California Golden by Melanie Benjamin is set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s California, where the surf culture is thriving, and societal norms are being challenged. The story centers on Carol Donnelly, a trailblazing female surfer who is both captivating and flawed. Carol’s passion for the waves and the free-spirited lifestyle that comes with it often puts her at odds with her responsibilities as a mother. Her two daughters, Mindy and Ginger, grow up in the shadow of their mother’s fame and struggle to find their own identities amidst the chaos. Mindy, the elder, yearns for stability and a sense of belonging, while Ginger embraces the rebellious spirit of the […]
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The Children’s Blizzard – Book Review
Now that our long Minnesota winter has finally ended (knock on wood), I think it’s safe to post this review. My mom grew up on a farm in North Dakota during the Great Depression. I remember her telling me what life was like without central heat, boots without high-tech insulation, and woolen mittens that froze stiff with the cold. Imagine trudging out in the middle of the night in -30-degree temperatures to use the outhouse and then having to wipe yourself with pages of the Sears catalog. I remember her telling me about terrifying blizzards that struck the flat landscape. One of the most epic blizzards in American history came […]
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