Step into the sun-soaked, scheming world of Van Bakel Beach, where a trio of lovable losers chase the American Dream in the gritty heart of Brooklyn! Kimberly Meehan’s Van Bakel Beach series blends sharp humor, heartfelt pathos, and a vivid cast of characters, turning tales of petty crime into a poignant exploration of friendship and resilience. From shanty-town shenanigans to grand ambitions, this series has carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction, captivating readers with its raw authenticity.
How Van Bakel Beach Began
Kimberly Meehan, a Long Island native with a flair for storytelling, debuted the Van Bakel Beach series in 2016 with The Coney Island Dog Heist. Drawing from her roots and a love for Brooklyn’s eclectic vibe, Meehan crafted a world inspired by the rough-and-tumble beachfront communities of New York. Her background in art and passion for character-driven narratives shaped the series’ distinctive voice, blending comedy with a keen insight into human struggles. Self-published under her own name, Meehan’s debut gained traction through word-of-mouth, resonating with readers who saw their own dreams and setbacks in her flawed yet relatable protagonists.
The Heart of Van Bakel Beach
The series kicks off with The Coney Island Dog Heist (2016), where Eddie Gillespie, a directionless ‘beach rat’ from Van Bakel Beach, stumbles into a wild scheme involving mail-order Russian brides. Its sequel, One Fugazi Marathon (2016), sees Eddie and his crew battling a Brooklyn heatwave and poverty by staging a fake charity run for a missing friend. The third installment, Battle for the Canal, continues their misadventures, though details remain sparse. A side story, S Car Go (2017), serves as a prequel, following Floyd’s chaotic run-in with a cartel and a Nathan’s Restaurant heist.
Meehan’s Brooklyn is a vibrant, gritty backdrop—think boardwalks, dive bars, and dreams just out of reach. Themes of friendship, perseverance, and the flawed pursuit of success shine through, wrapped in authentic dialogue and slapstick humor. The series critiques the American Dream, showing how systemic barriers and personal missteps keep the underdog down, yet it never loses hope, celebrating the bonds that keep Eddie’s crew going.
Why Van Bakel Beach Resonates
The Van Bakel Beach series has earned critical praise for its universal themes and niche appeal, striking a chord with fans of character-driven fiction. Meehan’s ability to blend comedy with social commentary has drawn comparisons to early John Steinbeck, though her voice is distinctly modern. Readers worldwide connect with the series’ underdog spirit, seeing reflections of their own struggles in Eddie’s hapless schemes. Its growing fanbase, fueled by online buzz, cements its status as a hidden gem in contemporary literature, proving that even small-scale stories can leave a big mark.
- First Book Published: August 30, 2016 (The Coney Island Dog Heist)
- Number of Books: At least three main novels, plus one side story
- Setting: Van Bakel Beach, a fictional Brooklyn shanty town
Ready for a wild ride with Eddie and his crew? Grab The Coney Island Dog Heist and dive into the hilarious, heartfelt world of Van Bakel Beach!