Melanie’s Song

The tale continues into a new decade with Melanie’s Song, when J.J. dashes from her news room desk in Pasadena to pursue a lead in her quest to find Melanie, the French House friend who has gone missing. From a rumor she has learned that Melanie was spotted in redwood-shrouded commune on the Mendocino coast, and when she investigates, she finds a burnt-out building and the news that an unidentified body was found inside.  The determination to learn if that body was her beloved friend takes her into the labyrinth  of the 70s with its drug-inspired mysticism, hippies, music, anti-war protests and variations on the theme of love. J.J.’s journey puts her in touch with the others from French House, and she especially reconnects with Jocelyn, who helps her in her search. Eventually the two decide to tell Melanie’s story together in a film, and J.J. begins her career as a screenplay writer.