Growing up the daughters of one of the only female surfing legends was hard. Mindy and Ginger learned, at a young age, that their mother’s attention was solely on surfing and the beach. To get their mother’s attention, the girls learn to surf. By the mid-1960s, the girls have grown apart. Mindy has become a legend in the surfing circles.. She gets caught up in the celebrity lifestyle and is soon doing a USO tour in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Ginger has become embroiled in the drug and cult counterculture. Their relationship is put to the test when Ginger commits the ultimate betrayal and asks Mindy for help. Can Mindy and Ginger overcome the emotional damage they both carry to do the right thing?

California Golden is one of those books you will love or hate. For me, I was on the love-it side of the scale. I enjoyed reading about Mindy and Ginger’s unconventional childhood and how their lives drastically changed as teenagers. I also enjoyed reading about the surfing/drug and cult subcultures portrayed in the book.

Usually, I’m not too fond of time hopping or switching back and forth between main characters in books. Nine out of ten times, I need help figuring out who I am reading about (usually because the author doesn’t label the beginning of the chapter). But, in California Golden, I had no such issue. Each chapter was tagged Mindy, Ginger, or Carol. It also had the year that particular chapter was set in (the book spans from 1944 to 1980).

I am also not a massive fan of having three separate main characters for the reasons stated above. I also have them run together in my mind. But, in this book, that didn’t happen. The author created three distinct personalities and kept them separate throughout the book.

I liked Mindy, and I also felt terrible for her. She had so much responsibility put on her at a young age. She also knew, as all children do, that she and her sister were unwanted, and she devised a way to get and keep her mother’s attention: surfing. Mindy genuinely loved surfing, and it shone through in the beginning chapters. So I was surprised when her storyline went in the direction it did. The focus would have stayed on her surfing.

While I liked Ginger, I predicted how her storyline would go. Unfortunately, that is the path of many children who had childhoods like hers. It did get to a point where I didn’t even like to read her storyline. But, at the same time, I liked the look the author gave into the drug/cult subculture of the late 60s. It was frightening and fascinating at the same time. It also drove Ginger to do what she did with Jimmy and what she asked Mindy to do later.

I didn’t like Carol, but at the same time, I felt terrible for her. She never wanted to be a wife and a mother. But she was forced to be anyways. She had no feelings for her girls and neglected them. When her husband finally left, and she discovered the girls were still there, her first thought was, “Why didn’t he take them.” She was selfish and remained selfish until the end of the book.

The end of California Golden was a surprise. I liked how things came full circle for Mindy, Ginger, and Carol. But I disagreed with the very end of the book. Was it good that Ginger had gotten her life together and figured things out? I didn’t think so, which might not be the correct opinion because of what was at stake. I wish there were an epilogue showing what life was like ten years later. I would have loved to see where everyone ended up.

I would recommend California Golden to anyone over 21. There are language, violence, and sexual situations. I also want to warn you that there are scenes of neglect, drug use, and domestic violence.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Delacorte Press, NetGalley, and Melanie Benjamin for allowing me to read and review California Golden. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

When I think of historical fiction, I think of books written about wars and events that happened way far back in the past. A book written about a time that I remember is not what I would normally think of as historical fiction. That being said, California Golden is about a time in the somewhat way back past and captures the feel and culture of that time splendidly. I guess I'm just having a bit of a hard time wrapping my head around how much time I have personally spent on this rotating planet but that's my own personal problem.

California Golden, along with being a true snapshot of the lifestyles of the 50's and 60's is also a heartwarming, yet heartbreaking, story of family dynamics and the expectations of women at that time. The storyline covers so much of what was going on at the time—women's rights and/or duties, the Vietnam war, drugs, love, and hippies—all things we shouldn't forget about. This is a great story that rolls that all up together for a very enjoyable, memorable tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not only for the fabulous characters and the great story, but also for my stroll down memory lane that helped me remember what times were like back then. I highly recommend California Golden!

Mother, Sisters, and Surfing

In the 1960’s the Southern California surfing scene was the place to be. Carol Donnelly has no desire for the expected traditional role of wife and mother. She wants to be a professional surfer, and she’s good. The ones who suffer for their mother’s ambition are her daughters, Mindy and Ginger. Wanting to be with their mother, they start spending time in the water. Mindy is a natural surfer, but Ginger is uncomfortable.

