After World War II, suburbs proliferated around California cities as returning soldiers traded in their uniforms for business suits. After-hours leisure activities took on an island-themed sensuality that bloomed from a new fascination with Polynesia and Hawaii. Movies and television shows filmed in Malibu and Burbank urged viewers to escape everyday life with the likes of Gidget and Hawaiian Eye. Restaurants like Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's sprang up to answer the demand for wild cocktails and even wilder décor. The culture--a strange hodgepodge of idols, torches, lush greenery and colorful drinks--beckoned men and women to lose themselves in exotic music and surf tunes. Authors Jason Henderson and Adam Foshko explore the state's midcentury fascination with all things Tiki. "Broader conceptually than you might expect. .... Yes, it covers the historical significance: the reaction of post-WWII and Korean war veterans rewriting their experiences to deal with both PTSD and reintegration into society by sublimation and subversion. It addresses music (Exotica and Surf), bars and Tiki lounges, movies, television programming, demise with the rise of Vietnam War due to the discomforting similarities, and the resurgence again in the 90s. ... also presents the sides and interpretation of fantasy versus appropriation inherent in Tiki. ... Overall, a solid overview of California Tiki to give readers a basis for understanding, a deeper read will require use of the extensive footnotes."-- NoGlitterBlown"The key word is "escape." Chapters guide the reader through Tiki-land--from music and books, films and TV shows, to the new world of Tiki. Along the journey, you'll learn about the Tiki cultural influences of Dick Dale, "King of the Surf Guitar" and his classic song "Misirlou;" the soundtrack from "The Endless Summer" iconic Surf Documentary; Elvis' "Blue Hawaii," Hawaiian Eye, Gilligan's Island and even The Brady Bunch TV shows; Thor Heyerdahl's thrilling, gripping real-life book (and documentary) Kon-Tiki, about his amazing 5,000 mile sea voyage; famous drinks (and recipes) like Mai Tai, Zombie, Planter's Punch and Singapore Sling and Tiki events.There are dozens of black & white as well as color photos documenting Tiki Culture, which make this an educational and enjoyable book to consume."-- Craig MacDonald, SeeCalifornia.com Jason Henderson has written games for EA, Microsoft and Activision. He is the author of the popular Alex Van Helsing series from HarperCollins and the 2019 series Young Captain Nemo from Macmillan. He wrote the magical romantic comedy Sylvia Faust for Image Comics and the assassin thriller Daughters of the Shadow for Marvel; co-wrote Clockwerx, a steampunk adventure about a Victorian mech team, for Humanoids; and co-wrote the teen adventure Psy-Comm for Tokyopop. This is his first nonfiction book. Adam Foshko has worked on some of the most successful media franchises in history. His experience as a writer and world builder has cultivated a deep understanding of why stories are important and their place in reinforcing culture, socialization, history and identity. He believes that Tiki has a similar power--one that calls to us from a much older world of mystery, binding us together in its rediscovery, playfully tempting us with the opportunity of escape and promising a tale of great adventure.