Book: Hollywood Park, by Mikel Jollet, pub 2020
How would you describe the setting and time frame in which the events unfold?
This takes place mainly in California and Oregon, beginning with the author’s recollections of being in a school with other children at the age of 5. This would have been in the late 1970s.
What sets this nonfiction book apart from others you’ve read in a similar genre?
The writing is stellar. He begins the story in a childish way because it’s from his perspective as a five-year-old boy. I listened to the audio, and it was very clear that he was speaking as a young child, running on sentences, not understanding why adults act the way they do, and hearing words wrong. (Deep Russian: depression; Vestigation: investigation) As he grows older in the book, the tone changes too.
In the printed book he plays around with typography and blank pages and repeated phrases that is so clever.
How did the book make you feel? Did it evoke any strong emotions or reactions?
It made me feel so sad for him as a little boy, always on alert, always trying to please the grownups, always trying to be good was heartbreaking. I was very angry at how manipulative and narcissistic his mother was.
What were your favorite moments in the book, and why did it resonate with you?
I loved when he gets to spend the summers with his dad. He gets to be loved and appreciated and his opinions matter. He didn’t have to be guarded and could just be a little boy with his carefree and fun loving dad. I loved the part when he was reunited with Bonnie! They had such a beautiful bond.
Did the book prompt you to explore more about the subject or related topics afterward?
I’m curious about the Synanon cult and am looking forward to listening to the author’s music.
How does the title “Hollywood Park” reflect the essence of the book?
Some of the happiest times of his life were spent with his dad at the horse race tracks. He got to be “with the men” and see how respected and funny his dad was around his friends. (Side note: I grew up going to the races too, I remember Santa Anita and Del Mar so vividly. The SoFi Stadium now occupies the former site of Hollywood Park).
What thoughts or ideas from the book stuck with you after finishing it?
That it’s cruel to inflict your suffering and trauma on your child. To expect them to be your confidante or caretaker simply because they gave birth to you.
Did you find any aspects of the book relatable to your own experiences or beliefs?
The part where Mikel is told that he has an attachment disorder because his parents abandoned him to the Synanon cult was relatable because my early years were very unstable and unstructured.
My name is Jaymi “the OC Book Girl”. I’m a California native who reads mostly nonfiction these days. I’m a Little Free Library steward, a library lover, and an independent bookstore advocate. I believe in kindness and compassion, always.
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Thank you for being a part of my bookish journey. Until the next chapter, happy reading!
The OC Book Girl 