Playing It Down

And Other Revelations on the Glory of Golf
by Ralph Cissne

Eighteen Playing It Down stories explore encounters with assorted mentors and teachers, players and pretenders celebrating the glories of parenthood, brotherly bonds, and moments that matter.

“Our mothers were convinced golf would teach important life lessons, build character and preclude a life of crime. ‘Golfers are so clean cut,’ my mother said. If golfers are clean cut, I discovered, that was a clever disguise.”

Prudence in Hollywood

And Other Stories by Ralph Cissne

“An outstanding command of language sets this work apart.”

– The BookLife Prize 2019,

rated 9.5 out of 10

“I adore these stories, a rare glimpse into Hollywood at the end of the twentieth century–before Instagram and the Kardashians–a time of innocence and true love and longing. They made me feel glad to be alive and hopeful for our future.”

– JAMIE CAT CALLAN,

author of Parisian Charm School

ANGEL CITY SINGLES

A novel by Ralph Cissne

HOLLYWOOD, 1987. A COUPLE MEET IN A STAND-UP COMEDY WORKSHOP. WHAT MORE CAN POSSIBLY GO WRONG?

“Set in a bygone Los Angeles so crisply detailed that its hip haunts and scenic paths often steal the show.”

– US REVIEW OF BOOKS