Books matching: urban los angeles setting
18 result(s)
- #1
Save:Lola by Melissa Scrivner Love is a gripping crime novel centered around the character Lola, a small, slender Chicana in her mid 20s deeply involved in the drug trade. Despite her initial entry into this dangerous world through her boyfriend, Lola proves to be fiercely independent and intelligent, holding her own against anyone she encounters. The book explores Lola's complex character, showcasing her maternal instincts, ruthlessness, and undeniable strength in navigating a world filled with violence and danger. The narrative smoothly handles the frequent violence in a matter-of-fact manner, focusing on Lola's compelling personality and her protective nature towards those around her.
The author, Melissa Scrivner Love, skillfully crafts a vivid world in SoCal, portraying Lola's journey through the drug trade with sensitivity and depth. The writing style is described as fast-moving, dark, and suspenseful, offering a glimpse into the lives of women and neighborhood gangs in the barrio. Lola's story unfolds in a setting that is both gritty and poetic, with passages that are near-poetic in their descriptive power. The book culminates in a well-done and touching ending that surprises readers with its sensitivity, leaving them eager to delve into the sequel, American Heroin.
Lola stands across the craggy square of backyard she shares with Garcia. He mans the grill, rusted tongs and Corona with lime in hand, making the center of a cluster of men, their biceps bare and bead... - #2
Save:'Night Life' by Ray Garton is a thrilling sequel to 'Live Girls', featuring vampires who have adapted to modern society and are luring victims through sex shows. The story follows the peace-loving vampires Davey and Casey, survivors of the first novel, as they are hunted by a brutal clan of vampires who see humans as mere cattle for feeding. As two private investigators delve into the events of the previous Night Life massacre, a battle ensues between the reluctant killers and the ruthless vampires.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Davey Owen ) - #3
Save:On the day of his release from prison, Max Holman learns that his son, a police officer, has been murdered along with three others. Determined to uncover the truth behind the killings, Holman teams up with former FBI agent Katherine Pollard, who arrested him in the past. As they delve into the mystery, they face obstacles from both the LAPD and a ruthless killer, leading to a gripping and suspenseful investigation filled with twists and turns. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, compelling, and engaging, keeping readers guessing and on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- #4
Save:Paul Beatty's 'The White Boy Shuffle' is a satirical novel that follows the story of Gunnar Kaufman, a young black surfer who moves from a predominantly white neighborhood to urban Los Angeles. The book explores race relations through Gunnar's journey of adapting to a new environment, unlearning the mannerisms of his white friends, and finding his place in a predominantly black world. Beatty's writing style combines humor and social commentary, portraying Gunnar as a discomfited basketball star and a reluctant spokesperson for race relations, offering sharp intellect and fierce loyalty to his friends and family.
The plot of 'The White Boy Shuffle' is filled with hits and misses, with some readers praising Beatty's trenchant satire and smartass writing style, while others find the book contrived and feeling like it goes nowhere in the end. Despite mixed opinions, the novel is described as a coming-of-age story that blends humor with serious themes, making readers both laugh and cry, and providing a profound yet disquieting portrayal of America.
UNLIKE THE TYPICAL bluesy earthy folksy denim-overalls noble-in-the-face-of-cracker-racism aw shucks Pulitzer-Prize-winning protagonist mojo magic black man, I am not the seventh son of a seventh son ... - #5
Save:'Notes of a Dirty Old Man' by Charles Bukowski is a collection of essays, stories, and rantings compiled from columns he wrote for the underground L.A. newspaper Open City in the 1960s. The writing style is twisted, outrageous, and genius, capturing the essence of Bukowski's life filled with drinking, gambling, fighting, infidelities, and sex with women. offers a glimpse into Bukowski's mind through autobiographical pieces that range from angry rants to humorous recollections, all woven together with a stream of consciousness reminiscent of authors like Henry Miller.
