No comments about Disney Years Seen Through a Photographer's Lens.

1 comments about Los Angeles Attractions.

1. The world has been waiting a long time for a good guide to Los Angeles that shows what the city has to offer and why its citizens love it so much. This book is it. Most other Los Angeles guides are written by authors on the east coast or the bay area and seem mostly apologetic, and at best reluctant, at having to write a guide for a city they never have liked or understood; but feel obligated because of the insatiable demand of people wanting to visit the city. This guide is the only one you will need. FINALLY!

2 comments about Guide to Highway 395 Los Angeles to Reno.

1. We purchased this book in preparation for a vacation in the area of Reno, Tahoe and eastern California, and it was a gem. We visited many sites we would not have known about except for this book, and had a great time. Out thanks to the author for writing this very useful book. We recommend it to anyone.



2. This book is one of the best travel guides that I have ever used. There are so many historical landmarks and places of interest along Highway 395. This book encourages the reader to stop and visit. If time doesn't permit, it stimulates your curiosity and imagination. Ginny Clark uses her many years of travel on Hwy 395 to pass on her love of this unique area. This book has been loaned out to more people than any other book that we own. In fact, I am thrilled to find it on Amazon so that I can order it as a gift. Highly recommend!

No comments about Fodor's Around Los Angeles with Kids, 2nd Edition: 68 Great Things to Do Together (Around the City with Kids).

3 comments about Architecture Tours L.A. Guidebook: Silver Lake.

1. These are great guides to view all the architectural gems in my neighborhood and surrounding areas. Highly recommended for locals or people who visit Los Angeles often. You wouldn't think there are so many historical houses and buildings to see in this town, but Laura Massino Smith has compiled them into these handy books with great photos as well.



2. A lot is packed into a great "carry with you as you tour around the hard to fully describe area of Silverlake". I give my `I keep in my car' copy to visiting out of towners so they don't have to figure out what the big deal is; it's all in the book and they can then see it for themselves right in front of them. A wonderful series of architecture books for both natives and visitors of Los Angeles.



3. If you'd like to take any of several self-guided automobile tours of Los Angeles and nearby areas, Laura Massino Smith's books are excellent. Each tour book has clear directions and easy-to-read maps, lots of fascinating notes and information, plus photos of what to look for. I've lived in LA for over twenty-five years, and Smith's books have surprised me with things I'd never seen or hadn't noticed. There are three of her books in my glove compartment so far (Hollywood, Silverlake, and Hancock Park/Miracle Mile) and I'll be getting the rest as well.

5 comments about Hollywood Remains to Be Seen: A Guide to the Movie Stars' Final Homes.

1. Great Book.........I am an old movie buff



2. He led a glorious life full of glamor and adoration for his host of fans. His ending, however, would make a movie to beat all. He was abandoned by everyone and ended up at his final resting place, the cemetery. Read about false memories and not actuality in a tome written to launch a career on the heels of:
   Another Imposter on MYL : A Dutiful Daughter's Memories, August 12, 2006 I got too close to the truth for comfort and so had to find it on my web site about the shenanigans of the stars there who act like so much ____________ Now hear this: a fan's expose of what is really happening.
   
   Dean Martin was successful in the Fifties as an actor, singer, t.v. show host and yet we young people back then though he was just a drunk. He was a member of the rat pack, not that that is saying a whole lot. Sinatra was a bigger lush than Dean could ever be, and all those wives of his! I do remember how he was fascinated with the lovely Lainie Kazan on his television music show, and perhaps that is what caused his divorce.
   
   The author of this book has related how her 'mother's house' was next door to Rosemary Clooney. I guess Ira Gershwin lived on the other side of Rosie? I do remember that before the talented Dean died, he was living as a bum (like James Agee in New York), with a beard and same old clothes. There was no one to care for him in that condition. I ask you, where was this 'devoted' dauthter then? She is the second to make money off the deceased singer. First Jerry Lewis, after all of his tantrums and allegations, refusing to a reunion with Dean Martin. Now, the absent daughter who is using her dead father's fame as her own.
   
   She has wormed herself into a slot on Music of Your Life, after first playing around with Les Brown, Jr. there in Branson, Missouri, getting to be top dog for two hours daily; now, she has her own weekend slot and all night on Sundays. Here is how she is described on their web site: Deana, who is an accomplished actor singer, entertainer and author, in addition to being the daughter of her famous father, has quickly become a Music of Your Life listener favorite with her great behind- the-scenes stories. Between concert and book tours, Deana produces the annual Dean Martin festival! When I was fifteen, I could sing just as well as she can. And to think that she collaborated on her CD (thanks to MYL) with Jerry Lewis, it's a sacrilege after all he did to her dad she supposedly is devoted to. With a daughter like that, who needs enemies. The writer of the book, DINO, shows how he died in virtual isolation. We all knew that. It's a sacrilege for anyone to make a fortune off a dead person who is not hear to tell the truth. Such is life today.



