California Golden

by Melanie Benjamin
California Golden cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1284
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-02
  • ISBN: 9780593497869
  • Publisher: Bantam
  • Published: 2023-08-08
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of 1960s Southern California, California Golden explores the lives of the Donnelly sisters, Mindy and Ginger, as they grow up under the unconventional influence of their legendary surfer mother, Carol. The novel captures the essence of a time when women were breaking societal norms, with Carol defying expectations as a female surfer in a male-dominated sport. The sisters' journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the enduring bond between siblings, set against the vibrant and tumultuous landscape of surf culture, celebrity, and counterculture./n/nAs the sisters navigate their own paths, Mindy embraces the glamour of celebrity and beachside love affairs, while Ginger is drawn into the dangerous world of drugs and cults. Their stories are intertwined with the emotional scars left by their mother's absence, creating a poignant narrative about family, identity, and the search for belonging in a rapidly changing world.

Reviews
Hopewell's Library of Life · 2024-05-06
mixed 3.50

The book is engaging and well-written, though the ending is somewhat disappointing. It captures the spirit of the 1960s and the complexities of family dynamics.

The reviewer enjoyed Melanie Benjamin's earlier works and finds this novel to be a compelling read. They appreciate the vivid depiction of the 1960s and the exploration of family relationships. However, they express disappointment with the ending, which they feel falls short of the overall quality of the book. Despite this, the novel is praised for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, making it a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed some of Melanie Benjamin's earlier books but need to catch up with her more recent ones.

    This one sounds good apart from the ending!

    The novel is wonderfully awash in the music, television, and fashion of the '60s.

Book Nook Revs · 2023-12-02
engaging 4.00

The novel is a radiant exploration of 1960s Southern California, blending literary depth with a compelling narrative. It is a great summer read with heartfelt moments.

This reviewer describes 'California Golden' as a radiant and engaging novel that captures the essence of 1960s Southern California. They appreciate the blend of literary depth and a compelling narrative, making it a great summer read. The novel is praised for its heartfelt moments and the way it explores themes of motherhood, ambition, and the search for identity. The reviewer finds the book to be a moving and immersive experience, highlighting Benjamin's skill in weaving together personal stories with broader cultural themes.

Quick quotes

    Dive into the radiant world of California Golden by Melanie Benjamin, where the sun-soaked landscapes of 1960s Southern California come to life.

    It captures some of the changes that happened in SoCal during the 1960s.

    The core family story is moving, but Benjamin loses focus amid the many themes—Vietnam, the 1960s counterculture, and domestic violence being just a few.

Los Angeles Times · 2023-08-03
engrossing 4.00

The novel offers a meticulous exploration of surf culture and the societal expectations of the era. It captures the essence of the 1960s with vivid detail and emotional depth.

This reviewer highlights Melanie Benjamin's ability to immerse readers in the surf culture of the 1960s. They appreciate the detailed portrayal of the era's societal norms and the emotional weight of the characters' experiences. The novel is praised for its rich historical context and the way it intertwines personal stories with broader cultural themes. They also note that the book provides a nuanced look at the complexities of motherhood and sibling relationships during a time of significant social change.

Quick quotes

    If you're looking for a meticulously detailed breakdown of surf culture, look no further than Melanie Benjamin's new novel 'California Golden'.

    The novel is awash in the music, television, and fashion of the '60s as well as the counterculture movement.

    Benjamin weaves a tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the tangled ties that bind sisters together.

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