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Book Recommendations: 
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The Eater Guide to Los Angeles (Eater City Guide) By Eater Cover Image
By Eater
$19.99
ISBN: 9781419765827
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Harry N. Abrams - April 2nd, 2024

It's hard not to think about food in this city. We're so spoiled for choice that actually making a choice can feel intimidating. This book is thoughtfully organized, beautifully illustrated, and engaging. A perfect guide for planning in advance, last minute selections, or gifting to the friend that always makes YOU pick.


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Plantas: Modern Vegan Recipes for Traditional Mexican Cooking By Alexa Soto Cover Image
$35.00
ISBN: 9780316495103
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Voracious - August 6th, 2024

My mom’s family moved to Mexico in the 1980s and I’ve been fortunate enough to benefit from my abuela’s cooking all my life. When I became a vegan at 19, my biggest fear was losing food that connected me to my culture. My abuela learned how to make vegan versions of everything. Inclusion is a powerful and loving thing.


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Daily Rituals: Women at Work By Mason Currey Cover Image
$24.95
ISBN: 9781524732950
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Knopf - March 5th, 2019

There are only so many hours in the day … At times, I wonder if I’m spending them all wrong. Perhaps you’ve felt the same. I’ve agonized over the “perfect” routine. This book is a wonderful reminder if there ever was one—do what you can while you can. Do what you like.


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Dying of Politeness: A Memoir By Geena Davis Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780063119147
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: HarperOne - May 21st, 2024

A thoughtful, endearing, candid, funny, captivating memoir from an extraordinary talent and activist (and archer!). Davis offers insight into becoming not just the designated badass that we know her to be, but herself. Eccentricities, vulnerabilities, advocacy, and all. Give it a read and rewatch Thelma & Louise! (I did!)


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Cocaine and Rhinestones: A History of George Jones and Tammy Wynette By Tyler Mahan Coe, Wayne White (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Tyler Mahan Coe, Wayne White (Illustrator)
$35.00
ISBN: 9781668015186
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon & Schuster - September 3rd, 2024

If you happen to be interested in folk, country, history, or drama, I’d give this a read. Based on the podcast of the same name, Coe offers an incredibly well-researched and thorough book that offers so much more than a history of Jones and Wynette. Coe produces history that contextualizes the development of American country music.


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The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking: Nourishing Recipes and Heartfelt Moments (A Cookbook) By Chloé Crane-Leroux, Trudy Crane Cover Image
$35.00
ISBN: 9781668026946
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: S&S/Simon Element - September 24th, 2024

As a vegan of 7 years, I've skimmed through dozens of plant-based cookbooks that are kind of just... bleh. This is not one of those. This is spectacular and it's filled with incredible ideas. Whether you're vegetarian/vegan or not, there's something for everyone in here.


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Forced Entries: The Downtown Diaries: 1971-1973 By Jim Carroll Cover Image
$24.00
ISBN: 9780140085020
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Penguin Books - July 7th, 1987

I noticed that we didn't have any of Jim Carroll's writing and figured we've got to change that!! Over the years, I've found so much comfort in his work. Carroll died of a heart attack while writing at his desk. Not for nothing.


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Lonesome Dove: A Novel By Larry McMurtry Cover Image
$24.99
ISBN: 9781439195260
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Simon & Schuster - June 15th, 2010

It's hot outside. Let's read about cowboys together!! Worth noting-- you can start here, as this was the book that was released first. Chronologically speaking, Dead Man's Walk is the "first" book in the tetralogy and it's significantly smaller if you'd like to ease in. We've got it in paperback fiction!


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True Grit: A Novel By Charles Portis, Donna Tartt (Afterword by) Cover Image
By Charles Portis, Donna Tartt (Afterword by)
$17.00
ISBN: 9781590204597
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: The Overlook Press - November 5th, 2010

Our Western streak continues! Taking it back to the 60s. Sometimes, all you need is a good story about stubborn, begrudging companions to shift your perspective.


