Imagining Los Angeles: A City in Fiction (Western Literature Series)

Book Description

The history of a major city is examined through the work of the authors who defined it in our imaginations.

The literary image of Los Angeles has evolved since the 1880s from promotional literature that hyped the region as a New Eden to contemporary visions of the city as a perplexing, sometimes corrupt, even apocalyptic place that foreshadows and reflects all that is wrong with America. In Imagining Los Angeles, the first literary history of the city in more than fifty years, critic David Fine traces the history and mood of the place through the work of writers as diverse as Helen Hunt Jackson, Mary Austin, Norman Mailer, Raymond Chandler, Joan Didion, Carolyn See, and many others. His lively and engaging text focuses on the way these writers saw Los Angeles and used the image of the city as an element in their work, and on how that image has changed as the city itself became ever larger, more complex, and more socially and ethnically diverse.

Fine begins with the mythifiers Helen Hunt Jackson, author of the quintessentially romantic Ramona (1884) and Mary Austin, whose 1917 novel The Ford was the first fictionalization of the theft of water from the Owens Valley that became famous sixty years later in the movie Chinatown. He devotes chapters to both early and later Hollywood novels, to crime and detective novels, and to immigrant, ethnic, and apocalyptic fiction, paying detailed attention to the fiction of Upton Sinclair, James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, Ross Macdonald, John Fante, Nathanael West, Aldous Huxley, Budd Schulberg, Christopher Isherwood, Alison Lurie, Norman Mailer, Joan Didion, Thomas Pynchon, Walter Mosley, James Ellroy, Kate Braverman, and Carolyn See. The city's history, its architecture, even its disasters are all part of the story.

First published in 2000, Imagining Los Angeles is available now for the first time in paperback. This is essential reading for anyone interested in the literature and changing image of Southern California.

Customer Reviews:

Ever Since Ramona.......2001-08-14

I finished reading David Fine's excellent book Imagining Los Angeles: A City In Fiction at just before 2 am this morning. I was reading in bed in my 1923 bungalow in Whittier, California. It was a quiet night. No winds blowing; even the neighborhood dogs were asleep. It was too humid and Fine's wonderful analysis of Los Angeles fiction had my mind going a mile a minute. I thought about going for a drive; maybe listen to a little late-night radio, but I knew my wife would worry if she woke up and found me gone. I finally got to sleep, knowing I'd have to type up this report as soon as I got out of bed this morning.

Fine's book is not encyclopedic; if you are looking for a complete listing of SoCal fiction, you'll need to look elsewhere. Imagining Los Angeles is an overview - an introduction, a history with examples - of fiction set in the Los Angeles metro area. The first chapter gives you a little background on the area. Then Fine takes the reader on a literary journey from booster fiction, through fiction in the 20's, hard-boiled fiction, tough-guy detectives, the Hollywood novel and finishes with more ethnically oriented fiction and Los Angeles as a setting for disaster. The book is serious - probably not a summer beach read - but it also kept me in rapt attention and didn't read like the textbook Professor Fine could have turned it into. In my opinion, this book should appeal to a wide audience - from the serious literary student to the pop culture buff looking for a little backstory.

A lady just walked into my office (actually, my three legged female mutt just hopped into the 1980 guesthouse behind the bungalow) looking for my attention, so I better end this report now.

Sincerely Submitted, agnostictrickster 13 August 2001

A terrific overview of LA fiction.......2001-07-07

This is a terrific book, that rare academic work that is both entertaining and instructive. Having grown up in L.A., but no longer living there now, I truly enjoyed revisiting the city of my childhood and young adulthood via all the stories and authors Fine discusses. Fine's writing style is clear and blessedly free of academic jargon. His treatment of a wide variety of books and ideas is nothing short of a tour-de-force. "Imagining Los Angeles" does exactly what good literary scholarship should do: shine fresh light on books and their authors and make readers eager to discover the books for themselves! (I've just placed a mega-order for several of the titles Fine discusses... )

Review from American Library Association's CHOICE magazine.......2001-01-18

"Fine's research is extensive and thorough, his observations shrewd and penetrating, and his command of the political, social, and cultural matrix profound. A major contribution."--D. W. Madden, California State University, Sacramento--CHOICE, January 2001

Review from THE LOS ANGELES TIMES.......2000-09-15

"A short course in the essential literature of Los Angeles. . . . so full of punch and energy, so mercifully free of the impenetrable jargon that afflicts much scholarly and critical writing. Best of all, Fine sent me back to my old favorites with a fresh perspective, and he added a dozen titles to my own reading list."-Jonathan Kirsch, The Los Angeles Times

Book Description

Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.

