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California Sober — And Other LA Lies
Sophie arrived in Los Angeles with one suitcase, no job, no money, and the kind of optimism that tends to age poorly in high heat and a low tax bracket. What she found instead was a city that promises sunshine and delivers sunburn—glamorous on Instagram, faintly urine-scented in real life.
California Sober—And Other LA Lies is the wildly funny, chaotic collision of a German immigrant and the American Dream, told through a parade of bullshit jobs, eccentric roommates, celebrity sightings, impossible beauty standards, and a place where everyone is chasing something—and pretending they’ve already caught it. With razor-sharp wit and an almost supernatural refusal to admit defeat, it’s a painfully relatable journey through adulthood, ambition and everything that happens when life refuses to follow the script.
Beneath the sarcasm and spectacular misadventures is a deeply heartfelt story about belonging, resilience, and discovering that the biggest lie LA sells isn’t that you’ll make it—it’s that making it will make you happy. A love letter and a middle finger to Los Angeles, this is for anyone who's ever chased a dream, lost themselves along the way, and somehow found something even better.
California Sober—And Other LA Lies is the wildly funny, chaotic collision of a German immigrant and the American Dream, told through a parade of bullshit jobs, eccentric roommates, celebrity sightings, impossible beauty standards, and a place where everyone is chasing something—and pretending they’ve already caught it. With razor-sharp wit and an almost supernatural refusal to admit defeat, it’s a painfully relatable journey through adulthood, ambition and everything that happens when life refuses to follow the script.
Beneath the sarcasm and spectacular misadventures is a deeply heartfelt story about belonging, resilience, and discovering that the biggest lie LA sells isn’t that you’ll make it—it’s that making it will make you happy. A love letter and a middle finger to Los Angeles, this is for anyone who's ever chased a dream, lost themselves along the way, and somehow found something even better.
358 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 18, 2026
Sophie’s stories about life in LA and the absurd world of the rich are the kind that make you laugh out loud one moment and shake your head in complete disbelief the next.
It’s an incredibly fun and effortless read, made even better by the author’s brilliant way with words. Her comparisons, imagery, and sharp observations bring every ridiculous situation to life and carry you through the pages before you even realize how far you’ve read.
But underneath all the madness and hilarity, there’s more to this story. It’s not only a wonderfully entertaining look at the absurdity of a certain corner of our world, but also a story about resilience, about getting back up, adapting, and somehow keeping your sense of humor when life gets completely ridiculous.
The author is insanely talented, genuinely funny, and has a voice entirely of her own. Thank God she didn’t turn out to be just another LA one-hit wonder.
It’s an incredibly fun and effortless read, made even better by the author’s brilliant way with words. Her comparisons, imagery, and sharp observations bring every ridiculous situation to life and carry you through the pages before you even realize how far you’ve read.
But underneath all the madness and hilarity, there’s more to this story. It’s not only a wonderfully entertaining look at the absurdity of a certain corner of our world, but also a story about resilience, about getting back up, adapting, and somehow keeping your sense of humor when life gets completely ridiculous.
The author is insanely talented, genuinely funny, and has a voice entirely of her own. Thank God she didn’t turn out to be just another LA one-hit wonder.
Review of advance copy received from Author
California Sober — And Other LA Lies is the zany, true story about a German immigrant who moves to Los Angeles with a suitcase and a dream.
The anecdotes range from chaotic and confusing to inspiring and insightful. Nothing is off-limits. The uber-rich: check, Skinfluencers: yep, traffic shenanigans: that goes without saying.
Sophie Mazzaro is a skilled storyteller. Readers will fall in love with her honesty, humility, and humor.
California Sober — And Other L.A. Lies is equal parts billet-doux and flip-off to the City of Angels.
I highly recommend this book to anyone daring to go after their dreams or loves to eat unlimited sushi on someone else’s dime.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary ARC.
The anecdotes range from chaotic and confusing to inspiring and insightful. Nothing is off-limits. The uber-rich: check, Skinfluencers: yep, traffic shenanigans: that goes without saying.
Sophie Mazzaro is a skilled storyteller. Readers will fall in love with her honesty, humility, and humor.
California Sober — And Other L.A. Lies is equal parts billet-doux and flip-off to the City of Angels.
I highly recommend this book to anyone daring to go after their dreams or loves to eat unlimited sushi on someone else’s dime.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary ARC.
September 2, 2026
Such a relatable, funny, and entertaining read!
I really enjoyed this book! Sophie has such a funny and effortless way of telling her story, and I found myself laughing throughout. Her experiences moving to LA and trying to figure everything out are chaotic, unexpected, and honestly so entertaining. I loved how she turned all of these crazy experiences into stories that still felt really relatable.
