“The Unterberg Poetry Center at 92NY hosted a sold-out evening celebrating the launch of Sam Sussman’s remarkable book Boy From North Country. In conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Ayad Akhtar, Sussman traced the years-long process of writing the novel, recalling stories of his upbringing, journeys abroad, and the imprint of his mother’s life. The night marked an electric and exhilarating debut for Sussman’s career as an author—and he charmed and captivated the crowd.” — Lucas Wittmann, Executive Director, Unterberg Center for Poetry and Literature, 92NY
“It is my pleasure to recommend author Sam Sussman. Sam Sussman has participated in three PEN World Voices Festival (2022, 2023, & 2025) and in each instance has brilliantly led and participated in literary conversations. We are always thrilled to have Sam join us as the festival given his dynamism and ability to engage wide and diverse audiences. If you have any questions or I can provide any additional insights, please let me know.” — Sabir Sultan, Director, Literary Programs & World Voices Festival PEN America
“As editor in chief of Booklist, I’ve moderated many author panels and been in many public conversations with writers. The annual United for Libraries Gala Author Tea is a legendary event held each year at ALA’s conference, a dazzling fundraiser that draws an audience in the hundreds. The event in June 2025 had a particularly impressive roster of five renowned writers —Kiran Desai, Lily King, Catherine Newman, Sarah Penner, Mary Roach–– and one debut novelist, Sam Sussman. I’d read Sam’s superb essay in Harper’s, “The Silent Type: On (possibly) being Bob Dyan’s Son,” and his novel, Boy From the North Country, which I raved about in Booklist. So, I knew the depth of gifts as a writer. Would that carry over at the podium? Absolutely. Although the audience had sat through five very different presentations by favorite authors by the time Sam took the mic and might have been restless, newcomer Sam had their full attention in a heartbeat. He is a warm, witty, genuine, and touching speaker. We were all deeply moved by what he had to say about his life, his mother, his book. He has fascinating stories and observations to share. Candid, charming, precise, and compelling, he connected intellectually and emotionally with the audience, including those of us onstage. His talk was unique, smart, powerful, and memorable. I wholeheartedly recommend Sam Sussman as an exceptional speaker.” — Donna Seaman, American Library Association
“I have worked with Sam Sussman as the Director of Strategic Projects and Public Programs at 70 Faces Media, the largest Jewish media company in the world and the parent company of the New York Jewish Week, the host of the Virtual Launch for Sussman’s bestselling debut novel Boy From the North Country. Sussman was an engaging speaker who spoke intimately about his life, drawing readers into his book and creating one of our more dynamic recent online launches. As a young man whose story is centered on the love of son and mother, Sussman has a deeply human approach that resonates with a wide range of audiences. He has a unique ability to connect with people across gender and age groups. I highly recommend him for other venues.” — Thea Wieseltier, Director of Strategic Projects & Public Programs, 70 Faces Media
“Having invited Sam Sussman to address my Congregation in the past, I can say that it is always stimulating and
delightful to hear him engage with an audience. Several years ago, I invited Sam to deliver a guest sermon on Rosh Hashanah at our Congregation. Addressing a room of several hundred people, Sam delivered a brilliant and engaging talk. Just recently, I and other members of our synagogue heard Sam speak at his sold-out launch event at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, where he presented his bestseller Boy From The North Country. We have invited Sam back to speak at Kol Ami, this time to share his book at Shabbat services this October. He speaks with such passion, poetry as well as the hard earned wisdom and love at the core of his wonderful book.” — Tom Weiner, Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Kol Ami in Westchester, NY
“While at Oxford as a graduate student, Sam Sussman frequently addressed capacity audiences (540 people) at the Oxford Union, the oldest and most prestigious debating society in the United Kingdom. The Union commonly hosts Prime Ministers, presidents, and leading global thinkers. Sussman’s powerful and arresting speaking style was typically textured with good-hearted engagement that could bring a reluctant smile to even his opposing speakers.” — Noah Lachs, former president, Oxford Union