Download Description

Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.

Customer Reviews:

Great new series.......2007-10-07

This is the first Patricia Briggs book I have read - if you liked the first few Anita Blake novels (before they became trashy) you will LOVE this book. I can't wait to read more.

Thank you...........2007-10-06

to all the people who wrote positive reviews about this book prompting me to buy it. I'm not an avid reader of this genre, but as someone who once loved the Anita Blake series this series is just what the doctor ordered. I can now find relief for what was ailing my aching heart.

I love the world and the characters Patricia Briggs created. Mercy is great. I gave this book 4 stars because I thought at one point the author got a little wordy and I was getting confused about Mercy's reasoning about the kidnap. But I've already read Blood Bound and that is going to be a 5 start review. I can't wait for book 3!

Fun book to read.......2007-09-22

This book was recommeded to me by a friend and I have really enjoyed it. Mercy, the main character, has spunk and is easy to like. The book isn't too grim or overly gory either, just an entertaining escape if you like your fiction to involve everything from werewolves to vampires.

anti-feminist from a female author?.......2007-09-20

I thought this book was pretty damn horrible. Mercy is a likeable character, but this book constantly put down women in all ways possible. Sure, it was subtle, but the message was clear! There was not nearly enough plot to make up for anything. I (unfortunately) finished the book and felt both disgusting and disgusted immediately afterward. Just about the only part I enjoyed was the looking at the cover. DON'T JUDGE THIS BOOK BY ITS COVER! Ugh, I'm just glad I didn't pay to read it.

Simply Amazing.......2007-09-03

I absolutely loved Moon Called. The story is so engaging that I couldn't put it down, and was very glad I waited to read this after the 2nd book in the series came out. The story flowed beautifully and had an ending that was surprising and well written, which followed the rest of the book.

Mercy is such a wonderful character. She is strong yet vulnerable all at the same time, which makes for a character the reader can relate to. One thing I loved about Mercy is she is willing to step back and let other people help her out when things got too deep. I believe this shows a much stronger character than one who thinks they can take on the world (and amazingly does so), which you see constantly for this genre. The secondary characters are also very realistic and endearing. I absolutely love Adam and desperately hope Mercy ends up with this wonderfully written character.

Overall, I loved this book and really wish I waited until the 3rd book of this series was out before reading Moon Called, as I am desperate to continue reading about Mercy. Moon Called is a MUST read for any Paranormal fantasy reader.

Tom Stoppard: Plays 3: A Separate Peace, Teeth, Another Moon Called Earth, Neutral Ground, Professional Foul, Squaring the Circle (Faber Contemporary Classics)

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Stoppard Collection

Tom Stoppard: Plays 3: A Separate Peace, Teeth, Another Moon Called Earth, Neutral Ground, Professional Foul, Squaring the Circle (Faber Contemporary Classics)
Tom Stoppard
Manufacturer: Faber & Faber
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

United States | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0571194281

Book Description

Plays Three:
A Separate Peace
Teeth
Another Moon Called Earth
Neutral Ground
Professional Foul
Squaring the Circle

Introduced by the author, this third collection of plays written by Tom Stoppard contains his television plays, written between 1965 and 1984. They show that Stoppard's writing for the small screen is comparable to his more celebrated stage work, as the masterly and timely Professional Foul demonstrates. In his introduction the author briefly describes how the pieces came to be written and the circumstances of their original production.

Customer Reviews:

Stoppard Collection.......2000-10-11

Stoppard is a wonderful playwright, but these are not some of his best plays. The collection is good, but I recommend buying some of his better plays even though they're not in an easy format like this, simply because it's better worth your money. If you already own those, however, this book will make a fine addition to your collection.

3 Cheri Scotch Werewolf Trilogy book set: 1 THE WEREWOLF'S KISS / THE WEREWOLF'S TOUCH / 3 THE WEREWOLF'S SIN (Also called Hunter's Moon and Voodoo Moon trilogy)

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3 Cheri Scotch Werewolf Trilogy book set: 1 THE WEREWOLF'S KISS / THE WEREWOLF'S TOUCH / 3 THE WEREWOLF'S SIN (Also called Hunter's Moon and Voodoo Moon trilogy)
Cheri Scotch
Manufacturer: Diamond Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000SHQW8Y

THE DARK O' THE MOON BEING CERTAIN FURTHER HISTORIES OF THE FOLK CALLED RAIDERS

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THE DARK O' THE MOON BEING CERTAIN FURTHER HISTORIES OF THE FOLK CALLED RAIDERS
CROCKETT
Manufacturer: MACMILLAN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SGB5HS

