The Rockaway Chronicles by Jackie Balestra

KP Publishing Presents “The Rockaway Chronicles” – A Nostalgic Journey Through 60 Summers on the Rockaway Peninsula

05 November 2024

The Rockaway Chronicles, a heartfelt new book by Jackie Balestra, is now available for presale. This compelling memoir takes readers on a vivid journey through six decades of summers spent on the Rockaway Peninsula, offering a poignant look at the challenges and transformations that shaped the iconic coastal community.

In The Rockaway Chronicles, Balestra chronicles her family’s enduring connection to Rockaway Beach, where her summers unfolded amidst sandy shores, bungalow courtyards, and the ever-changing landscape of the Atlantic coast. Spanning 60 years, the book captures the essence of a time when Rockaway was more than just a vacation spot; it was a way of life. Through the eyes of the Farish family, readers will experience the joys of beachside living as well as the profound struggles caused by urban planning missteps, economic downturns, and the fierce forces of nature that altered the fabric of the community.

I initially recorded these stories in 2001/2002. I believed they were worth documenting, if only for my family. The manuscript then sat in a file drawer for 20 years. In 2021, I discovered two shoeboxes full of slides in my mother’s apartment, and most of the images had been taken in Rockaway. In combining narrative and photography, I hope to provide an insightful glimpse of a specific time and place, that for all intents and purposes, no longer exists."

Jackie Balestra, Author

Jackie Balestra has been sharing stories through her writing since 2008. She is known for her work in local, regional, and national publications, as well as her popular website South Bay by Jackie. Additionally, she co-hosted The South Bay Show podcast for ten years.

Now retired and pivoting from her blog and podcast, Balestra travels in an RV with her husband, documenting their adventures on her blog Ramblin' Jax. She reflects on her "beach baby" roots in The Rockaway Chronicles, sharing memories of summers in Rockaway Beach.

Jackie Balestra’s connection to Rockaway Beach is woven into the very fabric of her being. For over 60 years, her family spent their summers in rented bungalows and homes, and eventually an apartment, along the peninsula, forming cherished memories that would later inspire her writing. Though her adult life took her across the country, her heart has never strayed far from the shoreline where her story began. In The Rockaway Chronicles, Balestra shares a piece of her history, paying homage to a unique place that shaped her childhood and left an indelible mark on her soul.

The Rockaway Chronicles is now available for presale. For more information, visit the website or Facebook Page. Follow Jackie Balestra’s journey on her Facebook page Ramblin’ Jax.

Book Info