Collecting Sins

by Steven Sobel

Collecting Sins is a highly-charged coming-of-age novel set in the Southern California of the late-1960s/early '70s. Steven Sobel evokes the inner environment of Ben, a sensitive and carefree youth confronting adulthood. Ben explores the labyrinth of sewers beneath the San Fernando Valley, cavorts on the sun-drenched, bikini-infested beaches of Santa Monica, and immerses himself in the hippie culture of Topanga Canyon. In the tradition of J.D. Salinger, Carolyn See, and Jay McInerney, Sobel takes us on a rollicking journey through the heady atmosphere of the era. Amplified by drugs, sex, rock 'n' roll, Vietnam, feminism, violence, and poetry. More than the story of an individual, Collecting Sins is the story of a generation before it came to power.

Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was different! The setting was southern CA in the late 60's and all the changes and freedom... Features a 15-yr old boy, who ends up exploring the new way of life - growing his hair, hitchhiking, sex and drugs (heh, he is 15) It's pretty outrageous*... (his parents must be pretty oblivious)
the "Collecting Sins" aspect comes from his best friend who converts to Catholicism and 'needs' to collect sins so he has something for the weekly confessional session. This take on sins is hilarious...
there are adventures after adventures...
*may offend some people. not for everyone's taste. Not sure I would want my 15yr old reading it!