Moody, mysterious and deeply exploratory, Jerry Penniston follows a young man’s complicated journey far from West Oakland and through the heart of the South, toward an inevitability to discover where he truly belongs.
The West Oakland Chronicles Series
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Jerry Penniston is Here!
Month
March 2026
Author and date
Richard Cartwright, March 2026
Jerry Penniston is a short novel by American writer Richard Cartwright. The book is the third in the West Oakland Chronicles series, preceded by Soul Music and the novella, 1967.
The novel explores the difficult terrain of 1968 traveled by Jerry Penniston, a journey encompassing his hometown of West Oakland through Southern California and parts of the southern United States, only to discover the existential crisis he, and, perhaps the country is experiencing simultaneously. What has become of me? he asks himself at one point, wondering if the center ever existed, besides holding its own parts together. 1968, indeed.
Upcoming Releases on RC Publishing
The Wonder of Ways, 1973 & Other Stories
A Short Stories Volume, Fall 2026
A Short Stories Volume featuring a Roman à clef about a boy. A town. A moment in time and space during the summer of 1973.
Coffee With Writers
December 2026
How important is coffee to the creative writing process? I have no idea! But coffee and cafes intrigue me – and the many occurrences one could experience when writing something, anything while imbibing the good stuff. Yes, the good stuff. Come along with a “writer” who checks out coffee, cafes and writing around Denver Metro.
Cahiers Du Cinéma
February 2027
A film crew attempts to make a film about “Black Life” in Oakland.
About Soul Music
★★★★★
Kim D.
While reading the book “Soul Music”, I was transported back in time to West Oakland in the 1960s. I found the story to be compelling and the characters are likeable. Very well-written. Definitely a worthwhile read.
★★★★★
Jacinda A.
Honestly, I thought this was going to be a book about the history of Soul Music, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was a beautifully written (and at times hilarious) story about life in West Oakland.
★★★★★
Thomas D.
I found (Soul Music) extremely worthwhile and, at the same time, painful. to read. I am looking forward to reading the next Richard Cartwright story.
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