Doing Time in California


Fiction - Humor/Comedy
284 Pages
Reviewed on 08/06/2023
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Doing Time in California is a slice-of-life drama by Dwight Jesmer. Kimo Jones is a former Catholic school teacher serving a stint in a minimum security prison for a DUI felony in California. Determined to play in the annual golf tournament in Stockton with his friends, Kimo escapes from prison. With the help of a young music major named Rachel Wong, Kimo makes his way to his friend, Frank, who informs him that the love of his life, Michelle, is dying of cancer. Meanwhile, both Kimo and Frank begin a physical relationship with Rachel. Michelle's husband, Ron, has an unusual request for Kimo that he must help him with. However, first, he must learn to forgive himself for the sins he has committed in his past. How will Kimo navigate these extraordinary circumstances?

Using a delicious blend of humor, drama, and romance, Dwight Jesmer tells a captivating tale of regret and redemption. Doing Time in California relies more on the lives of its troubled and vulnerable characters rather than the machinations of the plot. Each character in this book feels flawed and layered, which adds dimensions to their personalities and makes them compelling for the reader. Everyone has a past that directly influences the actions and choices these characters make in the present. Despite some serious and dramatic scenes, Jesmer infuses plenty of underlying humor throughout the narrative. The dialogue is witty, and character interactions almost always deliver entertaining scenes. Overall, I very much enjoyed the book. If you're looking for a drama that offers a laugh or two, Doing Time in California is the book for you.