Nor-Cal

By: Sean Finnegan

Narrated by: Sean Finnegan

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Coming of age in 1985, Pavel and his two best friends Lee and Gooch live for San Francisco’s thrash metal and punk rock scene. Good grades aren’t difficult for Pavel, so he’d rather go to hardcore shows and fish with his buddies than do homework or prepare for college. But high school’s almost over, and he’s smart enough to know it’s time to make hard choices.

Pavel has drive, he’s just not sure where to drive. Although his mom’s a small-time pot dealer, he’s never smoked weed. He’d rather run the beach for miles with his girlfriend Larissa, a Mormon who’s been prepared for college since the second grade. Torn between the arts and a corporate paycheck, if only he had Lee’s confidence or Gooch’s rich parents maybe his path would be clear. But nothing could prepare Pavel for the cataclysmic events coinciding with high school graduation.

©2015, 2019 Sean Finnegan/FinnLoke LLC (P)2021 Sean Finnegan/FinnLoke LLC

Nostalgic, Soulful, Lighthearted, & Captivating

I grew up in the same era as this story, so I know that there is an aura to that time period that is hard to capture with words. Growing up in the 80s meant so many things that didn't require well worded descriptions, because we didn't describe our lives in any sort of digital platform, we just...lived! So it takes a very skilled hand to craft descriptions that capture the essence of an indescribable time. That is exactly what this author does. You will not only be enthralled with the actual story, but you will find yourself transported to the pace and cadence of Northern California during that era. And when written right, there's no better place to be.

Captivating tale captures the NorCal essence

I'm extra compelled to listen to audiobooks read by the author, and this one did not disappoint. I wish I could bottle up Sean Finnegan's husky voice and have him tell me stories for the rest of my life!

I grew up in Northern California, so the cover drew my attention in right away. It's a realm lesser known by the world, who largely sums up California as Hollywood Blvd, Death Valley, Malibu beach, and perhaps the Golden Gate Bridge "way up top". What totally enchanted me about this book was the way Sean Finnegan was able to encapsulate the true cultural essence of my home region, a place many are magnetized to and mystified by but rarely understand. I'm too young to have lived through the 80's but this story, the growing pains, and hidden culture from SF to Humboldt is absolutely timeless.

The plot sucks you in from the git go, but what I love about it is that it rides on the characters experience. I'm a sucker for character driven books, I love to feel like I have personally gained friends by the time the last line is spoken and oh lemme tell youuuu, I was not disappointed. *BRB bawling* The insight on the marijuana industry was on point and bubbled up feelings of nostalgia for an era that I have never lived through. Personally being raised in cannabis culture, this fictional tale captures what so many before have tried and failed to do: the true soul of this region.

This is just a hella feel good story, an exceptional coming of age tale that cuts out the usual cheesy tropes of this genre. I think the authenticity in Finnegan's narrative is what sets it apart. The dialogue is so real, my only complaint is that there wasn't more! It's warm and familiar yet totally unique and unlike anything I've ever read. It's a book that I will come back to again and again, and one that I have recommended to anyone looking for an easy, heartfelt read.

This book is made for the Big Screen.

For me, the author perfectly captures the essence of the 80's, Northern California (of which I'm a native), outlier culture, and adolescence in such a way that I was hard pressed to turn the car off after my daily commute, and stayed in my car at times to listen in for a few more paragraphs. There's an endearing quality to the storytelling, with a rawness that made me very grateful the author was the reader (which is NOT my normal preference). He captured something I don't think anyone else could have. The writing style is untraditional , hence the headline of my review- once I understood that the book reads more like a screenplay than a novel, I was hooked. It does take an adjustment and seems choppy at first, but I'm telling you this book is absolutely worth the read to experience this kind of game changing storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the memoir-esque insider look into the non-traditional world of drugs, family, friends, and business that existed in this specific time and place. It feel nostalgic, yet educational, and managed to still feel relevant. It also makes a gripping case for why heavy metal, illegal pot grows, and horny teenagers blend like a fine wine. Like I said, compelling. Must read if you want to be able to say you knew it before Hollywood picked it up! Thanks for a fun journey.