The sisters grow up making different choices some good, some destructive. Mindy follows in her mother’s footsteps in professional surfing, and she’s a star. Ginger looking for her own place moves into drugs and men who take advantage of her. Through it all, the sisters maintain their strong bond from the childhood they shared.

The Southern California described in this book is magical from the beaches, bathing suits and surf to the exciting nights at clubs and beach-side parties. Having lived in Southern California I love revisiting it. The story itself is very emotional. The dysfunctional family and the heartache it causes is made very real. I thought the author did a good job with the characterization. That said, I really didn’t like the characters, but considering their emotional problems, I think that was realistic. If you want a great trip to the beach, I think you’ll like this book.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for this review copy.

Melanie Benjamin has done it again. I was immediately transported back in time to the days when I was mesmerized by tales of California, Hawaii, and surfing. Having grown up in rural CT these were magical places that I so wanted to experience. Growing up listening to and watching The Beach Boys made surfing and the beaches so very idyllic. This read brought back all those California Dreaming memories.
Fast forward 50 years I am currently living in Southern CA, unfortunately in the desert, but have learned that the water here is freakishly cold. I do love watching the surfers along Hermosa, Redondo, and Manhattan beaches try out the waves. Have also had the opportunity to watch the surfers on the North shore in Oahu. The water is so much warmer there!
The book centers around a mother and two daughters who were somewhat pioneers in the surfing world. The mother, and I use that term loosely, lived for surfing and excelled at it. In an effort to capture a bit of attention from her, both daughters also became surfers. Mindy and Ginger both have had very difficult childhoods and take different paths as young adults. They both came alive for me within these pages and my heart went out to both of them, however Ginger’s path was so hard for me to reckon with.
Mindy’s USO trip to China Beach also brought back memories of nightly news clips I watched during high school. Such a sad war.
Having read and loved many of Melanie Benjamin’s books I was eager to read this one and it kept me engaged throughout. It is basically divided into three sections sharing each main character’s points of view. Still debating if that was the most effective way to share their stories. Keep writing as you have a dedicated reader in me.
Many many thanks to Melanie Benjamin, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for affording me the privilege of reading an arc of this just published gem.

Mindy and Ginger are two sisters who grow up in a disjointed family, with their mother Carol known as a surfer legend and their dad who left them due to Carol's surfing passion. The sisters make a plan to learn how to surf in order to appear interesting to their mom, so that she'll stick around and not leave them for Hawaii. As they get older, Mindy becomes an accomplished surfer while Ginger is not as fond of the sport. One night after Mindy wins a competition that Carol felt she should have won, Carol says something terrible to Mindy and that begins the split where Mindy goes off to become a star in surfing movies and Ginger ends up under the influence of another surfer, Tom Riley. The book then focuses on how each of their lives go on separately and how their past defined them, before coming back together in the end. Overall, a book about family with characters who weren't exactly likeable but you could understand their perspective. The section with Ginger was particularly hard to read since she loved Tom no matter what he did to her and he took advantage of that.

California Golden is set during the 1960’s The Donnelly Girls, Mother Carol and daughters Mindy and Ginger
The surf culture sun kissed beaches. Carol who became a mom but resented the title when it was a barrier to her dreams. Mindy and Ginger do everything possible to make their plan happen to make their mom want them. Eventually as time always does the girls change Mindy with the waves and Ginger with her struggles.

This story captures the beach and a family that has struggles lost love and finds a way to bring us joy.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book. I have read some of Melanie Benjamin's other books and they are always enjoyable. This one is about two sisters and the way that life shapes them as they grow up with a distant and unorthodox mother. I appreciate the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

This novel takes us to the surfing culture of Southern California during the 1960’s. It’s reminiscent of the Frankie and Annette beach movies I loved watching as a kid- without the cheesiness. Benjamin brings this era alive with references to pop culture- Gidget, Duke Kahanamoku, the famous Whiskey a Go Go, rock bands as well as popular fashion- fringe bikinis, false eyelashes, big hair and go go boots.

We follow the Donnelly girls- sisters Mindy and Ginger and their mother Carol, a champion surfer. There’s no doubt how bad a mother Carol is, traveling off to Hawaii to follow the wave while her husband takes care of the young girls. Carol returns home after her husband leaves her and the girls. Mindy and Ginger are thrilled to be taking surf lessons from Carol, hoping this bond will ensure their mother doesn’t leave them. Mindy took to surfing and later won competitions and starred in surf movies. She was “the girl in the curl.” Ginger chose to hang on to a narcissistic “surf god” who introduced her to drugs and a hippie lifestyle.