The writing is easy to get into, and you can really feel Sophie’s personality throughout the book. I also loved the little illustrations and details that made everything even more fun. Definitely a book I’d recommend if you’re looking for something funny, lighthearted, and different!
I really enjoyed this book! Sophie has such a funny and effortless way of telling her story, and I found myself laughing throughout. Her experiences moving to LA and trying to figure everything out are chaotic, unexpected, and honestly so entertaining. I loved how she turned all of these crazy experiences into stories that still felt really relatable.
The writing is easy to get into, and you can really feel Sophie’s personality throughout the book. I also loved the little illustrations and details that made everything even more fun. Definitely a book I’d recommend if you’re looking for something funny, lighthearted, and different!
September 1, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sophie has a way of not only capturing you from the very first sentence, but throughout the entire read. I found myself constantly wanting to get whatever else I was doing finished so I could pick back up this story. Very witty and no detail left forgotten from the illustrations to the chapter titles - definitely a story that will resonate with everyone.
California Sober: And other LA Lies was so relatable, hilarious and captivating that it will definitely will be a re-read for me! Thank you Sophie for this ARC.
California Sober: And other LA Lies was so relatable, hilarious and captivating that it will definitely will be a re-read for me! Thank you Sophie for this ARC.
September 2, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of the California Sober-- And Other LA Lies by Sophie Mazzaro. Thank you for the opportunity!
If you enjoy humor and wit, then Sophie will capture your attention as she delves into her storytelling in California Sober. We get a sense of what chasing dreams can look like in a very honest way. I truly enjoyed this book and the author's writing style that made it such an easy and fun--I didn't want to put it down! From beginning to end it feels like we are right there with her. Let's not forget the illustrations--they are the cherry on top!
If you enjoy humor and wit, then Sophie will capture your attention as she delves into her storytelling in California Sober. We get a sense of what chasing dreams can look like in a very honest way. I truly enjoyed this book and the author's writing style that made it such an easy and fun--I didn't want to put it down! From beginning to end it feels like we are right there with her. Let's not forget the illustrations--they are the cherry on top!
September 1, 2026
I had the wonderful opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book! I think it was a beautiful, fun story! 4.5 ⭐️ for me 💕💕💕
If you love dark humor and living your life and dreams this is definitely the story for you. Give it a chance!
A huge thank you and congratulations to the amazing author. So excited to be keep following your journey!
If you love dark humor and living your life and dreams this is definitely the story for you. Give it a chance!
A huge thank you and congratulations to the amazing author. So excited to be keep following your journey!
September 1, 2026
California Sober & Other LA Lies is a raw, funny, and deeply honest look at the reality of chasing dreams. Sophie's voice is refreshing and relatable—a must-read for anyone who has ever tried to make it in the big city. If you happen to be a fan of David Sedaris, you will love Sophie Mazzaro. In my opinion, she's gonna be even bigger! Marrk my words!
September 3, 2026
Can't believe it is Sophie Mazzaro's first book, she's is such a skilled author!
With razor-sharp wit and an almost supernatural refusal to admit defeat, it’s a painfully relatable journey through ambition and everything that happens when life refuses to follow the script. She is such a character! I love that sarcasm, but behind it there is that wonderful, dedicated and loyal person that never gives up. Congratulations to that coup!!!
author:Sophie Mazzaro|71635503
With razor-sharp wit and an almost supernatural refusal to admit defeat, it’s a painfully relatable journey through ambition and everything that happens when life refuses to follow the script. She is such a character! I love that sarcasm, but behind it there is that wonderful, dedicated and loyal person that never gives up. Congratulations to that coup!!!
author:Sophie Mazzaro|71635503
September 6, 2026
The book is filled with relateable characters, quirky situations and "Geeze, Louise" moments.
The general feel and writing style was like I was sitting with a friend at dinner, as she/he told me all about the crazy stuff that happened to her/him.
The general feel and writing style was like I was sitting with a friend at dinner, as she/he told me all about the crazy stuff that happened to her/him.
September 17, 2026
Very entertaining and easy to keep up with. Couldn't wait to hear about Sophie's next adventure or misfortune. Definitely made me laugh.
September 9, 2026
While this isn't my "typical read", I didn't hate it. Sophie has a way of pulling you in like you're an old friend she hasn't seen in a while. She has a quick wit to her writing that made the stories and scenes so fun. This woman has grit, determination, drive, and a fantastic sense of humor. I thoroughly enjoyed this perspective of the American Dream. The cover art is insanely beautiful as well, also done by the author. Tolle Arbeit!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews