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Los Angeles, What Are You Reading?
Photo by ~db~ via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Los Angeles, for some reason, still gets a bad rap for not being as literary as the East Coast or Northern California (or the Pacific Northwest, or Chicago, or really any major or minor city in the nation. Assholes.). But anyone who lives here knows that the noir scene thrives, and that some of the most interesting writing around comes from the streets of Hollywood, Boyle Heights, and yes -- even Santa Monica.
That said, we're also voracious readers. Hidden away in various corners of the city are small groups of people hunkering down for wine and cheese and discussing literature as part of those things they call "book clubs." So let's take a look at what some of them around the Southland are reading, per your submissions:
On Facebook
Reader Roberta R. is part of KCRW's Bookworm Book Club, a Facebook group that's moderated by Michael Silverblatt. "This time around we have a guest moderator, David Kipen," writes Roberta. The book of the month is "V" by Thomas Pynchon.
North Hollywood
Candice M. is a librarian at the Central Library who hosts the Forever Young Adult - Valley Chapter book club, which meets at the Federal Bar in North Hollywood. This month's book is "The Raven Boys" by Maggie Stiefvater and/or "The Reece Malcolm List" by Amy Spalding.
Silver Lake
Reader Sam S. is a member of Emily Books, a monthly subscription series run by controversial online scribe Emily Gould. "She sends a book each month and will give some background about the author," writes Sam. "She will post on her blog some of her thoughts about it but there is never a formal meeting or discussion! They are all independently published books so it's meant to get you to read things you normally wouldn't." This months' book is "My Misspent Youth" by Meghan Daum.
Everywhere
Fabulous LAist intern Chelsee L.'s book club meets throughout the city, changing up locations in order to enjoy good food while chatting. "Cafe Gratitude last time, Simple Things before that, and a circus-themed potluck when we read 'The Night Circus,'" she writes. Their most recent read was "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn, and before that was Jack Kerouac's "On the Road."
Unknown
Reader Kelli W.'s book club meets at an undisclosed location in the city, and this month, they're reading "The Family Fang" by Kevin Wilson.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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