The book is divided into parts: the first part (book) is Mindy and Ginger’s story. Mindy took on the nurturer role for Ginger but also gets caught up in the lime light. The relationship between the sisters was written really well, how their years of neglect affected both their lives in different ways.

In the second part, we learn more about Carol and her rise to surfing stardom in a predominantly man’s world. How she was expected to be a wife and mother and go to PTA meetings. “The only constant is the sea.”

At times, this is an emotional and poignant read with common literary themes but also very original. I appreciated all the research that went into writing this book. I think it’s worth a read if you’re into family drama, unconventional female strength and love of the wave.

Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press/ Penguin Random House for this ARC in exchange for my review.

California Golden by Melanie Benjamin is a captivating tale that delves into the profound influence of familial bonds. Set against the backdrop of California's vibrant surf culture and the alluring yet perilous realm of Hollywood celebrity, this novel promises an enthralling and emotionally charged journey for readers.

The story unfolds within the edgy California surf culture and the glamorous world of Hollywood, where danger lurks beneath the surface. Benjamin skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the intricate dynamics of family ties, showcasing their immense power and impact. Prepare to be swept away on a rollercoaster of emotions as you turn the pages of this gripping novel.

With its compelling storyline and vivid descriptions, California Golden offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the lives of its characters. Benjamin's prose effortlessly transports readers to the sun-soaked beaches of California, immersing them in a world where dreams and aspirations collide with harsh realities. As the plot unfolds, the reader becomes entangled in a web of suspense, unable to resist the urge to uncover the secrets that lie beneath the glitz and glamour.

This novel not only captivates with its engaging narrative but also provides a profound exploration of the human experience. Benjamin delves deep into the complexities of familial relationships, illuminating the strength and fragility of these bonds. Through her expert storytelling, she invites readers to reflect on their own connections and the power they hold.

California Golden is a masterfully crafted work that seamlessly blends the allure of California's surf culture with the captivating world of Hollywood. Benjamin's ability to create a compelling and relatable story ensures that readers will be unable to put this book down. Prepare to be transported to a world where family ties are tested, and the pursuit of dreams comes at a price.

Thank you @netgally for the Advanced Reader Copy. I really liked this novel. It is all about surfing in California and Hawaii, and goes back and forth between the 1960’s and present day. It is mainly Mindy’s story, but her sister Ginger and her mother Carol play big parts. Carol was one of the first really successful female surfers, and she was much more interested in being a surfer than being a mom. The only way the daughters could get her attention was by surfing themselves. Mindy becomes famous on her own, but Ginger makes some bad decisions and her life goes downhill. It is a good family story, and I liked the surfer culture and the historical part of that. This would be a good companion read to Malibu Rising. #californiagolden #melaniebenjamin #surfing #surfernovel #bookstagram #booklover #reader #bookblog #lovetoread #fictionreader #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram #takeapagefrommybook #readallthebooks #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #booknerd #whattoread #readingtime #bookaddict #ilovetoread #ilovebooks #needtoread #readallday #california

In 1960’s California, the Donnelly sisters grow up in a household with an absent father and a mother who would rather be out in the waves than at home prepping casseroles. But when Carol introduces daughters Mindy and Ginger to surfing, the girls view it as a way to bond their family together and ignite some mothering instincts in Carol, as they constantly fear she will leave them. As the girls grow up, and their paths veer in different directions: Mindy excels in surfing, takes roles in films, attends parties, takes a tour with the USO in Vietnam, and delights in her minor celebrity status. Ginger; however, struggles with finding her identity, and ultimately seeks community and love through a cult. But, no matter where they are in the world, certain events that tie them together for life.

When I first requested this ARC, I was pulled in by the description of a surf family’s saga, set against the backdrop of 1960s California with its party scene, drugs, and cults with the Vietnam War happening abroad. I generally enjoyed the story, but there were just too many big themes there and none of them received enough attention. It all felt a bit surface-level, and I wanted to go deeper. More surfing, or more about the cult, or more about the USO tour in Vietnam, rather than a little bit of everything.

All in all, a decent story...but I wanted more.

My sincere thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read California Golden by Melanie Benjamin and give my unbiased opinion of it in the following review.

