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Montauk Dayz
Montauk Dayz is a surf-infused novel of youth, rebellion and self-discovery-based on a true story. Eighteen-year-old Danny hitchhikes along NY-495 (the L.I.E.,) heading east toward Montauk with nothing but a backpack, flip-flops, wild hair and his most prized possession—his Phoenix surfboard. But when a Bronco packed with surfers screeches to a stop, it’s not to offer a ride. Instead, they steal his board, leaving him stranded and stunned on the roadside.
Determined to reclaim what was taken, Danny embarks on a wild, sun-soaked journey through a grittier Montauk—where bonfire-lit beaches, breaking waves and drug-fueled adventures blur reality and fuel youthful excess. Along the way, he encounters a cast of drifters, wanderers and lost souls, each with their own story to tell. At a crossroads in his life, Danny realizes his journey isn’t just about a stolen surfboard—it’s about freedom, purpose and the search for something deeper than the next wave.
A nostalgic, coming-of-age ride, Montauk Dayz captures the restless energy of youth, and the timeless longing for adventure that defines a generation. Perfect for fans of On the Road, Kerouac’s Beat Generation bible, and stories of countercultural wanderlust, this novel is an invitation to ride the wave of life—wherever it may take you.
Determined to reclaim what was taken, Danny embarks on a wild, sun-soaked journey through a grittier Montauk—where bonfire-lit beaches, breaking waves and drug-fueled adventures blur reality and fuel youthful excess. Along the way, he encounters a cast of drifters, wanderers and lost souls, each with their own story to tell. At a crossroads in his life, Danny realizes his journey isn’t just about a stolen surfboard—it’s about freedom, purpose and the search for something deeper than the next wave.
A nostalgic, coming-of-age ride, Montauk Dayz captures the restless energy of youth, and the timeless longing for adventure that defines a generation. Perfect for fans of On the Road, Kerouac’s Beat Generation bible, and stories of countercultural wanderlust, this novel is an invitation to ride the wave of life—wherever it may take you.
375 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2025
6 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Dan De Filippo
1 book5 followersDan began his journey as a journalist for Dan's Papers, the predominant magazine of the Hamptons, where he was also the surf columnist for The Montauk Pioneer. He then moved to Hollywood to work with the producers of MGM’s blockbuster tentpole film Windtalkers. From there, he worked for the William Morris Agency in both the L.A. and N.Y.C. offices. He moved back to N.Y.C. and founded Pipeline Entertainment in 2007, a production and talent management firm based in N.Y.C. Under the Pipeline banner, he has produced a wide range of feature films, TV shows, documentaries, commercials, promos and mini-series. He has won three Emmy Awards to date.
In 2018, Dan co-wrote and produced the remake of Dementia 13, Francis Ford Coppola's first horror film, which was financed and distributed by Universal Studios.
During the pandemic, Dan rediscovered Montauk Dayz. In the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, the manuscript was lost. For over two decades. But his sister informed him she had a hard copy in her safe deposit box. (Waiting patiently next to their grandmother's jewelry!) Dan immediately began editing the work of his early twenties self on his sailboat, which became his floating office during the lockdown.
In 2018, Dan co-wrote and produced the remake of Dementia 13, Francis Ford Coppola's first horror film, which was financed and distributed by Universal Studios.
During the pandemic, Dan rediscovered Montauk Dayz. In the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, the manuscript was lost. For over two decades. But his sister informed him she had a hard copy in her safe deposit box. (Waiting patiently next to their grandmother's jewelry!) Dan immediately began editing the work of his early twenties self on his sailboat, which became his floating office during the lockdown.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 18, 2025
This is such a fantastic read. Dan’s voice is so unique and strong. Unpredictable twists and turns. 100% recommend.
June 18, 2025
Absolutely! Here's a lively, enthusiastic review you can post or share:
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**Review of *Montauk Dayz* by Dan DeFillipo**
*Montauk Dayz* is a wild, beautiful, totally unfiltered ride — like *The Basketball Diaries* crashed into *On The Road* and then caught a wave straight into *The Dharma Bums* by way of Ken Kesey’s bus and Spicoli’s beach. There’s something electric about Dan DeFillipo’s voice — the prose just *moves*. It’s raw and real and full of immediacy, like you’re riding shotgun on some chaotic, sunburned, saltwater-soaked adventure that doesn’t stop for breath.
This book is a celebration of life at full throttle — of spontaneity, of saying yes, of squeezing every last drop from every moment. There’s surf, there’s soul, there’s mayhem, there’s heart. You feel the ache and the joy and the beauty of the chaos. And somehow, under all of it, there’s a deep love for the world — for friends, for freedom, for the fleeting glory of summer days that feel like they could go on forever.
*Montauk Dayz* is one of those books that makes you want to live louder. It’s alive. And you can’t ask for more than that.
—
Chris Ryan
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**Review of *Montauk Dayz* by Dan DeFillipo**
*Montauk Dayz* is a wild, beautiful, totally unfiltered ride — like *The Basketball Diaries* crashed into *On The Road* and then caught a wave straight into *The Dharma Bums* by way of Ken Kesey’s bus and Spicoli’s beach. There’s something electric about Dan DeFillipo’s voice — the prose just *moves*. It’s raw and real and full of immediacy, like you’re riding shotgun on some chaotic, sunburned, saltwater-soaked adventure that doesn’t stop for breath.
This book is a celebration of life at full throttle — of spontaneity, of saying yes, of squeezing every last drop from every moment. There’s surf, there’s soul, there’s mayhem, there’s heart. You feel the ache and the joy and the beauty of the chaos. And somehow, under all of it, there’s a deep love for the world — for friends, for freedom, for the fleeting glory of summer days that feel like they could go on forever.