3. Very well put together with an exceptional reference section.Easy to read and follow.Worth the price and I reccomend it.



4. I REALLY LOVED THE BOOK I WISH THERE WAS MORE PICTURES OF THE STARS GRAVES . BUT WAS A GREAT READ IT TELLS WHERE ALL THE STARS IN HOLLYWOOD ARE BURIED THIS IS A BOOK ILL CHERISH AND KEEP FOR A VACATION TO HOLLYWOOD AND TAKE WITH ME THANKS



5. This is one of those great niche books, that seem weird on the surface, but are actually really fun reads. This book is very well crafted and though I would have appreciated a few more images, overall, this is about as good a book on this uh interesting subject, that could be imagined. I have never been one that found cemeteries scary or eire, I find them, well the nice ones anyway, very peaceful. In Victorian times, people had picnics in cemeteries and they used them as public parks, so I really dont know how they sort of ended up these scary, spooky places we never visit..I guess Hollywood movies...so that makes this guide interesting on many levels. All and all, fun read, highly recommended.

5 comments about Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland.

1. This book is absolutely fascinating! If you've ever been to Disneyland and find that it still gets you excited when you think of going back, this book is for you.
   
   There is so much interesting information. I thought I knew quite a bit about the Magic Kingdom. But, this book goes deeper behind the scenes. It exposes the good, the bad and the ugly. It is not a put down of the park. But, it does let you know from first hand interviews with former employees that it's had it's share of problems. This makes you appreciate all the hard work the Disney team does to make your day in the park seem "Magical".
   
   Chapters like "Fatal Attractions" and "Tragic Kingdom" go into detail about those "down played" accidents and deaths. I remember hearing a little about some of them and wondering how things turned out. This book gives you the details, including the law suits which were filed.
   
   Though I'm absolutely NOT a history enthusiast, I loved the history of Disneyland. Did you know that opening day was actually not so great? Do you remember the Flying Saucer ride and wonder why it disappeared? The answers are all here without the candy coating.
   
   This book is the Special Golden Anniversary Edition. There are only 4,000 copies of this edition. This makes it a special collector's item for Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. I plan on buying the sequel book, too. It's hard to put this one down once you start. So, you better buy them both now so you don't have to wait for the next part like I am.



2. The author has created a collection of Disney tidbits which is gossipy and frothy, but unfortunately it is poorly written and most of the stories are so undeveloped that the chapters often read like flat lists of factoids. In the end the book made me wish for a more satisfying and quality read.
   
   This book is a compilation of probably thousands of hours of interviews with current and former Disneyland employees and probably thousands of hours of researching news archives. From that alone the book is impressive, but unfortunately the author doesn't really know what to do with his source material. Most of the chapters meander through a list of literally hundreds of story snippets related to some vague topic (crime, employees, law suits, etc.) and while chock full of content, none of the chapters really has any flow or payoff. It is as if he were desperate to stick in every single anecdote he was told, no matter how inconsequential or unlikely. As a matter of fact, some of the "facts" seems more like urban legends that have gradually been rewritten over the decades by the overactive memories of former employees, and their inclusion casts a doubtful light on the entire book.
   
   When the author tries to draw deeper conclusions, they often come off as ham-handed and tacked on. For example, at the end of the chapter on lawsuits he makes a summary statement to the effect of, "People will do anything to make a buck, even at Disneyland." This statement comes after a chapter full of examples of bad behavior on both customers' and Disneyland's sides. To suddenly paint every one of the plaintiffs as money-grubbing opportunists is glib at best, dishonest at worst.
   
   One final criticism is that the book is very out-of-date and is overdue for a new edition.
   
   The book has a few good stories, including the chance to find out more about Club 33 and the real story behind the Carousel of Progress death, but I would suggest finding a library copy instead of shelling out money for your own copy. I was going to pass this book on to my nephews and niece before a summer visit to Disneyland, but I don't feel it will be worth their time to read, so I'm just going to donate it to a flea market instead.



3. I really, really enjoyed this book! I loved reading about the development of the park, and the various changes that happened over time. The stories about the antics of the staff were hilarious! This is a great behind-the-scenes book.



4. I thought that this book might make amusing reading, and for the first few pages I was entertained. After awhile though, reading hundreds of one-and-two sentence anecdotes becomes rather dull. Worse yet, about 95% of the anecdotes have no attribution. Are the statements true? The result of wishful thinking? Who knows? I skimmed the last half of the book because I just could not deal any longer reading laundry list after laundry list after laundry list.
   
