Cultural Writing. Cris Mazza delivers a spirited rebuttal to pop-culture stereotypes about growing up female in Southern California. Coming of age in the 1970's and 80's, Mazza's memories aren't about surfing, cheerleading or riding in convertibles. Though her stories have their exotic elements-her family hunts and gathers food in the semi-arid coastal hills well into the early 70's-she sets herself in the context of familiar Americana. Repeating motifs-gender issues, the California landscape, dogs, musicians, plus the perplexing melancholy of a sexless marriage-thread through these very personal essays, as Mazza confronts madness, disability, sexual dysfunction and death, speaking to the drama of ordinary lives.