The Way We Were California: Nostalgic Images of the Golden State

by M. J. Howard, M. J. Howard

Unashamedly nostalgic and compulsively readable, The Way We Were series does exactly what the title It recaptures what life was like in each place covered in years gone by?particularly between the 1920s and 1970s. These books remind readers of the past through a rare collection of evocative photographs and the deft words of a knowledgeable writer. After a general introduction that sets the scene, six chapters cover all aspects of the its main attractions, infrastructure, home life, leisure activities, sports?and the harder-to-categorize qualities that make each place special. A perfect gift for those who live or have lived in a particular state or region, as well as visitors, this new series provides a fascinating selection of images that will bring back memories of the past.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 23, 2009

Reviews

[Tracie Hall]

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS
Print: 2010; 9780762754526; 128 pages.
(Audio: No).
(Feature Film: No).

SUMMARY/EVALUATION:
I spotted this at the Newport Beach Friends of the Library Friends book sale and, having recently decided I’d like to read more about my state of California, its counties and cities, I naturally snatched it up.
For a small book, it’s quite a treasure. Every leaf includes text and one or more images, mostly black and white from the 1950’s and ‘60’s. If you are a Californian, this book will make you proud to be a member of this unique state’s diverse population.

AUTHOR & NARRATOR: M. (Martin) J. Howard. According to the dust jacket, “M. J. Howard is a professional writer who specializes in North American history and places. He has authored and ghost-written nearly twenty books on a variety of subjects over the past decade, from a survey of New York’s ghosts to illustrated histories of various American cities.”
Laurie Mayer. According to the dust jacket, “Laurie Mayer was born and raised in Los Angeles. While living in London, she formed the seminal electronic dance band Torch Song with musician/producer William Orbit before returning to Los Angeles. She continues to pursue music and writing in Redondo Beach.

GENRE:
States, California, California history

SUBJECTS:
Sports, Beaches, Homes, Celebrities, Landmarks, Activities, Deserts, Mountains, Cities, Entertainment, Diversity.

SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From “Major Attractions”
“Tens of millions of visitors a year and a still increasing population attest to the fact that California is one big attraction. This is a place that has everything: a year-round warm, sunny climate, exciting cities and picturesque villages, incredible vistas, national parks, theme parks, museums, and historic sites. Ant that’s just the beginning. Here you can swim in the Pacific Ocean in the morning and ski in the Sierra Nevada by afternoon, drive historic Route 101 and catch spectacular views in Big Sur, or soak up cinema history on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In the South of the state are palm-fringed sandy beaches and to the north rugged hiking trails and secluded beaches from where it’s possible to observe seals, sea otters, and whales at play. Inland are world famous vineyards, the stunning waterfalls of Yosemite National Park, towns such as Bakersfield steeped in American culture, and atmospheric ghost towns, reminders of California’s roots. The list of wonders goes on and on. From incredible engineering feats such as the Golden Gate Bridge to folksy antique and bric-a-brac markets, from the picturesque winding cable cars of San Francisco and the historic Spanish missions of San Diego to jaw-dropping roller coasters, California has something to please everyone.”
RATING:
I give this 5 stars. I enjoyed this fact filled, well-illustrated little history book about my home.

[Ants]

My copy of this book list M. J. (Martin J.) Howard and Laurie Meyer as the authors. The photographic images were the impetus to spend $4 on the book. The images are delightful and a treat to see.

The writing in the book is a 'hoot' only because it is so poor and poorly presented. If the information was presented from a barstool by a fellow customer, the language would be acceptable. However, as a written presentation, it would not be accepted by an eight grade history teacher. The organization is poor, the presentation is confusing, and references are absent.

For example, one photograph is attributed to the Pony Express Museum in San Marino. The museum went out of existence decades ago when the museum founder died. There must be some reason the women's field hockey team of Whittier College in 1933 was presented along with professional and Olympic athletes, but as I reader, I can only make wild guesses.

There was also a statement that African American were prevalent in pre-territorial California, but I guess I was skeptical since I just read Starr's history and nothing was mentioned.

All is not lost. Let's get back on those barstools and keep drinking and talking about the book until it makes sense.

PS. M J Howard presents Californians as the greatest US citizens. Howard has also written a nostalgia book about New Yorkers and the Empire State, in addition to this one about the Golden State. I haven't read the NY version, but it may have some similarities. I am not tempted enough to obtain the Empire version.