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Simply Magical: North Beach: 1977 - 1982

Description:

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.


Editorial Reviews

About the Author

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.

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.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Read!

M.J.S. · October 16, 2025

A wonderful trip down memory lane. Heartwarming and thoroughly enjoyable!

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Magical is simply magical!

P.L.W. · August 20, 2025

Simply Magical by Jan Sollish is just that, simply magical! Ms. Sollish shares her early San Francisco adventures making them both captivating and endearing…all with a delightful sense of humor. A must read for those who enjoy stories of adventure, friendships, humor and of course love.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Wonderful!

k. · October 7, 2025

An amazing romp through San Francisco during those years. I enjoyed every minute of this charming memoir. Highly recommended!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny & Heartwarming

B. · September 28, 2025

A delightful read! I was truly sad to see it was coming to an end. The author takes you along for her wild and quirky ride during her time with the iconic Beach Blanket Babylon. Lots of laugh out loud moments and plenty of wish-I-was-there envy.

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, funny, engaging memoir

R.L. · September 10, 2025

Simply delightful. An engaging portrait of San Francisco during the late 70s and early 80s, through the eyes of a vibrant, resourceful and charming narrator. Filled with humor and empathy. Reading at its most enjoyable!

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT book!

B. · August 21, 2025

It really takes you on a journey to the heart of San Francisco that many people (even San Franciscans) know little about. I suggest reading this book for the history perspective and just for a really good read.

Simply Magical: North Beach: 1977 - 1982

Product ID: UO0SYZQM7CG
Condition: New

5

AED13007

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Paperback
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Simply Magical: North Beach: 1977 - 1982

Product ID: UO0SYZQM7CG
Condition: New

5

Simply Magical: North Beach: 1977 - 1982-0
Type: Paperback

AED13007

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

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.


Editorial Reviews

About the Author

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.

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.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Read!

M.J.S. · October 16, 2025

A wonderful trip down memory lane. Heartwarming and thoroughly enjoyable!

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Magical is simply magical!

P.L.W. · August 20, 2025

Simply Magical by Jan Sollish is just that, simply magical! Ms. Sollish shares her early San Francisco adventures making them both captivating and endearing…all with a delightful sense of humor. A must read for those who enjoy stories of adventure, friendships, humor and of course love.

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Wonderful!

k. · October 7, 2025

An amazing romp through San Francisco during those years. I enjoyed every minute of this charming memoir. Highly recommended!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny & Heartwarming

B. · September 28, 2025

A delightful read! I was truly sad to see it was coming to an end. The author takes you along for her wild and quirky ride during her time with the iconic Beach Blanket Babylon. Lots of laugh out loud moments and plenty of wish-I-was-there envy.

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, funny, engaging memoir

R.L. · September 10, 2025

Simply delightful. An engaging portrait of San Francisco during the late 70s and early 80s, through the eyes of a vibrant, resourceful and charming narrator. Filled with humor and empathy. Reading at its most enjoyable!

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT book!

B. · August 21, 2025

It really takes you on a journey to the heart of San Francisco that many people (even San Franciscans) know little about. I suggest reading this book for the history perspective and just for a really good read.

More from this brand

Similar items from “Women”