Category Archives: Books

Review: “History Is Delicious” by Joshua Lurie

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Karin E. Baker

“History Is Delicious” is an exploration of world cuisine from a historical perspective. This new book is written by accomplished food journalist Joshua Lurie, whose work has appeared in The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. One of … Continue reading →

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Book Review: TCM’s “Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics”

Posted on August 9, 2021 by Karin E. Baker

The delights of summer and the transformative power of the season are explored in “Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics.” Authored by John Malahy, this new book is part of an ongoing partnership between Turner Classic Movies and Running Hen Press.  … Continue reading →

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Tiki Oasis is Now A Town and Country Affair in San Diego

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Monique A. LeBleu

San Diego will be a not-so-quiet village as Tiki Oasis celebrates 20 years of all-things-tiki this week, from Thursday, July 28 through Sunday, August 1, 2021. Billed as the “largest Tiki event in the world,” this year will be five … Continue reading →

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Ska Boom! The Lively Origins of American Ska

Posted on June 24, 2021 by Simone Snaith

“Ska Boom! An American Ska & Reggae Oral History” is a great new book from Marc Wasserman, ska enthusiast and bassist/lyricist of the first NJ ska band, Bigger Thomas. His heartfelt introduction and Stephen Shafer’s excellent opening history of ska … Continue reading →

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Join Barack Obama & the LA Times for a Free Virtual Book Event This Wednesday

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Karin E. Baker

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues this week with a free online conversation with former President Barack Obama and acclaimed filmmaker Ava DuVernay. You can enjoy this lively literary chat between Obama and DuVernay on YouTube, Twitter, or Facebook Live this Wednesday, … Continue reading →

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Glamour Ghoul: The Story of Maila Nurmi and Vampira

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Simone Snaith

“Glamour Ghoul: The Passions and Pain of the Real Vampira, Maila Nurmi” is an absorbing look at the woman behind the enduring character of Vampira. Based on journal entries, letters and oral testimony gathered by Nurmi’s niece, Sandra Neimi, the book … Continue reading →

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“Asperfell” by Jamie Thomas: A Light, Gothic Fantasy Tale

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Simone Snaith

“Asperfell,” the first of a new trilogy by Jamie Thomas, is an enjoyable fantasy about a young woman who must rescue a prince from a prison for mages (wizards), after the king has condemned magic and divided the kingdom of Tiralaen … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Marlowe B. West’s “Go West: The Rock and Roll Memoir 1967-1970”

Posted on January 26, 2021 by Lucretia Tye Jasmine

Looking for a wild ride in a psychedelic memoir? Check out Marlowe B. West’s “Go West: The Rock and Roll Memoir 1967-1970” (1986). West’s writing moves with a glittering energy, zanily poetic, as colorful and textured as the experimental fashions … Continue reading →

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LA Native and National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman Steals the Show

Posted on January 20, 2021 by Christy Kane

As if the relief and joy surrounding the Biden inauguration today wasn’t enough, the world got to experience the wise words of the first (she was chosen in 2017) National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, as she delivered her poem … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Peter And The Wolves by Adele Bertei

Posted on January 9, 2021 by Bob Lee

Residents of Cleveland in the 1970s produced some of the most memorable proto-punk music ever made, music so memorable we still talk about it today even though it was barely recorded and in its day, was almost totally unreleased. These … Continue reading →

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