J.G. Bryan's "Ventura and Winnetka" is a vibrant and evocative continuation of the adventures of Douglas and his friends in the sun-soaked landscape of Southern California's San Fernando Valley in the late 1970s. This novel offers readers another heartwarming and nostalgic glimpse into the lives of these teenagers as they navigate the challenges and joys of coming of age.

Set against the backdrop of their senior year in high school, the gang embraces a world of freedom, camaraderie, and endless possibilities. Bryan captures the essence of youth on the cusp of adulthood, as the characters engage in wild car stunts, indulge in youthful recklessness, and grapple with the complexities of friendship and love.

Bryan's vivid and immersive storytelling brings the San Fernando Valley culture of that era to life with remarkable authenticity. From the allure of great rock and roll to heated debates about sports teams, the book immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and attitudes of the time.

As Douglas and his friends venture beyond their hometown, the novel takes readers on a journey through the iconic streets of Los Angeles. From West Hollywood's eclectic scenes to the gritty charm of Chinatown's punk rock clubs, Bryan paints a rich and dynamic portrait of the city, illustrating the wonders and complexities of a world "just over the hill" from their quiet suburban lives.

"Ventura and Winnetka" is a poignant exploration of the bonds that form among teenagers on the brink of adulthood. Bryan's characters are relatable and endearing, and their shared experiences are humorous and heartfelt. The novel captures the essence of youthful dreams, insecurities, and the enduring power of friendship.

Bryan recreates the spirit of an era marked by its music, fashion, and cultural shifts. The story resonates with those who have experienced the transition from adolescence to adulthood..

Thank you to Santa Monica Press and NetGalley for an electronic ARC of this novel.

Ventura and Winnetka by J.G. Bryan is an interesting novel about coming of age in 1970s Los Angeles. This is not my area of expertise, but while the plot dragged at times, it was overall entertaining.

This novel follows high school senior Douglas and his friends as they go through their last year of high school. Girls, concerts, drugs and reckless car driving all play a role in this book. It was very interesting to read about how things were back then.

On the whole, I enjoyed it. The characters were hard for me to relate to in a lot of ways because their mindsets are so different than mine, even when I was in high school.

4 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.


I chose to read this book when I saw the title. I grew up in Los Angeles in the 1970s and 80s and couldn’t resist a book that was based in my town. While this was the Valley, and not the city, it still was a place I knew well.

The book did not disappoint. With prominent landmarks from those years featured, and a classic late 1970s storyline, I really enjoyed a trip back in time. Bryan captures the feel and vibe of this time period so clearly. Feathered hair, classic rock moving into punk rock, sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

Douglas is our featured character. He lives in the Valley with his mom and her second husband, and a Sheltie named L. Douglas is finishing up his junior year of high school and looking forward to his senior year. He does a lot of smoking pot and hanging out with his buddies and his girlfriend. There definitely is sex & drugs, which may not be suitable for all audiences.

This is mostly a journal of Douglas’s senior year of high school and what he gets up to. There is no mystery or storyline much other than that. It’s a memoir of growing up during a turbulent time in our nation’s history (though some might argue there really hasn’t been a turbulent time.)

I enjoyed it because I could relate. Not sure how today’s YA audience would receive it, but I really liked reminiscing about the music and the changing dynamics from the 70s to the 80s. Plus this is my hometown, so I remember all the places discussed.

I would recommend this to people who want to take a trip back to the times when things were a little bit easier and less complicated. No smartphones or computers. Cassette tapes and bell bottoms. Disco and rock and punk. It’s a fabulous trip back in time, and I’d read more.