After reading Karen Novak's first novel, Five Mile House, I was extremely excited to start her second. I was not disappointed. Ordinary Monsters captured me instantly and weaved a tale of loss and finding yourself in the most unlikely of places.

The story is about a woman searching across the country for her junkie son who ran away with his equally junkie girlfriend. Her search finds her in Lagrimas, a small out of the way and quiet California town. In Lagrimas, the locals like their anonymity, and some would prefer that Joyce never had settled in and bought their local bar. The story revolves around a few central characters that you'll grow to love and wish the novel could go on for hundreds of more pages.

I loved this book, I only wish she could write faster and give us more amazing novels.

Novak will seduce you with her masterful and engaging retelling of Shakespeare's tale. Her characters, sharply drawn and all too human, will endear themselves to you right off the bat. Like me, you will find yourself only too willing to follow them down every dark and narrow passage they travel. I indulged myself with Ordinary Monsters -- I started reading on a Saturday afternoon and didn't put down the book until I was done. You'll want to do the same.

The characters in Karen Novak's latest novel are not soft and cuddly. This is not a book for readers who want their endings tied up in neat little packages nor their characters prototypical. But, if a reader is willing to spend some time with characters who come across as real, flawed, self-aware and struggling, then I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Joyce is on a mission to find her drug-addicted son. She is also trying to control the uncontrollable--the "ordinary monsters" that stalk us in daily life. Her quest brings her to the middle of nowhere--a bar in the desert. The bar serves as the sink trap for those struggling to avoid being sucked down the drain, a collection of characters with their own secrets and monsters.

Novak skillfully shows us how each of these characters wound up in Lagrimas. This is not a novel about pathetic victims, nor is it a novel about Oprah-type heroines who overcome their pasts. Rather, it is about the spider web of relationships that support us--but may also trap us--when we've flown blindly into the night.

well as an avid collector of Mid-Century artifacts. I was very impressed by the book. Palm Springs is an amazing city and to just drive around in your car and look at the fascinating architecture is so awesome. To me being here and loving that style of design is just a bonus. But when some tourist saw me driving my beloved 62 Valiant wagon yelled out of their window "We saw you in Palm Springs Weekend" I asumed that they ment with my band. Until they said "With this car" That is when I realized The photograph I had candidly posed for a year before. I got a hold of the book and sure enough there I was. It makes me proud to be in the book. And I hope that Alan Hess and Andrew Danish Have great success with their careers. And I pray that the book will open peoples mind to the likes of Albert Frey and Richard Neutra and the many other designers who have shaped the deserts amazing style which needs to be preserved and not demolished as society grows. An awesome book and a must have for every Mid-Century modern enthusiust.

While I initially bought Palm Springs Weekend as a coffee table book, it is much more substantial -- a great read, with the historical perspective necessary to appreciate the architectural legacy. Hess and Danish provide a tour from the beginnings of the desert resort in the 1930s, through the Hollywood migration of the 1940s and '50s and continue with the decline and then reawakened interest in modernism. And yes, it is a handsome book to have out for guests.

PSW earns high marks for balance, not focusing unduly on celebrity homes but instead providing a survey of significant commercial buildings, architectural trends and the personalities (Cody, Frey, the Alexanders) that brought the modernistic vision to life. Because of this, most readers interested in architecture will find it more useful than glamour-shot books of multi-million dollar homes behind gated walls. Several of the buildings noted are readily observable to visitors.

In addition, the authors illustrate the aspects of the culture that spawned Palm Springs. It is a remarkable journey because it is only recently that we have begun to view the 1950's, for example, as a period that has left us 'historic artifacts' worth appreciation. Less affected than neighboring LA or San Diego by overwhelming population growth, Palm Springs is something of a monument to the way things were. Hess and Danish do not overlook this.

