Daybreak

Under the Bridge #1

by Kade Carson

In the 20th century, the 1990s stood out as America’s last great decade. Social strife, cultural revolts, technological advancement—multiple facets defined the turbulent times. In the Under the Bridge series, these facets are seen through the eyes of a family living in Los Angeles. A father with financial troubles, a mother questioning her role as a housewife, a son witnessing unjust acts as a police officer, a middle daughter documenting injustices as a reporter, a youngest daughter breaking into the rock music scene—every member experiences the various elements that embodied the era. With heart, ambition, and unflinching honesty, the Under the Bridge series seeks to portray what made the 1990s America’s last great decade.

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2025

Reviews

[Lina Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reflection of a 1990s American family

What a great novel! It is incredible how the author describes a fascinating era, full of cultural changes, social conflicts, and more, in 1990, in Los Angeles, through the eyes of a common American family. A father, who is the sole financial provider of the household; a mother, fulfilling her role as a housewife, sometimes not very happy with her role, which often makes her question herself; and children, each with their own place in the family: the eldest, a police officer; the second, a reporter; and the youngest, dreaming of becoming a rock star.
Through this family, the reader encounters a series of events and conflicts that will keep them engaged in the story, not wanting to stop until reaching the last page.
The places and characters are so well described, as well as the events that unfold, that at many moments one feels identified with a character or even as if living in Los Angeles in 1990.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some people who view America in the 1990s as a utopian moment in this country’s history. There were some turbulent aspects of it, but it was also a time of great prosperity and happiness for many. This book seeks to capture what it was that made the 90s special and memorable.

It is seen through the eyes of a family living in Los Angeles. Each member experiences something a little different, but they also seem to understand that there are great cultural shifts taking place. They struggle and experience challenges, but they also sense that they’re living through something little less than great and stupendous. Those who lived through this decade may feel the same way when they experience this literary tribute to the final decade of the 1900s.

[Rodrigo J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional realism

While reading this book, I felt as if I were looking through a window into the past, but from inside a real house, with real people. I liked how the author portrays each family member with deep humanity, showing their flaws, doubts, and struggles. It felt like the goal was not to impress, but to tell the truth of a time that was difficult, yet full of life, just like the 1990s.

Sometimes, I found myself thinking about my own family and how each person lives their own battles without others fully knowing. What stayed with me the most was how the book shows the connection between the personal and the social. The writing is clear, simple, and full of emotion. It felt like a strong beginning to a series that has a lot to offer.

[Carlos Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

This book caught my attention from the very first moment I approached its theme. Without a doubt, the way the events unfold and the overall storyline are truly fascinating. Reading it not only immerses the reader in a great story but also connects them to issues and reflections that are increasingly present in today’s society, especially regarding the role of women as caretakers of the home. I really enjoyed the way the plot develops, the evolution of the characters, and the insights the reader can gain from it. It is a great book—easy to read, engaging, and perfect for clearing the mind.

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

I love history books! I especially liked this one. As a Colombian living in the United States, I'm very interested in the history of this great country. This book also tells us about life in the United States during the 1990s and everything that happened at that time to make it an economic powerhouse today. I like the way this book is written, since it's not a typical narrator telling us the story. Here, it introduces us to a family in Los Angeles, and with this, we experience the decade step by step through the eyes of this great family. Plus, each of them evolves as the pages turn. Without a doubt, this is a book well worth reading.

[jamie Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! I loved the story and the characters