July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Charles Freericks To Read From His Comic Memoir On Thursday At Montana Library:

Long time Santa Monica resident Charles Freericks will be reading from his book, “My Imaginary Friend Was Too Cool to Hang out with Me” at the Montana branch of the Santa Monica Library this Thursday afternoon.

Freericks, a former network executive, who once oversaw the development of hundreds of hours of primetime programming at CBS, NBC, and New Line, was driven to begin his own career as a writer by the quote from Philip Roth that, “Nothing bad can happen to a writer. Everything is material.”

He said his book began when he jotted down a childhood memory of when the family television died one day and he turned to the major appliances in the house for entertainment eventually flooding the dining room through an ill-thought-out attempt to watch the dishwasher.

“I read the story to some friends and they started to tell me about the inane things that they did as kids,” Freericks said. “It was then that I realized I had touched on something common to the human condition.”

That one story led to nearly 40 more, some reflective, but most comedic, because mistakes are the stuff of humor, and as Freericks points out, he made a lot of mistakes growing up in the 1960s and 70s.

“So much of what the individual remembers and experiences is actually universal,” Freericks said. “Discovering the world by clumsily tripping over things like first grade, first love, and first car happen to all of us.

“While I adore when someone gets in touch with me to say they remember this commercial or that store or this song that I mention, the best compliments I get are from the readers who reach out to me to tell me their stories from their childhoods. I look at this book as a motivator to other writers, a starting point to spark their own memories.”

Freericks will be reading at the Montana Branch on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 pm. The library’s address is 1704 Montana Avenue.

For more information call 310.458.8682 or visit smpl.org.

in News
<>Related Posts

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...