While it is disappointing to see the cookie-cutter tract homes being built as the desert communities expand eastward, Palm Springs retains many of its unique homes, many of which are accessible to those of moderate means. PSW helps us appreciate the imaginative architects of the 'midcentury oasis', in their successes and even manages to evoke a bit of appreciation for some of the eyesores. A must read for anyone restoring or considering the purchase of a special home in this fascinating place.

If you like mid-century architecture you'll love this book. Showcases not only on the 'finest' (and familiar) works of some extraordinary architects/builders in this resort town, but also offers up a bit of kitsch too. Often neglected but valuable nonetheless and is part of what makes Palm Springs the town it is. Very well written with lush photographs. I came away with insights into the making of an American resort town. Almost as good as being there.

The book Pasquala is about a brave girl who suffers because her dad and mom die. Pasquala is a strong character because her uncle who adopts her isn't very kind to her. For example, he doesn't let her go to the mourning ceremony or be in the ceremony changing kids into adults. Pasquala is the book's narrator, and she is a good one because she helps others. She saves the padres when she runs for 3 days and nights to warn them about an attack, and that's why she dies. I think that the book is good and it teaches a valuable lesson: we need to help others and then they are going to help us back when we need it. Pasquala even got her name from a padre who calls her that because she helps others. I like this book a lot, and think most kids my age would enjoy reading it. I learned many things from this book, such as how Yokuts Indians collected salt.

The genre is historical fiction. The story began when Pasquala and her mother were hiding in a cave because they saw soldados coming to their village. Pasquala was scared when she sees shadows near the cave opening so she closes her eyes and then feels a hand touch her; when she opens her eyes her father is right in front of her. Her father said the soldados had gone. After a couple days they go to the Pacific Ocean and on their way back Pasquala gets sick, so they have to take her to the mission to save her life. After a while they start living at the mission. One day her father finishes a beautiful saddle, so now the soldados want him to take it to the presidio where the soldiers live. When he gets back he is sick and dies. But before he dies he tells Pasquala and her mother to leave the mission. When Pasquala and her mom go back, the other villagers don't really like them anymore, because they had to do their work while they were gone. From this book I learned a lot about the Yokuts Indians who lived in the Central Valley. The book was short (about 90 pages) and easy to read. I liked the ending because usually most books have a happy ending; this one was sad. Read this book, it's enjoyable and a great way to learn about Califoria history and geography.

The authors have done a fabulous job in bringing to life what it must have been like to be a little Yokut indian girl living in California's Great Central Valley 200 years ago. It teaches a great deal about the Yokut way of life and how things started to change when the Spanish arrived with their missions along California's coast. This is a fast read! You won't be able to put it down! Each turn of the page brings little Pasquala to a place in your heart where she will remain long after you finish the book. It is a fantastic book for 4th grade teachers to read aloud to their classes. It is also an excellent book for anyone who simply enjoys reading a well-written compelling story.

A must for any person who enjoys saltwater fishing in the state of California. Ken has done a wonderful job of clearly and concisely describing fishing tackle & techniques for angling at California's coastal piers, as well as environments and species available at each specific pier. Though useful to any fisherman - as a boatless shorefisherman, this guide has been invaluable to me. The author's obvious years of experience are reflected in this book, which has greatly increased my learning curve (and fish count). And the illustrated reference guide in the back of the book is a great tool in identifying what you've hooked into. Makes me want to go fishing!

Ken Jones has written a masterful book that details California piers up and down the coast. This books tells you the secrets and tips for more sucessful fishing adventures on California piers. An in depth look at each pier, what types of fish you'll catch, and most importantly, how to catch them. Ken reveals what baits to use, how to hook them and even some favorite recipes to prepare your catch. Also included are pictures of many species to easily identify fish. You will learn knots, rigs and what type of tackle you'll need to become a better angler. This book is no nonsense and straight to the point but never lacks for detail. This book is great for saltwater anglers no matter where you live. If you love fishing the way I do, this is a must read... Great book!

