection: he discovered a familial link through his father, who also died of cancer.

According to an official release, the night will also feature live musical excerpts from Dylan’s catalog.

The event is free to attend, though an $18 donation is suggested. You can register right here.

Quick note, just in case you haven’t actually seen a picture of Sussman around: the author looks exactly like Dylan.