A review by imperfectcj
Elsewhere, California by Dana Johnson

challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

It took me a while to get into this one, but I ended up really enjoying it. It's a somewhat uncomfortable look at perception vs reality, about people and about California, something I think about a lot since I moved back. I talk to a friend who grew up here, whose experience overlapped with mine but was also so different, it's almost like we were kids in parallel San Diego realities. It's one of the things I find fascinating about this state, and Johnson captures the experience well.