Sunny Hostin Created Her Book Series Because She Wanted to Read About a ‘Protagonist that Looked Like Me’

Sunny Hostin’s Book Series: Representation Matters

Sunny Hostin, the accomplished lawyer and co-host of The View, recently shared the inspiration behind her successful Summer Beach book series during a panel discussion at 92NY alongside authors Tembi Locke and Allison Gilbert. This event, held on September 21, highlighted Hostin’s journey in creating a literary world where characters reflected her own experiences and identity. The Summer Beach series, which includes “Summer on the Bluffs,” “Summer on Sag Harbor,” and “Summer on Highland Beach,” was born out of Hostin’s desire to read stories featuring protagonists who looked like her. As she candidly expressed, the lack of representation in mainstream literature pushed her to create her own narratives.

Hostin’s foray into writing was sparked during a pivotal moment in her career, where she found herself covering the trial of Trayvon Martin’s murder for CNN. Amidst the intensity of her journalistic duties, Hostin sought solace in the pages of a book that resonated with her as a woman of colour. Disappointed by the absence of Black protagonists in the literary landscape, Hostin embarked on a mission to bring diverse voices to the forefront. Inspired by successful novels that showcased characters from varying backgrounds, Hostin embarked on a journey to craft stories that celebrated the richness of Afro-Latina heritage and Black experiences.

The first instalment in Hostin’s series, “Summer on the Bluffs,” introduces readers to Esperenza “Perry” Soto, an Afro-Latina lawyer navigating family dynamics and heritage in Martha’s Vineyard. Subsequent books, such as “Summer on Sag Harbor” and “Summer on Highland Beach,” delve into the lives of Olivia Jones and her poignant journey towards self-discovery and resilience. Through these narratives, Hostin weaves a tapestry of relationships, history, and personal growth, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the complexities of her characters’ lives.

A testament to the power of representation in literature, Hostin’s book series serves as a platform for underrepresented voices to shine. By championing diverse stories and perspectives, Hostin creates a space where readers from all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the pages of her novels. As she continues to expand her literary universe with a new beach series on the horizon, Hostin remains committed to exploring different facets of identity and storytelling. Her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices underscores the importance of inclusivity in literature and the arts.

In a world where representation matters, Sunny Hostin stands as a beacon of change in the literary landscape. Through her heartfelt narratives and rich character development, Hostin invites readers to explore the complexities of identity, heritage, and personal growth. As she blazes a trail for diverse voices in literature, Hostin’s contributions serve as a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. By daring to imagine a world where every reader can find themselves in the pages of a book, Hostin paves the way for a more inclusive and vibrant literary community.

Sunny Hostin’s Summer Beach series is not just a collection of novels; it is a testament to the resilience, strength, and beauty of marginalized voices. With each book, Hostin invites readers on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, encouraging them to embrace their unique identities and stories. As she continues to break barriers and challenge norms in the literary world, Hostin’s impact resonates far beyond the pages of her books. In a landscape hungry for diverse voices and perspectives, Hostin’s work shines brightly as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of storytellers.