Don’t Cry for Me, West Covina

In his 2017 memoir Wild Seed: Searching for My Brother Dan, journalist and author Edward Guthmann described a family tragedy and its aftermath. In Don’t Cry for Me, West Covina, a new collection of 25 personal essays, he circles back once again—this time in a lighter vein.

In the title chapter Guthmann recalls his hometown of West Covina, a Los Angeles suburb that frustrated him with its bland conformity and provincialism, but provided an impetus to explore a much broader canvas.

We see him falling in love with movies at an early age (“It Started with Fred Astaire”); landing a role on the professional stage (“The Year I Played in Oliver!”); protesting the Vietnam War during the nationwide student strike of 1970 (“Breaking the Redwood Curtain”); leaving the cozy college town of Arcata for the frenzy of San Francisco (“A Dive in the Deep End”); and building a career as a San Francisco Chronicle arts reporter and reviewer (“Confessions of a Recovering Movie Critic”).

Guthmann introduces his imperious paternal aunt (“Aunt Rollie Conquers the Universe”), and the loquacious rapscallion Mamie Jackson, whose language has a “cascading musical quality” and an urge to shock. We travel with him to Las Vegas when the town was still small and ruled by the Mob; to Europe, where he spent one summer on a $5-a-day allowance; to Cameroun, where his mother and four aunts lived as young girls and befriended a baby gorilla, Bushman, who later became a star attraction at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

At turns witty and tender, playful and nostalgic, the stories in this collection reflect the author’s wide-ranging, lifelong curiosity.

Reviews

“He hooked me with the title—made me laugh out loud!—and then Edward Guthmann took me on a magical mystery tour of his life in Don’t Cry for Me, West Covina. From his boyhood in a provincial Southern California suburb to his life as an ever-curious journalist, Guthmann enchants us with many an unexpected adventure and a cast of endearing and eccentric characters. He has a storyteller’s gift, a humorous touch, and that finest of all qualities, a humane spirit.”

— Stephen Talbot, PBS documentary filmmaker

“Don’t Cry For Me, West Covina is a delightful journey through the life and mind of Edward Guthmann. This affecting memoir is full of acute observations, celebrity insights, and a unique family history. Like a box of mixed chocolates where all the pieces are delicious.”

— David Leopold, author, The Hirschfeld Century: Portrait of an Artist and His Age and Irving Berlin’s Show Business: Broadway – Hollywood – America

“Edward Guthmann’s latest book is a delightful cornucopia of childhood memories and stories of what it takes to embark and succeed as a journalist and critic. One of Edward’s great gifts is making his celebrities seem poignantly vulnerable and giving his ordinary folk a kind of glamour.”

— Charles Busch, actor; Tony-nominated playwright, Tale of the Allergist’s Wife; and author, Leading Lady: A Memoir of a Most Unusual Boy

“Wry, wistful, occasionally eccentric, always eloquent—an absolute joy to read.”

— Ken Conner, journalist and author, Westbound and Dying Words

“Edward Guthmann’s new memoir/collection of essays shares his lifelong passion for all forms of entertainment, sharing not just a family history but also an authorized peek at the notebook of a much-praised reporter and critic. Told with honesty and wit, a generous gift to be relished.”

— Leah Garchik, San Francisco Chronicle columnist and author, San Francisco: The City’s Sights and Secrets

Readers’ comments

“Well, I couldn’t put your book down and finished it in three sittings. I just LOVED it. The stories were so vividly told, and many of them were so reminiscent of my own life experiences. Really a treasure!”

— Rusty Frank, dance instructor and historian; author of TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and Their Stories 1900–1955

“Just devoured your book. I felt the generous outpouring of love and affection for those who found their way into your life. Thanks so much for writing this and allowing the sweet cloud of memory to envelop me as I read about SF and all the familiar haunts.”

— Fawn Yacker, filmmaker and cinematographer

“Wow, wow and wow. Tears and joy in a series of essays that create a complete story arc. I read it in one sitting, not because it’s quick and easy, but because I couldn’t wait to turn the page. Thanks for this treasure of a book.”

— Mark Pressler, Victoria, B.C., Canada

“I’m enjoying reading your book and relating to much of what you write about. I feel like we’re riding in a car and you’re relaying your history to me. I hear your voice as I read. Not one false note.”

— Catherine Lemon, Somatic therapist

How to order

Kindle edition: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Cry-Me-West-Covina-ebook/dp/B0FVNC9HRQ

Amazon softcover: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Cry-Me-West-Covina/dp/B0G1JK16NQ

Barnes & Noble softcover: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-cry-for-me-west-covina-edward-guthmann/1148690163

The original hardcover edition (with superior paper stock and photo reproduction) is also available. You can order it directly from me at edward5430@comcast.net. I take Venmo and Zelle.