Timothy James Bottoms has written a love letter to Santa Barbara. While he may be best known for his award-winning performances in front of the camera, do not be mislead into thinking, for even a moment, that he is a lightweight as a writer. Mr. Bottoms deft hand has spun a lovely coming of age story that will hold you spellbound. His sense of place, as well as the descriptions of sound, the visuals and the narrative, will carry you along on the journey of a little boy, as he grows into a big boy over just one day. The Pier is so well done, that I could hear the sounds of the gulls fighting over bait, smell the salt filled fog that surrounded the pier, all while feeling the same trepidation I felt the first time I journeyed out alone. The Pier is a marvelous yarn, that will take you back to your own special days of growing up in a perfect place. It is the best Sunday read I have found in a very long time.