some son of a bitch had held out on the money, everybody claiming they were broke, card game finished, I was sitting there with my buddy Elf, Elf was screwed-up as a kid, all shriveled, he used to lay... - #6
Save:'Indigo Slam' by Robert Crais follows the story of Los Angeles private investigator Elvis Cole as he is hired by three children to find their missing father who is involved in counterfeiting and is on the run from the Russian Mafia. The plot involves a mix of Russian gangsters, Vietnamese revolutionaries, and various law enforcement agencies as Elvis navigates through a dangerous web of deception to locate the missing father. The writing style is described as witty and fast-paced, with a blend of humor, suspense, and intricate twists that keep the reader engaged throughout the story.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Elvis Cole & Joe Pike ) - #7
Save:'Metzger's Dog' by Thomas Perry is a humorous and engaging novel filled with nutty characters, capers, and sharp comical observations on bureaucracy. The story follows Leroy Chinese Gordon, a minor criminal with a unique gang of friends, as they embark on a wild adventure involving a stolen box of valuable papers, a plan to blackmail the CIA, and a series of comedic mishaps. The writing style is described as stunningly deft, subtle, and filled with tongue-in-cheek humor that keeps readers entertained and engaged throughout the book.
1 Chinese Gordon was fully awake. He'd heard the clinking noise again, and now there was no question the cat was listening too. The cat, Doctor Henry Metzger, had assumed the loaf-of-bread position on... - #8
Save:'Blackbird' by Anna Carey is a gripping YA novel that follows a teenage girl who wakes up on the train tracks in Los Angeles with no memory of who she is. Armed with only a black backpack containing a cryptic warning and a tattoo of a blackbird, she must navigate through a dangerous world where she is being hunted and framed, all while trying to uncover her true identity and the mysteries surrounding her past. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Written in the second person point of view, the narrative style immerses readers into the protagonist's disorienting journey of self-discovery and survival.
The novel features a fast-paced and suspenseful plot that is reminiscent of a teen action movie, with elements of mystery, espionage, and danger. The protagonist, Sunny, is a compelling character with observant instincts and a mysterious past that gradually unfolds throughout the story. As Sunny races against time to unravel the secrets of her identity and evade her pursuers, readers are taken on a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected revelations and unpredictable challenges.
THE TRAIN HOLDS the heat of the sun, even an hour after it has sunk beneath the pavement, pushing its way below the sprawling city. At the Vermont/Sunset Station, a Chinese woman with a severe black b... - #9
Save:'Bedlam Boyz' by Ellen Guon tells the story of Kayla, a homeless teenager with a magical talent for healing. This talent makes her a sought-after commodity by both the gangs of her city and the fae who control them. As Kayla navigates through the dangers of the gang-ridden LA district, she must learn to harness her powers while facing kidnappings, dangerous factions, and a potential romance with one of her captors. offers a blend of urban fantasy elements, including magic, elves, and a protagonist struggling to survive in a gritty setting.
Sunset Boulevard was a blur of lights and noise, too many radios and car stereos, too many people talking and shouting and laughing. Kayla jammed her hands in the pockets of her denim jacket and wishe...
(Also, see 47 recommendations for the series Bedlam's Bard ) - #10
Save:'Open Throat' by Henry Hoke is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the perspective of a mountain lion living beneath the Hollywood sign. The book explores themes of homelessness, environmental degradation, sexuality, and humanity through the eyes of the lion, providing a fresh and tender look at the world. The writing style is unconventional, with no chapters, punctuation, or capitalization, creating a raw and immersive reading experience that captures the essence of the lion's voice and emotions.
The story delves into the lion's struggles as it navigates a changing world where humans encroach on its habitat, leading to a poignant reflection on the impact of human actions on nature. Despite the unconventional narrative style, the book manages to convey deep emotions and complex themes, leaving readers contemplating their own place in the world and the consequences of their actions. 'Open Throat' offers a short yet impactful read that resonates with its readers long after the final page.
