The distinctive look -- simple shapes, pencil shading -- gives the book an approachability that suits the diary-like content. I found myself wondering just how much it was valid to portray the feelings and statements of someone this closely. The emotionality appeals to the teen reader, but in short, how accurate is this?

This was a lovely graphic novel - thank you for sharing it with me! The art was original and the story felt fresh. I will recommend this to my friends.

I really loved the art style and the story. Mama Cass was an interesting, strong-willed woman and I wish that she was known more for her life than her death. In some ways, I'm glad that it ended before that, but on the other, the ending felt abrupt. It could have benefited from some closure.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott

The Mamas and the Papas were a musical phenomenon of the sixties and it was the song California Dreamin’ that propelled them to the charts. Enter the year 2016 and the song is still being played and enjoyed by new generations of listeners. Behind that phenomenon was Mama Cass (nee Ellen Cohen) the singer who was multitalented and could hold her own against even the pop stars of today. California Dreamin’: Cass Elliot before the Mamas and the Papas,(hereafter California Dreamin’) Is a well-researched, fictionalized story of Mama Cass, from childhood to success. The graphic novel is satisfying in this way as you are left ‘dreamin’ ‘ of her better future, rather than her tragic death in July of 1974.

The story is somewhat piecemeal, a free-flowing excursion into how Cass (she got the name possibly from actress Peggy Cass, and note it’s ‘Cass’ not ‘Cassandra’) Elliot (who adopted that name after a fallen friend) would have acted from her youth right into the period before the Mamas and the Papas became a household name. It pulls glimpses from her past, for instance, her parent’s love of opera; her singing talent debuting at a young age; and perhaps the driving force: her determination to be a star. California Dreamin’ paints an almost surreal atmosphere throughout the novel, and captures the essence of sixties counter-culture and drug culture movements and the commune ideals of the time. Cass is depicted in all these social movements, on her way to becoming the iconic voice of the Mamas and the Papas. The writing is a little over the top, though, switching narrators, intrusive dialogue and other nit-picky things I could go on about; the important part is that it works in the end.

The art is incredibly loose, almost pen scribblings on paper. Simplified form and shape make this style work well with the subject at hand. The free spirits of the sixties come alive in this (incredibly) loose style much in the same way The Yellow Submarine simplified the Beatles. Using a very eclectic style makes this story flow the more you read. I’ll have to admit though it was awkward in the beginning getting used to it. Once you get over this threshold you begin to understand why the art is done the way it is. Bagieu can draw but her choice to almost leave pencilled roughs in for a more ‘realistic’ style is part of the appeal of the story. There is no glamorization of figure and form just as Mama Cass didn’t mind the way she looked, or anyone else looked, for that matter.

Overall, California Dreamin’: Cass Elliot before the Mamas and the Papas is a go-to book on Mama Cass’ early life. There is a list of biographical research at the end if you’re still in the mood for more. Lovers of that sixties feel good vibe; that anti-authoritarian, drug-inducing, pre-rock star way of life; or fans of Mama Cass and her work with the Mamas and the Papas or her five solo albums afterwards. In any case you can land right here and pick up the authoritative graphic novel of one of the sixties greatest contributions.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I didn't really know anything about the Mamas and the Papas prior to this book. I honestly don't know if I could even name one of their songs. THat doesn't make this book any less interesting. WHile I thought the narrative jumped around too much, it was still interesting to see how their relationships and the music changed as different influences came into play. I wasn't fond of the art style at first but the more I read, the more I realized that it really fit the story being told.

I do have to point out that I did not read the book in full as the file provided kept freezing up on the reader device or just not moving forward. I managed to read a few pages. The story seems interesting. The art however is pretty basic in terms of quality. Given so many good artists in graphic novels today I wish this book had better art. For now, I'd consider it an optional selection for libraries.

Penelope Bagieu took a musical legend and turned her into a regular person, flaws and all. Whether or not you are a fan of The Mamas and The Papas, Cass Elliot's passion and drive makes for a compelling read.

The best way to read California Dreamin' is to go put on the song and others by The Mamas & The Papas. If you are not sure what to play, a playlist is included. OK, the tunes are going, and you crack open the book. Inside you find the tale of how Ellen Cohen became Mama Cass. Entwined with that tale is the story of how the song "California Dreamin'" was written and made The Mamas & The Papas famous. These origin stories are told from multiple viewpoints, but never Ellen's, so you always see how others see her, but not herself. If you are interested in The Mamas & The Papas, Mama Cass, or the 1960's music scene, you are likely to enjoy California Dreamin'!

Such a charming graphic novel! I enjoyed reading and visually exploring each frame. It's a great trip back to the 1960s and the world of Cass Elliot.

California Dreamin': Cass Elliot Before the Mamas and the Papas by Penelope Bagieu is a biography in graphic novel format. Before she became the legendary Mama Cass―one quarter of the mega-huge folk group The Mamas and the Papas―Cass Eliot was a girl from Baltimore trying to make it in the big city. After losing parts to stars like Barbra Streisand on the Broadway circuit, Cass found her place in the music world with an unlikely group of cohorts. The Mamas and the Papas released five studio albums in their three years of existence. It was at once one of the most productive (and profitable) three years any band has ever had, and also one of the most bizarre and dysfunctional groups of people to ever come together to make music. Through it all, Cass struggled to keep sight of her dreams―and her very identity.

California Dreaming: Cass Elliot Before the Mamas and the Papas was an interesting read. I did not know the story behind Cass, or the Mamas and the Papas- and I think many people that have enjoyed their music are equally as ignorant of this information as I was. I was glad to see how things came about, and while not happy that there was so much struggle on Cass’s part to find her place in the world, it was enlightening. I think that this information could also be encouraging to young people with big dreams, and big troubles, to see that others have been there, that others have made it, and than they are not alone. Seeing other people facing similar feelings or struggles through life, especially in people that are admired, can help those struggling see that it is possible to get through it all. Thew art work was well matched to the story, and it drew me in. It is not the style that I normally like the best, but it grew on me as I read.