Am I seeing a sequel in the future?

Listened to this while traveling through humbolt. Brought me back to my youth and found it to be a great story line to follow.

Budding American Entrepreneur?

Sean Finnegan's Nor-Cal captures perfectly the essence of youthful enthusiasm, mixed with adolescence confusion, the inevitability of growing up, and the unwitting discovery of raw American entrepreneurial spirit in this amazingly illustrative and vividly colorful journey. Pavel's traverse through Nancy Reagan's "Just say No!" era impacted life in Nor Cal, while staying true of mind and heart, is a fun, exciting, and often surprising series of love, challenges, and discovery, and the author proves it to be the perfect setting for preserving the soul of the last generation to come of age before society's total immersion into the digital age. News footage was mostly reliable, but true human interaction was the way to get the real news and stay connected, which also meant life was that much more immersive and learning was often the forced outcome of the many unpredictable curveballs that come our way, pitch after pitch. The author's reading of this story is the icing on the cake, bringing all of the characters and nuanced dialogue to life. Looking forward to more titles from this author, and I totally agree with another reviewer, can't wait for the film version!

Sean Finnegan’s Nor-Cal

In the novel Nor-Cal a young man embarks on a journey of self discovery. Dealing with the loss of his mom and best friend. He reunites with his long lost father and his family. It is so exciting when you find a a book that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters. I enjoyed this book immensely and didn’t want it to end. Narration was done perfectly. Great read. I recommend it to anyone.

Highly Recommend This Audiobook!!

This audiobook, narrated by the author Sean Finnegan, tells the story of Pavel and the uncertainties he must confront as he transitions from boy to man. The author uses detailed imagery that is so clear, so vivid, you are there in the moment with Pavel, as life takes him through 1980’s Northern California, from the San Francisco concert scene to Humboldt County’s marijuana industry.
The story is so real and so human, you feel your heart thumping along with Pavel’s as his life takes him through some incredible twists and turns. His bond with his friends shows the brotherhood that is found among young men as they are finding their way. I was impressed, time and again, by his ability to weave unexpected connections between his multifaceted characters . He also uses his knowledge of music that almost creates a playlist for the reader as you go along for the ride. He pulls you deep into the story until fully engrossed and once there, you you don’t want it to end. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, and I wished for more! I had read this book when it first came out in paperback (which one should also have on hand) and instantly loved it, but nothing compares to hearing the story narrated by the author, as you can hear the rich depth of emotion in his voice as he shares Pavel’s story with you.

Captivating and Nostalgic Storytelling

This story beautifully captures the essence of growing up in Northern California during the 80’s era. It portrays life in a raw and authentic manner, making it relatable to listeners of all ages. The author gracefully weaves a tale of first loves, friendships, loss and new-found family, evoking a sense of nostalgia that resonates with me deeply. The narrator's voice was very engaging, and he did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. He really made me feel like I was right there with them experiencing the journey. Overall, ‘Nor Cal’ is a compelling audiobook that tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you longing for the simplicity and complexities of youth in Northern California.

Narrator brings this coming of age story to life.

I first read this book on Kindle and having met the author, was waiting anxiously for the audible version. Sean Finnegan's voice brings the characters to life with warmth and heart. It's not necessary to have grown up in the 80's or Northern CA or have a love for metal bands or Humboldt county to enjoy this book; however if you did, this book will be quite nostalgic for you. As a woman in her 50's, I had a few times where being in the head of a 17 year old boy was uncomfortable, but that speaks to the raw realness of the story. Without giving anything away, this book also made me shed a few tears. I am looking forward to whatever this author-narrator does next.

Movie?

Norcal is a revisitation of the Bay Area in the 1970s and 1980s— the author’s use of cultural particulars (Terry Bradshaw’s workman-like quarterbacking style, blood and joy in SF Metal clubs, shark fishing Drake’s Bay, KBHK TV 44, the smell of sticky, well-farmed bud) will evoke memories for many Norcal natives. Pavel’s journey to Humboldt, and from adolescence to adulthood, gives the story a Bildungsroman arc that enlivens the details of setting while also avoiding sentimentality. Crossing my fingers for the movie.