The Dark O' the Moon: Being certain futher histories of folk called "Raiders"

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The Dark O' the Moon: Being certain futher histories of folk called "Raiders"
S R Crockett
Manufacturer: Macmillan & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J33JNI

The Journal of John Wieners Is to Be Called 707 Scott Street for Billie Holiday, 1959 (Sun and Moon Classics)

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The Journal of John Wieners Is to Be Called 707 Scott Street for Billie Holiday, 1959 (Sun and Moon Classics)
John Wieners
Manufacturer: Sun and Moon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Authors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

San Francisco 1958-9, prefaces by L Warsh & F Howe

Average customer rating:

the book that started it all (for me)
Moon may have called, but just leave a message - not memorable
This was Boring!
Chaste Heroine worships Moon Goddess, fights evil
mooncalled

Moon Called
Andre Norton
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0812515331

Customer Reviews:

the book that started it all (for me).......2006-02-02

i picked this book up at random when i was about seven years old, at a library book sale, for 25 cents. up till that point i had not been much of a reader; i'd read some laura ingalls wilder (little house on the prairie and so forth) and roald dahl, but i was nothing like an avid reader. then i picked up this book, and although many of the criticisms are valid (this book reads like one that perhaps ms. norton wasn't quite finished with but she needed something to give to her editor), it will always have a very fond place in my heart, because it opened up the world of science fiction and fantasy to me.

Moon may have called, but just leave a message - not memorable.......2005-12-25

MOON CALLED is no relation to Norton's Yiktor series; this is an "after the fall of civilization" novel more along the lines of NO NIGHT WITHOUT STARS or STAR MAN'S SON, though evidently not in the same setting as either. As in those stories, the protagonist of MOON CALLED was an apprentice being trained in relatively arcane, specialized knowledge - in this case, a priestess - who was cast adrift from her people before the story opens. Unlike the protagonists of several other Norton stories in this vein, Thora was not exiled; her native village was destroyed by pirates, leaving her to make her way in the world alone.

Stumbling across an alien, injured stranger by chance, Thora is drawn into contact with Malkin's native society, wherein Malkin is familiar - lifelong companion, if you like - to a man of power in that society, wherein the gender roles are not quite reversed from those in Thora's own culture (down to serial polyandry in Makil's society, as opposed to polygamy in Thora's). Thora goes through some culture shock, but not much - Makil's society is only peripherally explored, mostly concerning those aspects that a hunter and sentry without strong family ties would see.

With very little tweaking, the story could've been dropped onto either continent of the Witch World during the Kolder War; the new universe introduced here isn't very memorable, and the post-apocalyptic aspects aren't utilized beyond setting up a "cache of very dangerous stuff" that could've been almost any McGuffin without loss of originality. (Thora and Makil's people have to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, with some disagreement among Makil's people about whether it might be useful for *them* to exploit.) No suggestion that I noticed of how the now-dominant religions, magic use, and so on happened to develop; throwing "Set" in as the name of the deity worshipped by the forces of evil is a little jarring for that reason, because none of the other religious elements seem to have such a clear connection to present-day mythology (generic moon goddess, Lord of Light, that sort of thing for the other religions).

While this book has its moments - I'll grant any of Norton's books that, though it doesn't quite make the three-star cut for me - I would recommend DARKNESS AND DAWN or SPELL OF THE WITCH WORLD over it for similar material given better handling. Elys' story in SPELL OF THE WITCH WORLD has some similarity to Thora's, but has a much more fleshed-out setting (though a more standard resolution of her relationship with Jervon than Thora has with Makil).

Nitpicks:
- It doesn't ring true that other survivors of Thora's native village scattered without trying to regroup, or that Thora abandoned them without more backstory and effects on her character. (Thora doesn't seem to know if there were other survivors, or care.) Norton offers some explanation for Thora's detachment, but it seems thin. She was being trained as a priestess and a major figure in the community, but feels no apparent responsibility apart from her duty to protect various religious artifacts. For her, being a priestess seems to be about her special Chosen status, not at all about her relationship with/responsibilities to other people. (While this is certainly one way to develop a society, Thora lost her home and everything she ever knew except her dog, and doesn't seem to have been affected at all as the story opens a few months down the line.)
- Thora doesn't quite seem to have the responses of a trained fighter - on poking into a strange, darkened room, she remains silhouetted in the doorway, and generally doesn't seem to be as prone to moving cautiously (or not at all) as one might expect a lone wanderer to need to be.
- Granted that this is a setting without efficient mass communication, it still seems that travellers' tales would've at least made Thora acquainted with Makil's people by rumour before she encountered them, since they're within a few months' journey at walking pace (a lot less, possibly) from her native village.

