The front pages are very interesting for southern California readers. The thirties section is not well represented. A section on LA sports is not as complete. Because you only see certain dates, and only the front page of that event, many stories are tantalizingly left to your imagination and further research.

Two types of "ghosts" are involved in this tale of murders that center around a used book store in Los Angeles. Not a heart-thumping thriller, but the slight supernatural touch is a vital part of the plotting.

I was captivated by the content of this novel from page one. Nina Vida has most definately lived the story she tells. Having lived and worked in Saigon and furhter lived in the little Saigon area, I can understan Nina's description of life there today. For an easy and comical relief in your reading, I highly recommend this book.

I have carried this slim Los Angeles street atlas with me on over fifty trips there. Unlike the excellent Thomas Guide, Gousha's is light enough to toss into the briefcase without thinking about it. Rental car, L.A. traffic, late for a meeting ... Gousha's has gotten me out of trouble many times. Please get the excellent guide back into print! -- T.K.

Interesting historical fiction about Nazi influence in the Hollywood of the World War. More than a little chilling in today's context.

Shah's LAPD detective heroine, Brenden Harlow, is a quick and interesting vacation read. Shah gets better, novel by novel. A bit tedious in parts, but with enough interrelated plot lines and complexity and turmoil to keep the mind moving.

This is a good book to take along with you on hikes. It gives tips to beginners about what to take on the trail, and what to be careful of during the hike.

Maps are sparse, so you'll need to break out auxiliary highway maps and Topo maps. As for the directions, most hikes are pretty interesting. There were times, however, when the directions seemed ambiguous/confusing, and it took awhile to get my bearings and figure out where the author was pointing me to.

The Hastain Trail and Amir's Garden are two of my favorite hikes.

All in all, a good book.

weber does an excellent job in compiling and reviewing the work of cardinal mcintyre's tenure as archbishop of los angeles. the man built hundreds of parishes, schools and hospitals in his twenty plus years at the helm.

the author does not shy away from the cardinal's legendary battle with the ihm nuns in the wake of the second vatican council, nor the conflicts with latino militants. the text is fair to both sides.

mcintyre built la into one of the major archdioceses of the american catholic church. eminence is the record of this man's achievements and shortcomings. one of the best books of this kind.

Very good overall history of the beginings of Hollywood to the late 70's. Lots of geographical info on where things are (or were) located in the city. Covers Hollywood by decades and describes some of the big events in the city for each decade and those events of the country that affected Hollywood. Very easy read, read it a second time in about two days time.

This is a beautiful exhibition catalogue that shows how movies depict historical and SF costume. It is full of beatiful illustrations from the movies being discussed and also has examples of the actual costume worn in that movie.

What is very interesting is in the historical sections. You can clearly see how *wrong* these costumes are. Superfically they look right - but that's about it. Even 'gone with the wind' has it's problems.

There is also a section on SF movies and how the costuming in those are affected by what people are wearing at the time they are made. Out of this section the movies that seem to have stood the test of time the best are 'bladerunner' and 'flash gordon 1980'.

This is a very interesting book for people who are interested in the movies and costume.