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You Never Know: A Memoir By Tom Selleck, Ellis Henican Cover Image
$29.99
ISBN: 9780062945761
Availability: Not in Stock. Available to Order.
Published: Dey Street Books - May 7th, 2024

I only exist because my mom had a crush on Tom Selleck and she thought my dad looked a little bit like him. The man is more than an 80s TV hunk with a legendary mustache; he is a great story teller.


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Daily Rituals: Women at Work By Mason Currey Cover Image
$24.95
ISBN: 9781524732950
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Knopf - March 5th, 2019

There are only so many hours in the day … At times, I wonder if I’m spending them all wrong. Perhaps you’ve felt the same. I’ve agonized over the “perfect” routine. This book is a wonderful reminder if there ever was one—do what you can while you can. Do what you like.


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Pocket Philosophy: Schopenhauer's Porcupine By Alice Brière-Haquet Cover Image
$9.95
ISBN: 9781804530658
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Oh Editions - November 7th, 2023

I read this and it made me cry during a shift. Got me good. Give it a flip through. Maybe it's just me. I have a theory that children's books are more for the adults than the kids. A litmus test of sorts.


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Life's Work: A Memoir By David Milch Cover Image
$18.00
ISBN: 9780525510765
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Random House Trade Paperbacks - September 12th, 2023

I read this 7.5 months after it was initially recommended to me. Following an Alzheimer's diagnosis, Milch wrote about his life with a sense of urgency that comes through in his writing-- no nonsense. He lets you get to know him and he lets you say goodbye.


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Valentino and Sagittarius By Natalia Ginzburg, Avril Bardoni (Translated by), Cynthia Zarin (Introduction by) Cover Image
By Natalia Ginzburg, Avril Bardoni (Translated by), Cynthia Zarin (Introduction by)
$15.95
ISBN: 9781681374741
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: NYRB Classics - September 15th, 2020

Natalia Ginzburg's writing made me excited to read again. As a Sagittarius, you can imagine what drew me to this... Read her work on a rainy day, read her work when no one can interrupt you, read her work when you're frustrated with your family.


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Pity the Reader: On Writing with Style By Kurt Vonnegut, Suzanne McConnell Cover Image
$19.95
Possibly out of print. Email or call to check availability and price.
ISBN: 9781644210215
Published: Seven Stories Press - October 13th, 2020

When I think of Kurt Vonnegut, I think of discipline and integrity. When I first picked this book up, I scanned it for a gem and found gold-- "Keep on truckin" and "surrender perfection" hit different when it comes from him. It's a desk essential.


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Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life (Pulitzer Prize Winner) By William Finnegan Cover Image
$19.00
ISBN: 9780143109396
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Penguin Books - April 26th, 2016

I am partial to a memoir that grabs you by the hand and transports you into the author’s life. Barbarian Days takes you along for the ride and through the waves. Thoughtful and beautifully written, you can practically feel the sunburn and board bruises. A great escape from duller days.


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Near Dark (BFI Film Classics) By Stacey Abbott Cover Image
$15.95
ISBN: 9781911239277
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: British Film Institute - October 29th, 2020

A man and a vampire walk into an Oklahoma bar … BFI Film Classics offer a concise in-depth look into Kathryn Bigelow’s solo directorial debut. Thematically and visually stunning, Near Dark is an essential for lovers of ’80s horror, neo-Westerns, outlaws, and things that go bump in the night. A great read if the film leaves you wanting more.


The Natural History Museum of L.A. County has always been a source of wonder throughout my life. From state parks and trails to your own backyard, this guide is the ultimate tool for planning your next adventure. Beyond that, it’s a fantastic way to learn about the plants, animals, and history of L.A. County’s natural world.


