West of the West

In this evocative collection, best-selling author Mark Arax offers an intimate exploration of California's diverse landscapes and social currents, drawing on four years of travel across the state. With a blend of journalism, essay, and memoir, he presents powerful narratives that illuminate the lives of individuals grappling with issues from immigration to war, and the complexities of local culture. Each story, including portraits of families, communities, and forgotten histories, weaves together to create a rich tapestry of California as seen through the eyes of a native son, revealing the stark realities beneath its surface. Ultimately, Arax's work provides a poignant reflection on his own family's past while capturing the essence of a state in transition.