Sign-In
Cart
Almost California: A Journey Through Life, Loss, and Finding Yourself
Paperback
Series: Timeless Voices
General FictionHistorical FictionLiterary Fiction
ISBN13: 9781666002348
Publisher: Rp Books
Published: Sep 28 2026
Pages: 506
Weight: 1.55
Height: 1.02 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
For anyone who's ever dreamed of driving away from it all-this book will take you there.
In the heart of 1980s small-town Wisconsin, Bob has never had it easy. His quiet Midwestern hometown holds more shadows than sunlight, burdened by memories too heavy to carry and a future too uncertain to face. Despite having many friends, Bob feels profoundly alone, struggling with secrets that weigh him down even more than those of his peers.
Meet Bob and His Circle of Friends
- Jim, the golden boy and high school quarterback, dating Missy, the beloved cheerleader admired by everyone.
- Jess and Laura, friends who rescued Bob during his freshman year, only for him to return the favor when life became too hard.
- Ed and Mike, football players with their own hidden struggles.
While his friends seem to lead perfect lives on the surface, their dark secrets threaten to destroy not only their friendships but also the fabric of their small town. And Bob's secrets are even darker, creating an undercurrent of tension and vulnerability among the group.
A Whirlwind of Friendship, Heartache, and Longing
As senior year begins, Bob finds himself drawn into a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. He wants to protect the people he cares about, but sometimes the lines between love and obligation blur. Their connections run deep, yet the secrets they keep from each other-and the ones they can't afford to let out-begin to erode the foundation of their friendships.
Themes of Resilience and Self-Discovery
Almost California is an unforgettable coming-of-age story about teenagers trying to outrun their past and find a future worth holding on to. The novel explores:
- Life and Loss: Navigating the complexities of growing up amidst personal and collective tragedies.
- Friendship and Loyalty: The strength and fragility of bonds formed in the crucible of shared experiences.
- Dreams and Identity: Struggling to define oneself in a world that often feels too small to accommodate big dreams.
A Story That Resonates
Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally resonant coming-of-age stories like Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower, S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, and John Green's Looking for Alaska, Almost California is a deeply moving tale about the strength it takes to choose love, pursue dreams, and find one's identity in a changing world.
A love story as much as it is a song to the soul. This novel will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Discover the quiet strength of a young man who dreams of escape, the complex friendships that anchor him, and the music that captures the essence of their lives. Immerse yourself in Almost California-a novel of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
Also from
Stanek, Robert
Robert Stanek: Candid Conversations about His Life, Work and Writing: In His Own Words
Ruinmistpublicationsstaff
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Teacher's Classroom Guide to Robert Stanek's Ruin Mist: A Guide for The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 2, Library Hardcover Edition: 20th Anniversary
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Buster's Undersea Counting Expedition 1 to 10, Library Hardcover Edition: 15th Anniversary
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches, Library Hardcover Edition: 20th Anniversary
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Twelve Dresses, One Star, Library Edition Hardcover: A Silly Picture Book About Being Who You Are
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Math Superstars Addition Level 1, Library Hardcover Edition: Essential Math Facts for Ages 4 - 7
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 3, Library Hardcover Edition: 20th Anniversary
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches 4, Library Hardcover Edition: 20th Anniversary
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Math Superstars Addition Level 2, Library Hardcover Edition: Essential Math Facts for Ages 5 - 8
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Math Superstars Addition Level 3, Library Hardcover Edition: Essential Math Facts for Ages 5 - 8
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Math Superstars Addition Level 4, Library Hardcover Edition: Essential Math Facts for Ages 5 - 8
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Math Superstars Subtraction Level 1, Library Hardcover Edition: Essential Math Facts for Ages 4 - 7
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Math Superstars Subtraction Level 2, Library Hardcover Edition: Essential Math Facts for Ages 5 - 8
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Math Superstars Subtraction Level 3, Library Hardcover Edition: Essential Math Facts for Ages 5 - 8
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Songbird in the Rain: A Heartfelt Novel of Love, Dreams, and the Power of Music in a Time of Change
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Keeper Martin's Guide to the Fantastical Beasts and Faerie Peoples of Ruin Mist
