1970s
70s
A01=J.G. Bryan
Author_J.G. Bryan
basketball
Category=YFB
Category=YFT
Category=YNMH
Category=YNMK
Category=YXHB
Category=YXJ
coming of age
eq_bestseller
eq_childrens
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_personal-social-topics
eq_teenage-young-adult
friendship
L.A.
los angeles
marijuana
san fernando valley
Product details
- ISBN 9781595801425
- Publication Date: 01 Apr 2025
- Publisher: Santa Monica Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
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A tale of teenage friendships set in 1970's suburban Los Angeles
In the haze of a hot San Fernando Valley summer in 1970’s Los Angeles, Douglas and his friends—Hank, Weddy, and Ronnie—struggle with their awkward teenage years during a confusing and highly permissive era. Weed and alcohol are regularly available, and most of the boys freely partake as they each navigate their own family dramas at home. Meanwhile, Douglas must also sort through the ups-and-downs of his relationship with his not-quite-girlfriend, Natalia.
When not in the swimming pool trying to beat the intense Valley heat, Douglas and his friends spend their summer vacation taking the RTD into Westwood to see Jaws, watching the Fourth of July fireworks at Balboa Park, seeking thrills at Magic Mountain, checking out the head shop and the turquoise jewelry at The Sixth Chakra, eating hot dogs and facing Koufax in the batting cage at Flooky’s, and playing plenty of basketball.
Ventura and Zelzah is a funny, poignant, and nostalgic coming-of-age tale of teenage friendships in a blissfully unhurried, pre-digital era.
J.G. Bryan lives in Southern California.