The back cover blurb for the first edition is poor, by the by.

This was Boring!.......2003-09-27

This was a boring book. Nothing happened! The descriptions of people, places, and events were really good-unlike the plot. Basically, Thora is from some community where if you're born with the mark of the goddess, you learn how to use a limited amount of magic, and don't have to get married or take care of the home. The community is attacked by pirates, but Thora and her dog escape. Thora finds a wounded familiar, and they travel together. They find an underground storage chamber thing, and go through it. There are all sorts of things there from the old days, where technology was above that of the middle ages. Thora and Malkin and Kurt go to the place where Malkin's blood-bonded person is, they fight some evil people, blah, blah, blah. The thing I didn't like about this book was that nothing really interesting happens. They have battles, but the battles aren't realistic, even for a fantasy/science fiction story. I mean, they don't know who they're really fighting, none of the bad guys ever say anything. Plus, Thora is _really_ intolerant of other people's religious beliefs and customs. If someone doesn't go with the code she was raised with, she pretty much gives them the cold shoulder. It got on my nerves. Again, nothing happened. I liked the furry people-the familiars, and their relatives in the woods-but the people were boring. Thora's is the only view point, and she never changes her mind about any of them. Basically, it's a boring book with boring characters. I've read a few of Norton's other books, and feel pretty confident when I say that this is definately not her best work.

Chaste Heroine worships Moon Goddess, fights evil.......2001-03-24

I think "Moon Called" is for Norton fans only. It seems to have started out as fantasy, then switched to science fiction midway through the manuscript. The hero and heroine, who both practice white magic, ride to the rescue of one of their comrades in a hi-tech tank. Although Norton successfully combined magic and technology in some of the early Witch World novels, it doesn't work as well in "Moon Called". Thora, the heroine is also a bit too prickly and too inclined to argue about religion to be likeable. Dialogue (never a Norton strong point) is exceptionally stilted and long-winded. Thora is given lines like, "Him also do all who serve the Lady call enemy," and "I am one with those who draw the Moon---though I was not yet brought to Her as one of the Three."

The action scenes and the confrontation of white versus dark magic are vintage Norton, both suspenseful and eerie, so there is meat in "Moon Called" for the die-hard fan (I've read it at least three times). However, I would recommend "The Crystal Gryphon" or "Year of the Unicorn" as a 'starter fantasy' for those who are not yet familiar with this fine author.

mooncalled.......2001-03-03

are we talking about the same book i loved it and after 9 yrs still want it in my library my kids tore my copy in half and have been forlorn to replace it for years and yes if there is a sequill i want that too.

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Moon Called
Andre Norton
Manufacturer: Tor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GR5U5M

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Music From a Place Called Half Moon... Captivaving!!
I've met Jerrie Oughten, and I loved...
Don't Judge in Half Moon
Very Good Book!

Music from a Place Called Half Moon
Jerrie Oughton
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0395707374

Book Description

When Edie Jo Houp's father opens the "biggest can of worms you ever did see" by suggesting that the Vine Street Baptist Church ope its Vacation Bible School to all the children of Half Moon, North Carolina - including the Indian children - practically everyone in town turns on the Houps. Thirteen-year-old Edie Jo isn't sure how she feels about ther daddy's idea. That summer of 1956, however, is one of change and growth. Up at her own private place, she meets and Indian boy named Cherokee Fish. A tentative connection develops between them as they begin to share their secrets and dreams. As the tensions that summer reach their peak, Edie Jo ultimately learns that "friendships don't shape on color."

Customer Reviews:

Music From a Place Called Half Moon... Captivaving!!.......2001-08-28

This book is awesome. It is written in a way that makes you feel as it you are right with Edie Jo the whole time. You go on a journey with Edie Jo through her 13th summer, and what a journey it is! There are many surprises in store for you inside Music From a Place Called Half Moon.

I've met Jerrie Oughten, and I loved..........2001-03-21

both Music from a Place Called Half-Moon and another book (I believe it was War in Georgia). This book is a heartrending story about prejudice and how it can tear families and communities apart. For example, you see how when something goes wrong, people are quick to blame people that are different. You also see how people are treated when they try to befriend the families that are prejudiced against. Jerrie Oughten spoke to a UK class about this book, and she told us some of the things in the book that were real, and some of the neat facts about the book (like how she picked the title). This book was beautiful. It moved me, it made me cry, and it was very impressive considering I hadn't really heard of Jerrie Oughten before this book. If you haven't read it, you should, particularly if you have ever been in a situation where prejudice exists.