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Bugville Critters Go to School (Buster Bee's Adventures Series #2, The Bugville Critters)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Bugville Critters Have a Sleepover (Buster Bee's Adventures Series #3, The Bugville Critters)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Bugville Critters Visit Garden Box Farms (Buster Bee's Adventures Series #4, The Bugville Critters)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Los Reinos y los elfos de Las Quimeras (Spanish language edition of The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 3)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 4)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 1, Special Illustrated Edition)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Magic of Ruin Mist: A Candid Look at Robert Stanek's Life, Work and Books
Ruinmistpublicationsstaff
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Bugville Critters Rush to the Hospital (Buster Bee's Adventures Series #6, The Bugville Critters)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Bugville Critters Play Their First Big Game (Buster Bee's Adventures Series #7, The Bugville Critters)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Have Trouble at School (The Bugville Critters #8, Lass Ladybug's Adventures Series)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Compete in the Big Spelling Bee (The Bugville Critters #15, Lass Ladybug's Adventures Series)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 3, Special Illustrated Edition)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Special Illustrated Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Battle for Ruin Mist Core Roleplaying Game Rules: Explore the Fantasy World in Your Own Adventures
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Battle for Ruin Mist Record Sheets for The Roleplaying Game: Explore the Fantasy World in Your Own Adventures
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Math Superstars Big Book of Subtraction, Library Hardcover Edition: Essential Math Facts for Ages 5 - 8
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
The Lights of Paris: A Tale of Love, Revolution, and the Fight for a Better World
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Rogue Operative 1: The Pieces of the Puzzle AND The Cards in the Deck
Stanek, Robert
Stanek, William
Hardcover
The Lights of Paris: A Tale of Love, Revolution, and the Fight for a Better World
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Songbird in the Rain: A Heartfelt Novel of Love, Dreams, and the Power of Music in a Time of Change
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Songbird in the Rain: A Heartfelt Novel of Love, Dreams, and the Power of Music in a Time of Change
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Lights of Paris: A Tale of Love, Revolution, and the Fight for a Better World
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Lights of London: Two girls, two cities, two wars - and a love that echoes across time
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Two Million Books a Trickle at a Time: Selling More Books, Finding Success & Making Writing a Career. Inspiration, Essays & How To
Stanek, Robert
Stanek, William
Paperback
The Bugville Critters Visit Dad and Mom at Work (Buster Bee's Adventures Series #1, The Bugville Critters)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Keeper Martin's Tales, Book 2, Special Illustrated Edition)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Songbird in the Rain: A Heartfelt Novel of Love, Dreams, and the Power of Music in a Time of Change
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
The Lights of Paris: A Tale of Love, Revolution, and the Fight for a Better World
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
The Bugville Critters Go on Vacation (Buster Bee's Adventures Series #5, The Bugville Critters)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Stay After School (The Bugville Critters #10, Lass Ladybug's Adventures Series)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Have a Bad Day (The Bugville Critters #11, Lass Ladybug's Adventures Series)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Visit City Hall (The Bugville Critters #12, Lass Ladybug's Adventures Series)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Have a Surprise Party (The Bugville Critters #13, Lass Ladybug's Adventures Series)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
Have a Backyard Picnic (The Bugville Critters #14, Lass Ladybug's Adventures Series)
Stanek, Robert
Paperback
The Lights of London: Two girls, two cities, two wars - and a love that echoes across time
Stanek, Robert
Hardcover
Also in
Historical Fiction
James Fenimore Cooper: The Leatherstocking Tales Vol. 1 (Loa #26): The Pioneers / The Last of the Mohicans / The Prairie
Cooper, James Fenimore
Hardcover
Anniversaries, Volume 2: From a Year in the Life of Gesine Cresspahl, April 1968-August 1968
Johnson, Uwe
Paperback
The Pirate Queen: A Novel from the New York Times Bestselling Author of the Frozen River
Lawhon, Ariel
Hardcover
The Moonlight Runner: A Gripping Historical Novel of Survival, Bravery, and Romance
Robards, Karen
Hardcover
The Amalfi Curse: A Bewitching Tale of Sunken Treasure, Forbidden Love, and Ancient Magic on the Amalfi Coast
Penner, Sarah
Paperback
The Pirate Queen: A Novel from the New York Times Bestselling Author of the Frozen River (Large Print Edition)
Lawhon, Ariel
Paperback
A Pair of Aces: Reese's Book Club (Large Print Edition)
Murray, Victoria Christopher
Benedict, Marie
Paperback
Murder on the Orient Express: A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition
Christie, Agatha
Paperback