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Book Review of California Gold

California Gold
California Gold
Author: John Jakes
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Katcha avatar reviewed on + 25 more book reviews


If you want a 'historic' Danielle Steele, this is your book. But don't rely too much on the 'historic' facts as presented in this book, they are muddled to say the least. Gwen Bristow did this far better in her Calico Palace and Jubilee Trail. Plus her characters were far more believable and likeable than the cardboard cast in this book.

Any one who has driven across Nevada or thru New Mexico/Arizona can easily acknowledge that walking across these areas would require a LOT more carrying capacity (food/water) than one man could manage by himself. Yes people did 'walk' (instead of ride) west, but they usually had a wagon with supplies for all (humans/animals). And this blatant oversight is just the most obvious reason to loose any and all credibility with this story. And (lame) story it is.

PS, as a 4th generation born in California (since 1880s), this is a slap in the face to the history of this state. (my first relative in California was a trail scout that crossed this way 2 or 3 times. He would burn this book before he read it).