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gerikrempa1's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Slow beginning, some tough relationships in this especially the Mom and the abusive boyfriend Tom. Strong female role of Mindy. Distant relationship with mom and daughters and a lot of abandonment issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Drug use
booksarebreadcrumbs's review against another edition
relaxing
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Racism, Racial slurs, Abandonment, and War
fkshg8465's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Such a difficult book to read, and surprising twists along the way. So many reasons to hate the Donnelly women and to pass judgment on them. But the writer does a good job of explaining why the women are as they are and itβs hard to hate them because of that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Infidelity, Racism, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Violence, War, Abandonment, and Physical abuse
kelly_e's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Title: California Golden
Author: Melanie Benjamin
Genre: Historical Ficton
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: August 8, 2023
T H R E E β’ W O R D S
Nostalgic β’ Complicated β’ Atmospheric
π S Y N O P S I S
Southern California, 1960s: endless sunny days surfing in Malibu, followed by glittering neon nights at Whisky A-Go-Go. In an era when women are expected to be housewives, Carol Donnelly is breaking the mold as a legendary female surfer struggling to compete in a male-dominated sport--and her daughters, Mindy and Ginger, bear the weight of her unconventional lifestyle.
The Donnelly sisters grow up enduring their mother's absence--physically, when she's at the beach, and emotionally, the rare times she's at home. To escape questions about Carol's whereabouts--and chase their mom's elusive affection--they cut school to spend their days in the surf. From her first time on a board, Mindy shows a natural talent, but Ginger, two years younger, feels out of place in the water.
As they grow up and their lives diverge, Mindy and Ginger's relationship ebbs and flows. Mindy finds herself swept up in celebrity, complete with beachside love affairs, parties at the Playboy Club, and USO tours to Vietnam. Meanwhile, Ginger--desperate for a community of her own--is tugged into the vibrant counterculture of drugs and cults. Through it all, their sense of duty to each other survives, as the girls are forever connected by the emotional damage they carry from their unorthodox childhood.
π T H O U G H T S
I was initially drawn to California Golden because of the stunning cover, yet it was the synopsis that truly hooked me. I'd yet to read anything else by Melanie Benjamin before, so wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but I came away pleasantly surprised.
What I liked:
β’ the time period. Set during the 1960s, there is just something about the time period that intrigues me. Against the back drop of an ever changing America, the author did a wonderful job detailing life during this time.
β’ the setting. The Southern California beaches, the sun, the sand, and the surf were all brought to life brilliantly. Having recently visited the surrounding area, I really felt like I was there taking it all in.
β’ the surf culture. Surfing has never been something that had garnered my attention, yet the author completely captivated me with her vivid descriptions. I also enjoyed learning more about the roots and culture of the sport as a whole.
What I did not like:
β’ some side plots. Some of the side plots really went nowhere and I was left wondering why they were even included.
β’ the pacing. Mainly character driven, this novel unfolds incredibly slowly, to the point that at times it felt like it wasn't really going anywhere.
California Golden explores family relationships, mother/daughter dynamics, surf culture, women in a male dominated sport and self-discovery. There is a lot of hurting and healing, which all felt very believable and I am definitely inclined to discover more of this author's work in the future and will be keeping my eye out for any future projects.
π R E C O M M E N D β’ T O
β’ readers who like complicated mother/daughter relationships
β’ fans of the coming-of-age story
π F A V O U R I T E β’ Q U O T E S
"Never fall in love with someone who doesn't need you."
Author: Melanie Benjamin
Genre: Historical Ficton
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: August 8, 2023
T H R E E β’ W O R D S
Nostalgic β’ Complicated β’ Atmospheric
π S Y N O P S I S
Southern California, 1960s: endless sunny days surfing in Malibu, followed by glittering neon nights at Whisky A-Go-Go. In an era when women are expected to be housewives, Carol Donnelly is breaking the mold as a legendary female surfer struggling to compete in a male-dominated sport--and her daughters, Mindy and Ginger, bear the weight of her unconventional lifestyle.
The Donnelly sisters grow up enduring their mother's absence--physically, when she's at the beach, and emotionally, the rare times she's at home. To escape questions about Carol's whereabouts--and chase their mom's elusive affection--they cut school to spend their days in the surf. From her first time on a board, Mindy shows a natural talent, but Ginger, two years younger, feels out of place in the water.
As they grow up and their lives diverge, Mindy and Ginger's relationship ebbs and flows. Mindy finds herself swept up in celebrity, complete with beachside love affairs, parties at the Playboy Club, and USO tours to Vietnam. Meanwhile, Ginger--desperate for a community of her own--is tugged into the vibrant counterculture of drugs and cults. Through it all, their sense of duty to each other survives, as the girls are forever connected by the emotional damage they carry from their unorthodox childhood.
