From Espresso Magazine (Oct. 2006)
More Noir Than Sunshine, Fortunately
San Diego is like a debutante or a trophy wife; everything is perfectly coiffed, poised, boosted, augmented and picture perfect for Mr. Right, aka, the Big Spender and his consuming pleasure. Neither allow imperfections to see the light of day and if the deb and the city are accused of being kinda dumb and bland, that’s just the price they pay to play with those with the credit cards that keep the cash flowing. Both deb and SD have to work their message 24/7 while desperately keeping the wrinkles from showing.
But like that perfect deb who has a lot more going on than she’s willing to tell the jerks, San Diego seethes with brilliant connections and interesting wrinkles. Sunshine/ Noir is a tasty amalgam of other voices that tell tales of life here.
Whether its Jimmy Santiago’s Bull's Blood, Francisco Bustos’ Madre’s Right, Why You Complainin'? or Matthew Bokovoy’s compelling historical piece, Ghosts of the San Diego Rialto, Sunshine/ Noir is a gem-filled collection of brilliance by locals who reflect a real San Diego unseen by the Laid Back or the transplanted Yups who manage them for The Man.
Within these slim covers is a San Diego that is sometimes felt but rarely acknowledged; one that is known but kept at a distance by those who are caught up doing their bit to maintain the graces and smooth the wrinkles. Sunshine/Noir is a full plate of delicious realities of life here, one that feeds the psyche while burnishing the writers’ varied talents and styles. Recommended.
Copyright © 2006 City Works Press. All rights reserved.