Almost California - A Journey Through Life, Loss, and Finding Yourself Audiobook By Robert Stanek cover art

Almost California - A Journey Through Life, Loss, and Finding Yourself

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Almost California - A Journey Through Life, Loss, and Finding Yourself

By: Robert Stanek
Narrated by: Virtual Voice
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About this listen

A Journey Through Life, Loss, and Finding Yourself

“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. Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Small Town & Rural Heartfelt
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