Simply Magical: North Beach: 1977 - 1982

Explore an enchanting journey of a novice teacher navigating Prop 13 and the colorful 70s San Francisco, balancing between teaching and working at the hottest musical revue, BBB.

Simply Magical is a captivating memoir of a dreamer who found herself at the heart of San Francisco's vibrant cultural shifts. The story unravels the journey of a fresh college graduate with aspirations of becoming a teacher, landing in San Francisco amidst the remnants of the Beat movement, the burgeoning Gay Pride, and the iconic Castro District. Facing a saturated job market, she finds herself waitressing at Beach Blanket Babylon (BBB) while seeking her dream role in education.

This narrative is not just a tale of resilience in the face of adversity, but also a celebration of life's unexpected detours. The protagonist's stint at BBB becomes a transformative journey, introducing her to eclectic characters, including the iconic Steve Silver and the immensely talented cast and crew. These encounters lead to heartwarming friendships and unforgettable adventures that fill the pages with laughter, tears, and the sheer magic of human connection.

While juggling the glitz and glamour of BBB, she navigates the world of teaching, from selling encyclopedias to finally landing a teaching position at a Catholic school. The narrative beautifully contrasts the flamboyant world of BBB with the childlike wonder of a kindergarten classroom, encapsulating the dichotomy of her life.

As the story progresses, a chance meeting at a party orchestrated by friends leads to a charming love story, adding another delightful layer to this compelling narrative. Simply Magical is a heartwarming tale of dreaming big, embracing life's unexpected turns, and finding love in the most unlikely places. Filled with a unique blend of humor, heart, and a dash of spirituality, this book is a testament to the power of dreams, the magic of perseverance, and the beauty of finding one's place in the world.

Author: Jan Sollish
Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
Published: 08/19/2025
Pages: 226
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.67lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.61d
ISBN: 9798822977082

About the Author
Schaefges, Eric: - Eric Schaefges, illustrator, writes mysteries and draws pictures of fun things, sometimes at the same time! He lives in Chicago, IL with his wife, kids, and his Lego collection.Sollish, Jan: - Jan Sollish, a native Californian, is a seasoned author and former Literacy Specialist with an enduring affection for San Francisco. A resident of the city since her twenties, Sollish has experienced the city's diverse history firsthand. Her writing career spans over 30 years, with her poetry published in The Noe Valley Voice and The San Francisco Chronicle. City Lights also bought and sold a chapbook of her poetry. A member of the Page Street Writers Co-op, Sollish's writing has been featured in Creative Caffeine Daily. She recently co-authored a children's book, Asham and the Smart Ox, with Palestinian poet, Lorene Zouzounas. Her memoir, Simply Magical, reflects her deep connection to San Francisco and her experiences there. Living in upper Noe Valley, Sollish spends her time writing and exploring the city with her Tibetan Terrier, Charlie.Eric Schaefges, illustrator, writes mysteries and draws pictures of fun things, sometimes at the same time! He lives in Chicago, IL with his wife, kids, and his Lego collection.

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