Books matching: 1970s california setting
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- #1
Save:'Groupies' by Sarah Priscus is a novel set in the 70s that follows Faun, a protagonist who moves to LA to pursue her love of photography. Living with her friend Josie, who is entangled with a band, Faun navigates the world of groupies and highlife of the era. The book provides a glimpse into the extreme highs and lows of the groupie lifestyle, with a mix of realism and glamour. Despite the fast-paced nature of the plot, some readers found the characters lacking depth and believability, impacting their connection to the story.
Priscus's writing style is described as reminiscent of Jackie Collins, with an old soul quality that captivates readers. The book is praised for offering a different perspective on 70s highlife compared to popular titles like 'Daisy Jones and the Six,' delving into the behind-the-scenes world of fame and the cost it extracts. However, some readers criticized the lack of authenticity in the characters and plot, feeling that certain elements were borrowed from existing works without much originality.
- #2
Save:"A Child Called 'It'" by Dave Pelzer is a heartbreaking memoir that details the horrific abuse suffered by the author at the hands of his alcoholic mother. The story follows young Dave as he endures physical and emotional torment, starvation, and torture, depicting the unimaginable pain and suffering he experienced during his childhood. Pelzer's writing style is described as vivid, intense, and at times difficult to read due to the graphic nature of the abuse portrayed in the book.
This memoir is a powerful account of resilience and survival, showcasing Dave Pelzer's journey through a harrowing upbringing marked by neglect and violence. The narrative delves into the depths of child abuse and the lasting impact it has on its victims, while also highlighting Pelzer's ability to overcome his traumatic past with faith, determination, and positivity. Readers are taken on a poignant and sobering exploration of Pelzer's traumatic childhood, leaving a lasting impression of gratitude for the kindness in life.
March 5, 1973, Daly City, California – Im late. Ive got to finish the dishes on time, otherwise no breakfast; and since I didnt have dinner last night, I have to make sure I get something to eat. M... Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America by Firoozeh Dumas is a light and amusing memoir that chronicles the author's experiences as an Iranian immigrant in the United States during the 1970s. Through a series of anecdotes, Dumas provides insights into her family's journey from Iran to Southern California, capturing the challenges and humor of adapting to a new culture while navigating the complexities of identity and belonging. The book offers a blend of cultural observations, language barriers, and familial dynamics, all narrated with a touch of humor and warmth that resonates with readers.
Our move to Whittier was temporary. My father, Kazem, an engineer with the National Iranian Oil Company, had been assigned to consult for an American firm for about two years. Having spent several yea..."Perfect Victim: The True Story of 'The Girl in the Box'" by Christine McGuire is a chilling true crime story that follows the abduction and captivity of Colleen Stan, known as the Girl in the Box, by a sadistic individual. The narrative delves into the horrifying details of Colleen's seven-year ordeal, her resilience, the legal battle for justice, and the psychological manipulation she endured. The writing style provides a detailed account of the events, including courtroom proceedings, offering a gripping and immersive reading experience.
Straddling the cool, green rush of the Sacramento River is a town too small and undistinguished to warrant a stop by most tourists. It’s a long way from postcard visions of the West Coast—no beach-fro...- #5
Save:VALIS by Philip K. Dick is a complex and trippy exploration of reality, spirituality, and madness. The book follows the protagonist, Horselover Fat, who experiences a blend of autobiography, religious exegesis, and science fiction elements. As Horselover Fat delves deeper into his visions and encounters with a two-year-old messiah named Sophia, he uncovers the presence of an ancient mechanical intelligence orbiting the earth, guiding their discoveries. The narrative weaves together themes of Gnostic Christianity, the nature of existence, and the blurred lines between sanity and insanity.
The writing style in VALIS is described as dizzyingly layered, demanding multiple readings to fully grasp the depth of the narrative. Philip K. Dick's work is praised for its introspective power, spiritual insight, and philosophical investigation, as he delves into spacetime paradoxes, Gnosticism, and the thin line between genius and insanity. The book is noted for its fascinating blend of historical, philosophical, and theological references, offering a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.
