A Boy's Life Journey

Through the process of writing these two books, something struck me? I wrote about a lot of things, but more than anything I wrote about my generation. I grew up night in the “middle” of it! L.A., in the 70’s and 80’s. Latch-Key kid.

I was a kid, like 14 or 15, and it was Christmas dinner. My uncle John Wortmann and I are talking. He says, no one seems to know about his generation. Like who is Sonja Henie? I said she won the 1936 Olympic gold medal in figure skating and later, became a famous actress. Nice Mark. The other day, I was talking to a group of people from this generation. I asked if they knew who Carl Lewis is? Most didn’t like, the most decorated track and field star in Olympic History (9 gold medals). My mother told me that fashion goes around every 3 generations. The kids are wearing, baggy jeans. OMG, my timing is spot on. That is why, I wrote those books I have great stories of the people and places that defined it.

Poison (for those who don’t know) is the greatest rock and roll band Even, is coming out with a new album Top Gun Maverick is on fire! 36 years later, both well documented every 3 generations, Right mom.

Author Biography

Mark DenDekker is a Southern California native with a lifelong passion for storytelling. Drawing from decades of lived experience-from growing up in L.A. during the 1970s and ’80s as a latchkey kid, to staying active through running and sports-Mark writes with a candid, humorous voice that captures both the personal and generational spirit of his time. His books chronicle unforgettable people, places, and cultural moments-from Top Gun to Poison, Carl Lewis to Sonja Henie-with reflections full of heart, grit, and dark wit. His motto? The One Who Has The Most Fun Wins.