Don't Judge in Half Moon.......2001-02-23

I think "Music From a Place Called Half Moon" by Jerrie Oughton is a good book. It shows how a person who has every right to discriminate against a culture because of some of the unpleasent things that culture did to her overcomes the popular thought of the culture and makes friends with one of them, in this case Native Americans. The ending however was the weak point of the book in my opinion even though it made the book more realistic. I think the author still could have gotter her point across without that ending. A book similar to this book is "The Outcast of Redwall," because like that book it also deals with someone being cast out of society because of their culture and ancesters but someone still becomes friends with them. This book accurately shows the ways society can change it's attitude toward a culture. It doesn't exxagerate by saying everyone changes their point of view right away. I though it was very realistic. I also thought, however, that it could have been a little more exciting. That might have made it a little less realistic. I liked it a lot anyway and it made me think about it aftewards. It was really enjoyable. It showed how one by one people's attitudes changed toward Native Americans.

Very Good Book!.......2000-03-27

This is a book I really enjoyed. I picked it up at my school library. I all most didn't get it but am glad that I did. This book talked about prejudice against Native Americans. The book helped me realize that not just major cultures are discriminated against. I also liked the book for its main character Edie Jo. Along her journey of growing-up she meets an Indian boy named Cherokee. They develop a very strong friendship which cannot be broken. I hope you all read this book!

Newbery Award Library III: Walk Two Moons, Catherine, Called Birdy, Indian Captive

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The best book on earth!!!!
greatest book i have ever read
A wonderful book!
Reading this book can teach you a valuable moral.
Sad, happy, depressing all at the same time.

Newbery Award Library III: Walk Two Moons, Catherine, Called Birdy, Indian Captive
HarperCollins , Lois Lenski , and Karen Cushman
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This boxed set contains Trophy paperback editions of Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech; Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman; and Indian Captive by Lois Lenski.

Walk Two Moons

As Sal entertains her grandparents with Phoebe's outrageous story, her own story begins to unfold -- the story of a thirteen-year-old girl whose only wish is to be reunited with her missing mother.

In her own award-winning style, Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one funny, one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.Catherine, Called Birdy

Catherine feels trapped. Her father is determined to marry her off to a rich man -- any rich man, no matter how awful.

But by wit, trickery, and luck, Catherine manages to send several would-be husbands packing. Then a shaggy-bearded suitor from the north comes to call -- by far the oldest, ugliest, most revolting suitor of them all.

Unfortunately, he is also the richest.

Can a sharp-tongued, high-spirited, clever young maiden with a mind of her own actually lose the battle against an ill-mannered, piglike lord and an unimaginative, greedy toad of a father?

Deus! Not if Catherine has anything to say about it!Indian Captive

In this classic frontier adventure, Lois Lenski reconstructs the real life story of Mary Jemison, who was captured in a raid as young girl and raised amongst the Seneca Indians.

Meticulously researched and illustrated with many detailed drawings, this novel offers an exceptionally vivid and personal portrait of Native American life and customs.

Customer Reviews:

The best book on earth!!!!.......2001-12-01

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech is my all-time favorite book I've read through my 10 years of living. I think this book is very touching, especialy at the end. All the characters have different characteristics, especialy Phoebe.
It's alltogether Happy,touching, and amazingly sad. I recomend this book to people who love to read books with all these things included. I have to say, I couldn't put this book down!!!! ^-^'s and :('s, Jammer Lammy.

greatest book i have ever read.......2000-06-13

this is one of the greatest collection of words i have read in my 13 yrs. it is an enlightening book w/ stories that relate to eachother it will keep you reading and reading until you are done i love it i recomend it to all ages!

A wonderful book!.......1999-05-06

This is a wonderful book! I would recommend it to readers of all ages. Though it has a terribly sad ending, I'm sure it will touch the souls of readers everywhere. It contains wonderful philosophies and a great motto;no matter how many birds of sadness are nesting in your hair, you should always get on with life. This is a wonderful book and I would recommend it to readers everywhere-especially tear-jerker lovers.

Reading this book can teach you a valuable moral........1999-04-07

Walk Two Moons is a depressingly sad story. The author creates a sense of hope and faith through the main charecter. By the end of the book the reader has been given a simple moral that everyone should have, "to get on with our lifes no matter what happens".

Sad, happy, depressing all at the same time........1998-12-17

This is a very nice book and well written. Sharon Creech is a very imaginative writer. She comes up with wonderfull idea's. She knows exactly what she is going to write next. She doesn't stop to think on what to write. I think that's a very good habit. If you like this book then you should read "Chasing red bird" that is a very good book. But anyways when I was reading this book I couldn't put this book down!!!!!!! Great book... For ages 9-13.

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