π T H O U G H T S
I was initially drawn to California Golden because of the stunning cover, yet it was the synopsis that truly hooked me. I'd yet to read anything else by Melanie Benjamin before, so wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but I came away pleasantly surprised.
What I liked:
β’ the time period. Set during the 1960s, there is just something about the time period that intrigues me. Against the back drop of an ever changing America, the author did a wonderful job detailing life during this time.
β’ the setting. The Southern California beaches, the sun, the sand, and the surf were all brought to life brilliantly. Having recently visited the surrounding area, I really felt like I was there taking it all in.
β’ the surf culture. Surfing has never been something that had garnered my attention, yet the author completely captivated me with her vivid descriptions. I also enjoyed learning more about the roots and culture of the sport as a whole.
What I did not like:
β’ some side plots. Some of the side plots really went nowhere and I was left wondering why they were even included.
β’ the pacing. Mainly character driven, this novel unfolds incredibly slowly, to the point that at times it felt like it wasn't really going anywhere.
California Golden explores family relationships, mother/daughter dynamics, surf culture, women in a male dominated sport and self-discovery. There is a lot of hurting and healing, which all felt very believable and I am definitely inclined to discover more of this author's work in the future and will be keeping my eye out for any future projects.
π R E C O M M E N D β’ T O
β’ readers who like complicated mother/daughter relationships
β’ fans of the coming-of-age story
π F A V O U R I T E β’ Q U O T E S
"Never fall in love with someone who doesn't need you."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment
Moderate: Racial slurs, Drug use, Xenophobia, Racism, Cultural appropriation, Grief, Sexism, and Trafficking
Minor: Infidelity, Pregnancy, War, and Chronic illness
poverty, drug traffickinghannahs_library__'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This oneβs for the Taylor Jenkins Reidand Kristin Hannah fans!!! ππ΄βοΈπ
Things that reminded me of TJR:
- Strong women πͺ
- Flawed, realistic characters
- Expectations of women back in the 50s and 60s
- Surfing (Malibu Rising obvi)
- Drug use (Miss Daisy Jones)
- The dark side of fame
Things that reminded me of Kristin Hannah:
- The Vietnam War
- Sisters and their dynamics with each other and their mom
- Strong women (again)
- Themes of domestic abuse
I am a historical fiction girlie to my core and I LOVED learning about the rise of California surfer culture in the 60s. Melanie managed to create characters that I was both rooting for and extremely frustrated with at the same time.
While this story centers around surfing, there is so much more that goes on in the story; following 2 sisters throughout their lives as they take very different paths in life. The author brings us into the world of surfing, cults, the Vietnam War, Hollywood, motherhood, and sisterhood.
Going into this book, I was a little nervous that I would constantly be comparing it to Malibu Rising (which I loved). I really, genuinely enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised by the different angles on the surfing world that Melanie took. I highly recommend this book! π
Thank you so much PRH for the gifted copy of this book!
Things that reminded me of TJR:
- Strong women πͺ
- Flawed, realistic characters
- Expectations of women back in the 50s and 60s
- Surfing (Malibu Rising obvi)
- Drug use (Miss Daisy Jones)
- The dark side of fame
Things that reminded me of Kristin Hannah:
- The Vietnam War
- Sisters and their dynamics with each other and their mom
- Strong women (again)
- Themes of domestic abuse
I am a historical fiction girlie to my core and I LOVED learning about the rise of California surfer culture in the 60s. Melanie managed to create characters that I was both rooting for and extremely frustrated with at the same time.
While this story centers around surfing, there is so much more that goes on in the story; following 2 sisters throughout their lives as they take very different paths in life. The author brings us into the world of surfing, cults, the Vietnam War, Hollywood, motherhood, and sisterhood.
Going into this book, I was a little nervous that I would constantly be comparing it to Malibu Rising (which I loved). I really, genuinely enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised by the different angles on the surfing world that Melanie took. I highly recommend this book! π
Thank you so much PRH for the gifted copy of this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Abandonment
amber_reads_sometimes's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Chronic illness
amandas_bookshelf's review
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, Antisemitism, Xenophobia, Hate crime, Grief, Sexism, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion
mhinnen's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a good beach read. I read it on a vacation day. It was fun to explore the California life from the surf to the celebrity culture in the mid 60s. It was also important to pull the veil off the sense of nostalgia. I appreciate that Benjamin incorporated the expectations of motherhood, the appropriation of surfing from Hawaii, the risks of interracial relationships. The time shifts and overlaps were confusing at points but overall offered a helpful trajectory from different points of view.
That said, overall this book felt very sad to me. Children growing up unwanted and the superficial paths they eventually take. I didnβt love the characters. While there was some sense of redemption and relief at the end, I came away from California Golden feeling heavy.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
That said, overall this book felt very sad to me. Children growing up unwanted and the superficial paths they eventually take. I didnβt love the characters. While there was some sense of redemption and relief at the end, I came away from California Golden feeling heavy.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Abandonment
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