Horselover Fat’s nervous breakdown began the day he got the phonecall from Gloria asking if he had any Nembutals. He asked her why she wanted them and she said that she intended to kill herself. She w... - #6Dirtby:
Save:Dirt by David Vann is a dark and unforgiving novel that delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of a family living in Sacramento in 1985. The story follows Galen, a 22-year-old trapped in a cycle of abuse and manipulation by his mother, aunt, and grandmother. The plot explores themes of abuse, privation, sexual awakening, and the struggles of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Vann's writing style is described as sublime, with a mix of humor and edginess, tackling uncomfortable topics with skill and depth.
Galen waited under the fig tree for his mother. He read Siddhartha for the hundredth time, the young Buddha gazing into the river. He felt the enormous presence of the fig tree above him, listened for... - #7
Save:In Lisa Goldstein's wonderful contemporary fantasy The Uncertain Places, protagonist Will Taylor looks back on the events that occurred after his college roommate Ben introduced him to Livvy Feierabend in 1971. Will is smitten with Livvy, Ben is smitten with Livvy's sister Maddie. The consequences of decisions made in such places are forever. There's good fortune, to be sure, but it comes at a price, one that Will doesn't want Livvy to pay. The Feierabend sisters' world is vague in all the secret ways magic and boundary areas are vague, and that makes them all the more plausible and delightful. Will and Ben slowly discover that stories they always believed were just stories might be more than that.
IT WAS BEN AVERY who introduced me to Livvy, Livvy and her haunted family. This was in 1971, when Ben and I were sophomores in college. A lifetime ago, another world, but it seems like I can still rem... - #8
Save:'The Entity' by Frank De Felitta is a terrifying tale based on a true story of Carlotta Moran, who is terrorized by an unseen entity that violently rapes her each night. Despite her distressing experiences, no one believes her, including her own children. Carlotta's journey involves moving houses to escape the entity, seeking psychiatric help, and eventually finding assistance through paranormal researchers. delves into the psychological and supernatural aspects of Carlotta's haunting, leaving readers questioning the reality of her experiences and the existence of malevolent spirits.
The narrative is divided into four parts, providing a detailed account of Carlotta's life, the disbelief she faces, and her quest for help. The writing style captures the vulnerability of the characters, the psychological turmoil of the protagonist, and the eerie encounters with the entity. combines elements of horror, paranormal activity, and psychological thriller, keeping readers on edge as they navigate through Carlotta's nightmarish experiences.
There had been no warning. No way to predict. Nothing at all. She had gotten out of her car. Her back was hurting. She remembered thinking: welfare is a good thing, but it makes you do what they want.... - #9
Save:In "Lucifer's Hammer," a comet strikes the Earth, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, ranging from astronauts to street gang members, as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster. The book explores themes of survival, societal collapse, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophic events. Written in a vintage science fiction style, the story delves into the actions and reactions of people as they struggle to rebuild civilization in a post-apocalyptic world.
The bay trees in our country are all wither'd And meteors fright the fixed stars of heaven; The pale-faced moon looks bloody on the earth And lean-look'd prophets whisper fearful change. These signs f... - #10
Save:'I Know My First Name Is Steven' by Mike Echols tells the tragic true story of Steven Stayner, who was kidnapped and abused for seven years before returning to his family, only to face more hardships. The narrative delves into the horrifying events of Steven's abduction, his survival, and the impact it had on his family, including the revelation of his brother's criminal actions. The writing style is described as well-researched, empathetic, and compassionate, presenting a story that is both shocking and heartbreaking.
Just north of the monstrous urban sprawl of greater Los Angeles, after Interstate 5 climbs over Tejon Pass, California 99—a freeway in its own right—angles off to the right and begins its descent thro...