Consumerism has invaded fishing much as it has ruined many other pastimes. We are constantly called upon to buy more and better exotic products, in pursuit of the perfect trade magazine nirvana. No longer can one just go to a pleasant locale and just fish--one must be on a five day trip in Mexican waters aboard a luxury yacht with a ton and a half of electronic equipment and shiny tackle materials that make graphite seem archaic. Pier Fishing in California is about a simpler way--fishing from public piers across the state. Here are simple, inexpensive ways to have a day of fascinating fishing, without the need for boat, high tech tackle, trawling motor, or (in the cases of public piers), even a fishing license. The book does the job just right--a pier by pier rundown of where to fish, what you'll catch, how to catch it, and how good the fishing is, usually with a pier picture. All "how to" books should be this simple and useful, and pier fishing is a sport that deserves more attention. I suspect if more young people were taken to piers and taught patient technique rather than taken on expensive charters and taught how big money= easy fishing, then we might generate more young people with a genuine love for the sport.

This wonderful book is again available. The Long Beach Historical Society can be contacted at 562-495-1210.

For Long Beach Pike lovers, this booklet is a must. Not much more than 70 pages, but it is packed with dynamite, when it comes to a rich, historical accounting of the Pike from its beginning to its end. Black and white photos in abundance, showing rides, features, landscapes such as many of you may never have seen before.

Did you know, for example, that there were at least two auditoriums BEFORE there was the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium (along with the Rainbow Pier)? Did you know that there were several piers before Rainbow Pier, and that one of them was a double decker? Did you know that there were at least two roller coasters before there was the Cyclone Racer, and that the second coaster was remodeled once? Did you know that the Lido Ballroom was earlier known as the Majestic Ballroom and - even before that - it was known as the Majestic Skating Rink? Did you know that the High Ride was a construction machine once used in Europe? Did you know that there were three different "scooters" at one time at the Pike? Did you know that the first beauty contest at the Pike drew over 200,000 people with about 350 contestants, first prize being $500? Did you know that there was once a Bamboo Slide at the Pike and - before that - there was a spiral gondola ride?

Remember the Laff in the Dark, the Crazie Maize, McGruder's salt water taffy, the Rotor, the double ferris wheel, the deep-sea dive, the Flying Gondolas, the penny arcades and other booths?

You will find all these things in this power-packed booklet, put out by the Historical Society of Long Beach.

Although this book is currently a special order on Amazon.com, I recommend making that effort if you have an interest in the Long Beach Pike amusement park. If you grew up in southern California and are older than 30, you may remember the place.

The Pike was built around the turn of the century, and declined after World War 2, when its name was changed to the Nu-Pike. It was closed permanently in 1979, although key rides, such as the Cyclone Racer roller coaster were closed before that.

This book contains an extensive collection of black-and-white photographs that document the whole of the Pike's history. Recommended!

I went to Florida with a friend. We stayed at her Grandmother's. I got to sleep on the couch. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep that first night. There, sitting on the coffee table was a copy of this book (which had the most original cover, that I've ever seen). Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. It was so cleverly written, that it was the highlight of my trip (Disney was cool too, though). Ever since, I've been trying to locate a copy for myself (that was over 5 years ago). This book must be re-issued, and given the marketing it deserves!!

The metal-cover edition is beautifully crafted and a fantastic gift, if you can find one. [I wish I had bought 10 copies at the time.] The thought that went into writing and manufacturing this book was well worth the effort. A telling tale of language and communication on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

This book is clever, funny and wise, an charmingly oblique and literary look at American car culture. It should always be available to be given as a gift to word lovers everywhere.

