California and Other States of Grace: A Memoir

by Phyllis Theroux

A journey back to California and her father's bedside prompts the noted writer to recall her California childhood and her studies and career in the East and to examine the customs and mores of California

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1980

About the author

Phyllis Theroux is an essayist, columnist, teacher and author. Born in San Francisco, California, she is the critically acclaimed author of numerous books, including "California and Other States of Grace", "Peripheral Visions", "Nightlights: Bedtime Stories for Parents in the Dark", "The Book of Eulogies", "Serefina Under the Circumstances" and "Giovanni’s Light". "The Journal Keeper: A Memoir" was published by Grove Atlantic in March 2010. She is currently conducting journal-keeping seminars during her cross-country book tour for "The Journal Keeper." She lives with her husband, Ragan Phillips in Ashland, Virginia.

Reviews

[Machel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much beauty in this book. Phyllis writes with much fortitude and strength in her own thoughts, which translates into an eloquent language of words and description that lifts the reader to her private and personal world, like you are right there, living the moments with her.
Top of the heap. My new favorite book. A must read for those that dabble in philosophy, love California or just love reading beautiful language. Phyllis always inspires my heart and soul to align as one and to remember that I am a writer.
****
Five Stars!

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written account of a woman's ties to her odd California family and her coming to terms with them and her own insecurities. She lives in New York, far from her family, and as she returns as an older adult, ponders the role family played in her life. Theroux also describes her path to becoming Catholic and the role Catholicism played in shaping her personal zeitgeist.

[Marty Tullar]

Loved the time and place. Writing with inner vision.