Mookie Wilson, Susan Lucci, coming to Gold Coast Book Fair

When Steve Israel launched.the Gold Coast Book Fair two years ago, his goal was to shine a light on literature on Long Island. Apparently people noticed, and the third edition, which happens May 15-17 in downtown Oyster Bay, promises to be the biggest fair yet with a lineup of literary heavy hitters, not to mention baseball legend Mookie Wilson who had quite a few hits during his years with the New York Mets.

"We’ve gotten better known and we've had more visibility with marquee authors who’ve approached us about participating," said Israel, the former local Congressman who now owns Theodore's Books in Oyster Bay.

Among those marquee names who'll take part are "Bright Lights, Big City" author Jay McInerney, who'll talk about his latest novel, "See You on the Other Side";  "All My Children" star Susan Lucci, who'll be interviewed by Meredith Vieira about her memoir "La Lucci"; and TV newswoman Joan Lunden ("Joan: Life Beyond the Script"). Israel said roughly 180 authors will be appearing.

One of the most popular events is likely to be a conversation with Wilson on May 17 at 10:30 a.m., in which he'll talk about his baseball days as well as his current career as the owner of Legacy Catering. The event will be coupled with a barbecue featuring food from Wilson's company ($45 or a VIP meet and greet ticket for $150.)

There will also be events with intriguing titles like "Long Island's Dark Side: True Crime Stories," "Sex, Drugs & Rock and Roll:1970s Icons Who Defined an Era" and "Trailblazers and Pioneers: Women Who Made Their Mark," as well as children's story times and lots of shopping including tents where authors will be selling their work.

Unlike previous years, every event is free except for the barbecue and a welcome party ($75) at Gold Coast Forum at 7 p.m. May 15. "We don’t want to price anyone out of the experience," Israel said.