Down on the South Beach Drag: A Novel

by Mary Kathleen Mehuron

A poignant and irreverent coming-of-age tale of a queer young aspiring photographer in the ’70s torn between her love for her conservative family and her desire to be true to herself, perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six.

It’s 1972, and eighteen-year-old tomboy Maeve O’Connor must win a photography contest to escape her suffocating, conservative family and attend her dream school in Manhattan. But where will she find arresting subjects? Why, a washed up old seaside resort called Asbury Park, New Jersey—a place where sideshow entertainers, strippers, carnies, artists, and alternative lifestyles coexist on the boardwalk in plain sight.

To her great surprise, Maeve manages to talk her parents into letting her go for the summer. Immediately upon reaching Asbury Park, she meets and falls in love Georgie, a young man with superstar talent, held back by the fact that he is androgynous. She befriends other undiscovered artists as well, including a man who breaks through with a hit album. But what price will she pay for embracing the bohemian lifestyle where she feels she belongs?

280 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2025

Reviews

[Michael Guttilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this gem and I am so grateful that I did. Like a fine meal, you dread finishing the last bite after you take the first. The descriptive writing lights up the surroundings in your mind's eye and mixes with memories of your own experiences to create a cinematic experience in your head. The characters quickly become people you know and care about and though you want to savor every word, the anticipation of what will happen next makes you anxious to turn the page. No matter what you imagine, the twists and turns of this brilliantly told story never cease to surprise and excite you. I don't know if casting could ever equal the mental images you have of the players as you go on this journey with them but I know this would make a great film that you would undoubtedly want to watch every summer. Do yourself and your friends a favor and suggest this wonderful novel to your book club and relive every moment with them and then go back and read it again through their eyes.

[Janet Villas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child of the 70's growing up in suburban New Jersey, this fictional remembrance of Asbury Park was a delightful stroll on the beach for me. The story takes us "down the shore" and a girl who graduates high school but has no firm plans about her future. She has passions but they clash with her family reality. She chooses to take a summer job and follow those passions and they open up a wonderful world of vibrant characters.
Our heroine is exposed to new people, different ideas and a cast of freaks and dreamers. Her sexual identity is awakened and her expectations are challenged. The story unfolds quickly, as quick as a summer romance with the inevitable change as September comes around. Enjoyable, challenging and an ending you might not expect! I highly recommend it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down on the South Beach Drag can be your next favorite “Beach Read”. It can be enjoyed as you dig your feet into the sand and allow Mary Kathleen to share with you what it was like to be young at the Jersey shore of the 1970’S. Mehuron has crafted this novel to be read in large gulps or in long, indulging sips. The pace of the book is rapid, the language crisp and familiar. Her characters are round, complex and totally engaging.
If you allow the story to linger on the pallet, and be absorbed by all of your senses, you will appreciate the rich, bold flavors of a story well told. There are notes of cotton candy and stale beer, a touch of bitterness, and a lovely bouquet of optimism. The smooth finish that lingers long after you have drained the glass, speaks to the talents of the vintner. Lift a glass and toast the bounty of her harvest! Chin, chin.
My thanks to the publisher for providing the ARC!

[Jill B · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Down On South Beach Drag" is a coming of age book with a twist. Set in the early 1970's in New Jersey, the book revolves primarily around the artistic and personal awakening of 18-year old Maeve O'Connor. Post high school, Maeve and two girlfriends convince their parents to allow them to live and work in Asbury Park. Adventures galore ensue. The author has a vivid way of describing Asbury Park and the host of colorful characters who inhabit it. For me the most intriguing personality is Georgie, an unusual young man with whom Maeve falls hopelessly in love. Weaving a rich storyline, the author also delves into the challenging (and topical) exploration of trans, intersex, and psycho/sexual differences that are a part of all humans. In addition to begin a very enjoyable read from beginning to end, "Down on South Beach" is both provocative and elucidating.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy to receive an advance copy of Down on the South Beach Drag about a Jersey girl’s 1972 summer adventures with her two high school girlfriends. Maeve O’Connor, the central character, is exposed to many exciting and exotic experiences! She breaks away from her strict Catholic upbringing to embrace life with all its joys and sorrows.

In the process of taking well crafted and nuanced photographs for a chance at a college scholarship, Maeve meets an amazing cast of characters, each one beautifully fleshed out and physically described by the author Mary Kathleen Mehuron. Down on the South Beach Drag is a wonderful summer (or anytime) read with more depth than just summer fun. It will keep the readers wondering who else will be included in Maeve’s portfolio and asking for the creation of a coffee table book to display all of them! (Well…maybe not all…)

[Liora Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down on the South Beach Drag is a captivating journey into 1970s counterculture through Maeve's lens. Mehuron brilliantly captures the tension between family loyalty and self-discovery as her protagonist navigates Asbury Park's vibrant boardwalk scene. The setting feels authentic and alive, populated with memorable characters like the compelling Georgie. What makes this novel shine is its honest portrayal of a young queer woman finding her artistic voice while grappling with the cost of authenticity. The photography contest stakes keep the narrative moving, but it's Maeve's emotional journey that truly resonates. A poignant, beautifully rendered coming-of-age story that understands both heartache and hope.

[T Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down on the South Beach Drag is a captivating and moving coming-of-age narrative that will have you hooked and caring for each character. This novel felt like a movie you'd watch on a whim, and then it became your whole personality. I could not put it down. I feel it's my favorite book of the year. While Maeve and I come from quite different backgrounds, I found myself understanding them and their eclectic circle of friends on a deeper level. We have similar anxieties and desires for authentic self-expression.

Thank you to Wildbound PR for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. Having spent many summers on the Jersey Shore, I found that the author perfectly captures the many carnival characters and the teenage angst of fitting in when you are learning who you are in your own unique skin. The novel brings you along with Maeve as she follows her passion during one crazy summer. You come to really care about the story and its people.
Just buy this book and settle down with the sand between your toes and enjoy this marvelous summer read.

[Janet Villas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child of the 70’s I really enjoyed this remembrance of the New Jersey shore and Asbury Park in particular. The characters are vibrant and the story evokes a time of youthful exploration: An adventure about an hour from your high school experience that you can never forget and one that stays with you your whole life.
The story unfolds with a young woman questioning her beliefs. She learns that love is not always wrapped up in a package your parents prepare for you. She follows her passions and opens up a world of new possibilities. Enjoyable and not predictable!

[Gloria Zarotny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Characters well defined and lovable. Lucky to have previewed this. Kathy always writes wonderful fast read books. Thank you for bringing sunshine into my life. Can’t wait for the next one

[Olga Schloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Kathleen Mehuron makes you feel part of the New Jersey shore life. You will meet colorful characters lovingly portrayed.
It's great fun

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe this book only has 18 ratings. It’s phenomenal and I can’t wait to read the authors backlog. I feel like I’m in a secret club and it’s an honor to be here