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Wildsam Field Guides: Southern California Coast By Taylor Bruce (Editor), Hannah Hayes (Editor), Jas Mowgood (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Taylor Bruce (Editor), Hannah Hayes (Editor), Jas Mowgood (Illustrator)
$24.00
ISBN: 9781467199773
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Wildsam - October 31st, 2022

Though this book may be small, it is packed with interviews, essays, maps, illustrations, and ideas for your next trip along the Southern California coast. It features an atlas with curated must-see spots and surf towns, a road trip itinerary, an almanac with archival excerpts, and so much more. It’s an attention-commanding read for locals and visitors alike!


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Violence Girl: East L.A. Rage to Hollywood Stage, a Chicana Punk Story By Alice Bag Cover Image
$19.95
ISBN: 9781936239122
Availability: Not in Stock. Available to Order.
Published: Feral House - September 27th, 2011

Despite being a fan of Alice Bag's music for almost a decade, I had never seen her perform until a month ago... It was a life affirming experience that brought tears to my eyes and I will cherish it forever. Her story is one worth reading over and over.


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The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: And Other Tales of Terror By Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Mighall (Editor), Robert Mighall (Introduction by), Robert Mighall (Notes by) Cover Image
By Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Mighall (Editor), Robert Mighall (Introduction by), Robert Mighall (Notes by)
$9.00
ISBN: 9780141439730
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Penguin Classics - September 30th, 2003

The "monster" within is the scariest of them all. A classic piece of gothic literature that illuminates the darkest aspects of humanity and reality through a fantastic perspective.


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Dick Porter: Journey To The Centre Of The Cramps By Dick Porter Cover Image
$23.99
ISBN: 9781783053735
Availability: Not in Stock. Available to Order.
Published: Omnibus Press - January 1st, 2015

A short history of the greatest rock and roll band that ever graced our planet. Punks, psychobillies, fiends, whatever you call 'em. A solid source of insight for fans and a great introduction for the Cramp-curious.


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How to Talk Dirty and Influence People: An Autobiography By Lenny Bruce, Lewis Black (Preface by), Howard Reich (Foreword by) Cover Image
By Lenny Bruce, Lewis Black (Preface by), Howard Reich (Foreword by)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780306825293
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Grand Central Publishing - August 2nd, 2016

I read this for the first time when I was 20. It made me raise my eyebrows and think "Hm... Alright?" It also made me laugh and tear up and think more critically about life n' such. Maybe you've seen his portrayal on the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He wasn't as cute as Luke Kirby in real life (though this cover is flattering) but he sure was sharp as tack.


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Bowie In Berlin: A new career in a new town By Thomas Jerome Seabrook Cover Image
$19.95
ISBN: 9781906002084
Availability: Not in Stock. Available to Order.
Published: Jawbone Press - February 1st, 2008

Following a nightmarish, drug addled stay in L.A. that left a permanent stain on his view of the city, Bowie set his sights on Berlin to get clean with Iggy Pop in tow. During his time there,he wrote three of his most experimental albums which are lovingly dubbed "The Berlin Trilogy," by fans. Low, Heroes, and Lodger are forever favorites of mine. A nice bit of insight on how the Thin White Duke stepped away from the ledge.


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Slaughterhouse-Five: A Novel (Modern Library 100 Best Novels) By Kurt Vonnegut Cover Image
$18.00
ISBN: 9780385333849
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Dial Press Trade Paperback - January 12th, 1999

This might be my comfort book. Something to get the gears turning. Something to make you think about the human experience. Humbling, inspiring, and bittersweet. A reminder of what's important.


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Sing Backwards and Weep: A Memoir By Mark Lanegan Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9780306922787
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Da Capo - April 27th, 2021

The Screaming Trees and Mark Lanegan’s solo work had been a part of my life for about ten years before I read his autobiography. It’s among the best books I’ve ever read and I think of it often. It’s brutal, beautiful, heavy, funny, and it might break your heart a little bit… or a lot. I suppose that’s what I look for in a good book.