I Feel Earthquakes More Often Than They Happen: Coming to California in the Age of Schwarzenegger

Amy Wilentz documents her move from New York to Los Angeles during Arnold Schwarzenegger's governorship of California. The narrative follows her experiences as a journalist and newcomer trying to make sense of California's particular culture and politics in the early 2000s. Through interviews and observations, Wilentz explores the state's relationship with natural disasters, celebrity culture, and political upheaval. She examines the recall election that brought Schwarzenegger to power and chronicles the ways Californians cope with their environment's constant threats of earthquakes, fires, and mudslides. The book alternates between personal narrative and reportage as Wilentz adapts to life on the West Coast. Her coverage includes encounters with both ordinary citizens and notable figures in California's political and cultural landscape. At its core, the book presents a meditation on how place shapes identity and how newcomers integrate into California's distinct worldview. The narrative raises questions about the intersection of entertainment and politics, and the ways communities build resilience in the face of instability.

Readers found this book fell short of its premise, noting it reads more like disconnected magazine articles than a cohesive examination of California. Several readers noted Wilentz's observations felt superficial and "tourist-like" rather than providing deep insights into the state's culture and politics. Liked: - Personal anecdotes and humor - Coverage of the 2003 recall election - Writing style is accessible Disliked: - Limited focus on Schwarzenegger despite the title - East Coast bias in perspectives - Lacks clear narrative thread - Too much emphasis on Los Angeles vs broader California Ratings: Goodreads: 3.0/5 (22 ratings) Amazon: 3.1/5 (11 reviews) One Amazon reviewer wrote: "The book meanders without purpose through California clichés." A Goodreads reader noted: "Some interesting observations but ultimately reads like an outsider's surface-level take on California life."

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🌎 Amy Wilentz moved from New York to Los Angeles in 2003, the same year Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California in a special recall election. 🎬 The book's title comes from Joan Didion's essay "Los Angeles Notebook," reflecting Wilentz's literary connection to California's most celebrated chroniclers. 🗳️ The 2003 California gubernatorial recall election featured 135 candidates, including actors, adult film stars, and a sumo wrestler, making it one of the most unusual political races in U.S. history. 🏠 Wilentz describes California as having no center, comparing it to a "doughnut state" where most of the population lives around the edges, leaving vast empty spaces in between. 🔥 The book covers several major California disasters, including wildfires and earthquakes, examining how these natural phenomena shape both the physical and psychological landscape of the state.