I think I have found the best kept secret in this growing circle of CA homeowner's associations - John Linford's "Planned Community Living." Whether it is deciphering foreign acronyms and terms (i.e. CID, CCR, appurtenant interests, indemnification), dealing with power-hungry board members, or trying to settle a seemingly simple dispute over the height of a fence - this book finally helped me understand the foundational issues surrounding the places where many of us live. Buying and settling into a home is agonizing enough. Dealing with escrow, title, loan managers and realtors will test our patience. Add on top of this the "association" with their dues, covenants, conditions and restrictions, and I soon wondered where my freedom went of owning my own home. There are many benefits, like privacy, golf courses and swimming pools, but this was like walking into a foreign country without my Berlitz. The best time to read this book is before you commit yourself to living in a planned community. But, buy it anyway, even if you have already started paying your dues. It will help you navigate the legal side so that you can understand the issues and stand on solid ground when presenting your concerns. I recommended this book to one friend who was thinking about becoming a member of a homeowner's association and another who was already a board member. Both thanked me! Another plus, is that the publisher provides an annual update, discussing all the new laws each year that affect property owners and homeowners association. This is a real estate textbook worth 5x the asking price. It should be included in the package for every new homeowner, board member or property manager. There is a downside to the author if this were to happen......the annual association's legal fees would probably decrease substantially! What can I say - buy it!

This is a must read for anyone who is a member of a homeowner association. Linford's explanations of how to successfully live within homowners associations are detailed yet simple enough for the layman. This is a great book to have on your bookshelf as a reference.

I recently purchased this book about the rights of homeowner association members. this is the greatest laymens book. All documented by case law so you know your rights and what to do about them.

This is a good book because many people can relate to the story in one way or another. The book shows the struggles that not just Mexican American people, but all other people who have been born in the U.S. by immigrant parents,have been through. Being Mexican American seems like it's always harder just as Richard witnessed as he was growing up. The reason I feel this is true is because if one is mixed with American they have to please the Americans as well as their family backrground. This is why Richard believed that he was American as he was growing up, but he wouldn't discriminate any other ethnic background. All this changed when he was older becasue he started noticing the discrimination against him and his people because now he was associating himself as Mexican.

This book takes you back in time to the era of Pancho Villa and Pachucos. Its a great way for Mexican Americans to find about their history and the past. Its mainly about the struggle a boy goes through to fit in with the prejudice "Anglos"but he does not want to forget his Mexican roots . Also another major conflict his father's manhood and Machismo. It always got in the way of things and had a drastic affect on him.

This is a wonderful story of an immigrant family from Mexico. The father has the hopes of one day returning to the Mexico of his past, but with each passing day in his new land his dream of returning fades away. As the family grows up and changes the realities of Life show that you can never return to your past or in other words "You can never go Home."

Well written, good fun. An ideal gift for any lawye

This is an excellent book. If you want to know how O.J got off or the reasons why it seem that the guilty go free then you have to read this book. Ashley goes above and beyond the call of duty as he gets his clients off the hook.

The book is a tongue-in-cheek romp through a parody of today's legal system. Each chapter deals with a new character whom sleazy lawyer Ashley Blackwood must defend for the nefarious crime he or she has almost certainly committed. And Ashley is very creative in doing just that! In fact, he can twist and turn the law beyond recognition. Sound familiar? It will to anyone today who wonders, at times, what our legal system is coming to.

The author develops each character with meticulous and subtle detail. Although the characters are entirely fictional, the reader will, no doubt, see the resemblance to some very famous (and infamous) defendants.

The writing is modern and sophisticated. A very funny book! The reader will keep turning the pages to see what impossible case the next client will bring to Ashley and how Ashley will get him off! The action is seen through the eyes of Attorney Blackwood's worshipful assistant. At the end of each case, Ashley summarizes his work with a Rule of how to defeat the system is such cases.

I am a fourth grade teacher in the southern California area. I bought this book online about six months ago. My students have learned a lot about the California Missions, and find the games entertaining as well. It's easy for them to understand, and gives them creative ideas to work with their information. Learning can be fun! Just ask my students! There need to be more books out there like this.

I got this book from Santa on Christmas. Its so cool! There are lots of games to do, and it helps me with my California Social Studies class too.

I ordered this book for my two sons. Since then, they have enjoyed hours of fun. I even tend to join in on the fun once in a while. The artwork is FABULOUS and the easy learning history is great. This book is great for kids and adults. My kids are actually having fun and learning at the same time. Great job guys!