Balanced on the Edge of the Crowd

Balanced on the Edge of the Crowd- a personal memoir that captures every aspect of the 1970s through the eyes of an insecure and reckless girl, who at eighteen flees a psychologically abusive childhood home. Her story begins with a hitchhiked journey from New York City to Los Angeles, with a young boy she barely knows. What follows is a path of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Elaine moves from Los Angeles to California's Central Valley where she meets her second husband, Blake Webster, who whisks her off on a six-month honeymoon through most of the Western United States and Canada. They do a stint in Spokane Washington and ultimately take a job in Mays Landing New Jersey-becoming the last couple to manage Sunshine Nudist Park- before it's permanently closed by Hamilton Township authorities. Social nudity is a significant part of the book. Yet, the more raucous scenes deal with the sex, music and counter-cultures for which the decade is famous. The comedic scenes, along with their unique characters are interspersed with moments of insight and triumph over depression.