   The writing style was peculiarly adolescent, and where actual paragraphs appeared, they were hardly engaging. The narrator's voice, as it were, was dull, non-analytic, and repititious. We are also told, ad nauseum, that the workers at Disneyland are almost uniformly young, fun-loving, totally dedicated- I think we get that idea after the 15th time being told that. The author also came across as a backdoor Disneyland booster, naughtily displaying Disney's foibles with a wink and a grin: despite the little problems that may arise from time to time, Disneyland is really a fun, safe place we can all enjoy. Hey! You! Yes you! Why not plan a vacation there now?
   
   *sigh* Hardly the juicy expose I had hoped for. Buy the cheapest used copy available if you feel you must.



5. The author took a very negative approach to reviewing Disney. A bit like the National Enquirer.

No comments about Ecstatic Trails: The 52 Best Day Hikes and Nature Walks In and Around Los Angeles.

2 comments about Downtown Los Angeles: A Walking Guide.

1. This book tells you about things people don't bother to listen to about L.A.. It's a great guide for a suprisingly delightful tour of downtown with extensive and interesting information. It's a definite must have for any interested in Los Angeles or in California.



2. Urban explorers, take note: this book is absolutely great for pointing out all the landmarks, attractions, terrific displays of art, and unique features that comprise downtown LA. And a huge added bonus are the clear directions, locations of restrooms, and an extensive list of restaurants, including prices. I've been downtown many times with friends, and never fail to take this book!

5 comments about Rio L. A.: Tales from the Los Angeles River.

1. Admittedly, there aren't many books devoted to the LA river so we have to make do with what's available. Unfortunately, if you're looking for an in-depth historical biography, this certainly isn't it. Entertaining, maybe -- a big maybe. The text is so lightweight and airy, I half expected it to drift away. The Blake Gumprecht book is more thoroughly researched and thought out, and a much better choice.



2. That other review must be from a disgruntled author. Patt Morrison's book is filled with historical information about the Los Angeles River, plus wonderful anecdotes and a very readable style--I bought it because I saw it on the LA Times BESTSELLER list for six weeks and decided to see what I was missing. The people who put it on the list by buying it know what's great--I love this book. A book doesn't have to be long like Gumprecht's to be fulfilling. Plus this book has compelling photographs that tell their own incredible story. Hooray for Patt Morrison and Mark Lamonica!



3. I'm a big fan of "urban archaeology" but except for a few cool bridges (if you've ever been to the movies you've seen them) there's not much goin' on these days along the LA river. Its interesting as a story but photographicly its pretty dull, even as an industrial landscape.

   Its like books on Rt. 66. 99% of what made it interesting isn't there anymore.




4. Than this poorly written, haphazard history. The photos aren't even coffee book table quality and are often so cropped as to delete important features that the author may have actually described. This is not for a serious historical reader or for a photo composition review. It fails on all counts.



5. This book is done in a table top format and should be within reach at all times- at least for all Angelinos and natural flowing river advocates. It is not a scholarly treatment and not meant to be, rather, it is an anecdotal effort to bring awareness of the *existence* of the river and bring people up to speed via a quick overview of the history and current affairs of the river. This is accomplished with good text and photos by Patt Morrison (Los Angeles Times columnist, extraordinaire) and Mark Lamonica (a great photographer).
   
   It is ironic that the first Europeans settled and founded Los Angeles *because* of the river, never mind the Indians that were here first and had revered the river for centuries for it's life providing qualities, yet in so many years and due to huge population growth, demands for ever increasing water volume caused people to start looking elsewhere, ie., wells, lake diversions, catch-basins, etc. The river became a nuisance from it's pesky habit of changing it's course through periodic floods and then ran dry for much of the year. Eventually, the river was channeled and turned into a huge concrete drainage ditch- not a pretty site. Access to the river was fenced-off, so it pretty much became ignored. Well, not quite.
   
   Very dedicated people (including Patt Morrison) have been drawing attention to the river and calling for it's revitalization as a river complete with native flora/fauna. "Friends of the L.A. River" is one such group and there are many more. There are significant stretches of the river that have been rehabilitated to a more natural and original condition and many would love to see this happen over the entire 51 mile run it makes from the headwaters in the San Fernando Valley all the way to Long Beach where it meets the Pacific Ocean- and this is doable! The river just needs more attention drawn to it and that is the essence of this book.
   
   If anyone wants a more scientific (hydrology, meterology, etc.), scholarly and historically fact filled book about the river, check out what most people refer to as the definitive science and history of the river: "The Los Angeles River: It's Life, Death, and Possible Rebirth" by Blake Gumprecht (Patt Morrison references it in her book). In combination, these 2 books give a compelling voice of hope to the continuing revitalization and respect for Rio L.A.