The author of Ventura and Zelzah follows up that critically acclaimed debut novel with Ventura and Winnetka, a stand-alone work that furthers the adventures of Douglas and his friends as they come of age in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley in the late 1970s.

As seniors in high school, the gang spends their final year before college practicing crazy car stunts, getting high, obsessing about girls, passionately listening to the great rock and roll of the ’60s and ’70s, arguing about the Dodgers and the Lakers and partying at the prom in powder blue tuxedos.

From a West Hollywood porn theater to a punk rock club in Chinatown to the site of the Manson murders, the Valley boys also begin to spread their wings as they explore the city of Los Angeles, located “just over the hill” from where they live.

Like Ventura and Zelzah, the stand-alone Ventura and Winnetka is a funny, poignant and nostalgic coming-of-age tale about the relationships of teenagers on the verge of adulthood. The re-creation of the Valley culture of the late 1970s is palpable and magical.

What stands out in this book is the authentic portrayal of teenage life. Douglas and his friends including Hank, Marco, Andrew and Moose engage in typical adolescent shenanigans, reckless driving, drinking alcohol and even succumbing to substance abuse with Marco and his Italian family. These moments not only create an atmosphere of carefree adolescence but also reflect the vulnerabilities and pitfalls that come with growing up.

The heart of the story lies in Douglas’ recollection of his love life, particularly with Annie Thompson, his first girlfriend whom he loves deeply. The author portrays this relationship with raw honesty, detailing Annie breaking his virginity and her having more experience in their intimate moments. Douglas’ long college relationship with Annie adds complexity to the narrative, especially when his mother calls her a “pathological liar” due to her affair with her ex-boyfriend Kenny Killian (Kenny the Killer). This exploration of love, betrayal and forgiveness adds depth to the characters and the story.

Throughout the novel, Douglas’ growth as a teen is depicted in great detail. From experimenting with drugs and alcohol to finding his passion in writing and sales, the journey of his development is both captivating and enlightening.

J.G. Bryan skillfully captures the dynamics of family, with Douglas’ mother playing a crucial role in supporting him through his trials and helping him overcome challenges. This portrayal of strong familial bonds adds a heartwarming touch to the narrative.

While I initially had reservations about the author’s use of vulgar language, I eventually found that it accurately reflected the speech and behavior of teenagers during that time, making the characters more authentic and relatable.

The incorporation of pop culture references from the 70s, such as the Godfather fandom and watching the Cubs versus St. Louis on NBC’s Game of the Week, adds a delightful touch of nostalgia for readers familiar with that era.

I recommend this book to young adult readers who appreciate romance and stories of high school life, as it offers a thrilling glimpse into the past while remaining relevant to the present.

-Weldon Ngetich