Coast of Dreams : California on the Edge, 1990-2003

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Summary: Reactions by readers of "Coast of Dreams"
Review: "Coast of Dreams" is a rich and much-discussed mixture of journalism and California history-written by a master of both disciplines, Dr. Kevin Starr. Here are some reactions to Starr's latest book about California. [Compiled by Kenneth Press Nemzer, Tiburon, California]

"Coast of Dreams" is for anyone fascinated by the issues of our time. The book's aim is not to resolve the issues, but to enrich the debate.

"Journalism is history in a hurry," as Kevin Starr says. His book shows that history can be journalism in patient mode.

With a columnist's style, Dr. Starr reviews the past 14 years through vivid snapshots of California life.

Dr. Starr, a celebrated Professor, adds to his narrative an overlay of interpretation. His evident goal is not to be authoritative-the events are too recent for that-but to evoke discussion.

Like a Sierra prospector, the author pulls nuggets of history from his mind's huge reserve of data-nuggets that add texture and gravitas to the book.

Dr. Starr peppers each passage with references to prominent Californians. With those names as handles, each reader can relate the story to his/her own experience.

Starr writes with the insight of one who has known the characters, in his careers as historian, columnist, and State Librarian (now Emeritus).

One of Dr. Starr's techniques is to describe California scenes in pairs, side-by-side. He offers familiar urban contrasts like SF and LA, but also innovative pairings-such as Santa Barbara and Palm Springs, two faces of opulence in repose.

Coast of Dreams combines the depth of history with the liveliness of a daily column. Those who read it will be glad they did.

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Summary: Excellent Conclusion to a fine series
Review: In Americans and the California Dream Kevin Starr began a project of immense dimensions that would have intimidated persons with less vision. He wanted to detail the culture of California and explain what makes us different from the rest of the country to his fellow Californians as well as anyone else who had interest. Over that volume and the subsequent ones he gave us both an interesting history and a great synthesis of what makes California different.

This is the concluding volume of the series which brings his original vision back to the present. That is a tough task to do - but Kevin rises to the mission. In an unvarnished fashion he presents the contradictions of the current California - but he renews the argument that he did in the first volume that we who live here - in the most diverse of the 50 states (economically, culturally, ethnically and believe it or not even politically!) have a set of aspirations and interests that make us different.

We rise, and fall, in different proportions to the rest of the country. We have been best with a series of former and current perils and yet remain in a mindset that is fundamentally different. This book presents clearly a lot of information about the highs and lows we have lived through in the last fifteen years.

Among the volumes in this series, each has presented a mix of history and reflection - but this with the first, is the most provocative and challenging. It is a good read - not to be rushed but to be savored!