You’re saturated with online political posts, memes, and tweets.  Or you’re stuck inside because of rain and no swell.  Or both.  Now’s a good time to read a book.  Jeff McElroy’s short stories, Californios and Californios 2 will occupy your mind, immersing you in waves of sketchy situations and native splendor.

I’ve wanted to review this two-volume collection, Californios published in 2012 and Californios 2 in 2015, except I’ve been stymied by the author’s copyright instructions:  “All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever including Internet usage, without written permission of the author.”  No part.  Whatsoever.  Including Internet.

As you’ve read in previous book reviews here on The Coast Road, I enjoy sharing passages from the books to get you fired up to buy and enjoy the read.  I could write Jeff and ask permission for a few outtakes, but it’s not that important for this little blog.  Out of respect for his copyright, I’ll not share Jeff’s writing, which I assure you, his writing is wonderful.

I’ll tell you that his stories will remove you from this overcharged political world and fill your head with words such as Rincon, goofyfoot, right-handers, Sandspit, Humqaq, and you will share beers at Lee’s parking lot campfire out at Emma Wood, and, in another story, you will listen to Chumash history at Shimilaqsh.  You’ll be so absorbed reading Californios, your mind will refresh and you’ll reconnect with your stoke.

You must take my word for it, both Californios and Californios 2 are worth your purchase and reading time.

Buy direct from Pierpont Press.  Only $17.00 each.

If you don’t want to mail check or cash, buy via Amazon: Californios and Californios 2.