The bulk of California Golden takes place in the 1960s amid the surf culture of the time. The main characters are Carol and her two daughters Mindy and Ginger. Carol was lauded as one of the first talented female surfers. She has to give up on some of her dreams in order to take care of her girls and this shows in her attitude throughout the book. Mindy and Ginger have to learn how to be a part of their mother's life and choose to do this by learning to surf too. Their logic is that if they are also surfers, their mother will take them with her if she chooses to leave California. This plan works for a while, but plans don't usually go as we want them to. There is a lot of dysfunction in the relationship between Carol and her girls as well as between them and other characters that become part of the mix.

I have a fascination with books that take place in this time period, the late 60s Vietnam War era. For that reason, I was excited to dig into this book. I thought it started out well and I was sympathetic towards Mindy and Ginger and pulling for them to find a solution to their problem. As the story went along, I was more dissatisfied with the route the author was taking. I became less sympathetic and while I understood some of the reasons why the characters were making some bad choices, I had a hard time with them. There were gaps in the timeline where a lot must have happened, but we as readers are left out. I especially wanted to understand Ginger more. I also wanted more insight into Mindy and Jimmy's connection. I'm not one for insta-love storylines. Other than their connection through surfing I really didn't understand their mutual attraction. The story ties up pretty neatly at the end with the exception again of knowing how Ginger ended up where she was at the end. I have read and enjoyed several books by Melanie Benjamin and will continue to check them out, but California Golden is not going to be a favorite.

California Golden was a bit slower than I anticipated but I still enjoyed this novel. I loved reading about California surf culture in the 60’s. This book has a really interesting family dynamic and I enjoyed following along with the characters. This was my first book by this author and I can’t wait to read more!

After a slow start, this look at three women caught up in the surf culture of Southern California in the 1960s becomes impossible to put down. The pieces centered around surfing and the relationships between the sisters and their mother are particularly good; plots that veer off toward the music scene and the Sunset Strip start feeling repetitive of too much other fiction about the era.

I love stories that take place in the 1960s and 1970s because it seems like there was so much freedom for everyone, kids and adults. Life was simpler then.

The two Donnelly sisters grew up in Los Angeles in the 1960s. Their father is not around, and their mother is always gone surfing. This is not a typical upbringing at the time, and it has a lasting effect on the two sisters. While they spent most of their time on the beach like their mother, they soon forged paths, each in a different direction.

If you’re a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid, especially Malibu Rising or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this book should be on your list. While I loved the subject and era of the book, it started slowly for me and took a while to get going. Then the ending seemed to wrap up pretty quickly. However, I still enjoyed the overall story.

Review rounded up to 3.5 stars

Sisters, Mindy and Ginger grow up in the 1950s-1960s with an unconventional lifestyle. Their mother, Carol cares only about surfing, a fairly new sport in California and certainly practiced by very few women. Carol’s single-minded focus causes the girls’ father to abandon them so they grow up neglected and essentially parentless. As young women, Mindy and Ginger choose very different paths and lifestyles and in spite of their individual hardships, unexpected life circumstances and long absences from each other, they never forget their sisterly bond.
I really loved the historical aspect of this fictional story for the timeframe and little known (to me anyway) information about the surf scene in California and Hawaii at that time. As far as the historical piece, I liked that the author incorporated the drug use and the Vietnam war into the story. But the best part of the book was the bond between sisters against so many odds. The story was heart wrenching at times and although somewhat predictable, it was a very enjoyable read. While Carol was an unlikable character, I appreciated the section of the book that told her background story and I’m sure readers will form their own opinions on her “parenting skills”.
#NetGalley #RandomHousePublishing - BallantineDelecortePress

I love a great historical fiction story!

I really felt immersed in the story, and sometimes wished I loved during that era. This gives off Daisy Jones vibes in such a great way.

Highly recommend!

Mother/daughter relationships that are a bit heavy. I enjoyed the historical setting of the 1960s, with California beach vibes. This book captures the surfing community and its ups and downs during the time period. This is not a light read and is a family drama across time. I did not like the mom and how selfish she was. 3.5 star rounded up.

I like the historical backdrop of surfing and LA. I could not stand Tom and Ginger was way too pathetic for me. I found things a little slow for the first 20% . Then it started to get interesting as we alternated views between the sisters. I really enjoyed getting the mom's pov near the end. It helped put things in perspective.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis of this book sounded interesting to me so I requested a copy to read.
Unfortunately, I have tried reading this book on 2 separate occasions and during this 2nd attempt, I have
decided to stop reading this book
and state that this book just wasn't for me.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.