*Montauk Dayz* is one of those books that makes you want to live louder. It’s alive. And you can’t ask for more than that.
—
Chris Ryan
June 23, 2025
Montauk Dayz is a beautifully written adventure novel which reminds us of how life takes us on roads that lead us exactly to where we are supposed to be. While Danny’s adventures may be unique (and thrilling!) I could not help but identify with the common life questions we all often find ourselves pondering.
Danny tells his coming-of-age story with ease and manages to seamlessly weave thought-provoking questions throughout: “Does time have you or do you have time?”
I could almost taste the saltwater coming off the surf as Danny navigated soul fulfilling adventures in his beloved Montauk and I walked away feeling fortunate to have been an intimate part of his journey.
Danny tells his coming-of-age story with ease and manages to seamlessly weave thought-provoking questions throughout: “Does time have you or do you have time?”
I could almost taste the saltwater coming off the surf as Danny navigated soul fulfilling adventures in his beloved Montauk and I walked away feeling fortunate to have been an intimate part of his journey.
June 15, 2025
Montauk Dayz is an immersive experience—full of surprising adventures, unlikely encounters, and deep life introspections. It’s a nostalgic and wild journey through the eyes of Danny. As he lives each moment, I root for him, I fear for him, I laugh with him, I hope for him—and ultimately, I fall in love with him. The story invites you into a time when saying yes to life still felt possible, when living in the moment was essential, when being fully awake and present was the ethos. I found myself longing for an experience that amplifies my desire for freedom, authenticity, and real connection. The gritty Montauk backdrop adds a raw charm, contouring a story that feels like an escape from the chaos of the digital era. It’s a gift to dwell in it. An inspiration. A wave to ride.
June 24, 2025
Montauk Dayz is a raw, introspective journey that captures the gritty reality of a young man navigating life, self-discovery, and the lure of freedom. The protagonist hitchhikes across Long Island, caught between the chaos of New York City and the promise of Montauk’s serene beaches.
Throughout the narrative, he wrestles with philosophical reflections, drug-induced introspections, and encounters that test his perception of safety and trust.
The story is infused with a restless search for meaning, fueled by the protagonist's reliance on substances like speed and Ritalin to sharpen his senses and push his endurance. There's a juxtaposition of romanticized freedom—surfboards, open roads, and beach dreams—with the sobering realization that this freedom comes with loss, danger, and hard-learned lessons.
Ultimately, Montauk Dayz portrays a young man grappling with disillusionment, longing for connection, and chasing an ideal of freedom that proves elusive and costly. It’s a gritty, unfiltered snapshot of youth, risk, and the harsh beauty of self-discovery.
Throughout the narrative, he wrestles with philosophical reflections, drug-induced introspections, and encounters that test his perception of safety and trust.
The story is infused with a restless search for meaning, fueled by the protagonist's reliance on substances like speed and Ritalin to sharpen his senses and push his endurance. There's a juxtaposition of romanticized freedom—surfboards, open roads, and beach dreams—with the sobering realization that this freedom comes with loss, danger, and hard-learned lessons.
Ultimately, Montauk Dayz portrays a young man grappling with disillusionment, longing for connection, and chasing an ideal of freedom that proves elusive and costly. It’s a gritty, unfiltered snapshot of youth, risk, and the harsh beauty of self-discovery.
July 20, 2025
Montauk Dayz is a great piece of work. Each page crackles with electric spirit, the story moving along effortlessly. The language and imagery are so vivid, it transports you to that time, and place.
An American tale of adventure, personal development, Dan does a fantastic job of connecting these ideas through out the book. It has an almost “Beatific” quality to it, reminding me of Kerouac, Wolfe, Steinbeck. It makes me wish I had been along for the ride in the Montauk of that time.
Dan has done a fantastic job, and I highly recommend picking up a copy.
An American tale of adventure, personal development, Dan does a fantastic job of connecting these ideas through out the book. It has an almost “Beatific” quality to it, reminding me of Kerouac, Wolfe, Steinbeck. It makes me wish I had been along for the ride in the Montauk of that time.
Dan has done a fantastic job, and I highly recommend picking up a copy.
June 15, 2025
Montauk Dayz is an immersive experience—full of surprising adventures, unlikely encounters, and deep life introspections. It’s a nostalgic and wild journey through the eyes of Danny. As he lives each moment, I root for him, I fear for him, I laugh with him, I hope for him—and ultimately, I fall in love with him. The story invites you into a time when saying yes to life still felt possible, when living in the moment was essential, when being fully awake and present was the ethos. I found myself longing for an experience that amplifies my desire for freedom, authenticity, and real connection. The gritty Montauk backdrop adds a raw charm, contouring a story that feels like an escape from the chaos of the digital era. It’s a gift to dwell in it. An inspiration. A wave to ride.
June 24, 2025
This book is about a young person’s journey and quest for his future; seizing the day and breaking the parental bond in order to grow and discover what Life is all about for him. His adventures and mis-adventures are those of a creative soul yearning to be free to follow his life’s path, unobstructed by a traditional lifestyle.
MLD
MLD
June 25, 2025
Imagine the movies The Goonies, Scent of a Woman, Trainspotting, all blended together and served in an ice cold beer mug right by the sandy beach, where the most wildest waves greet you in a whim. Hard to imagine cause it's A LOT, but these events are true! This book will let you ride the many crazy waves of Montauk and LIFE, just like Dan did, and inspire you to appreciate and celebrate life!
June 18, 2025
Authentic look back at the east end as I remember it…full of twists and turns. I couldn’t put it down!
June 27, 2025
This is the perfect summer read. If you want an escapist, fun loving summer of youth at the beach surfing, hitchhiking, romance and a lobster hook-up-enjoy this beachy treat.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews