California Books

I have reviewed the 4th Edition of "Bicycle Rides in Los Angeles County," published June 2000, by Don and Sharron Brundidge. This guide has something for every type and level of bicyclist: family outings, sightseeing buffs, distance workouts, and elevation workouts. This edition is greatly expanded compared with the previous editions, with 21 added rides. Also several of the previous rides have been updated.

I especially like the maps and elevation contours. Starting points and parking are indicated, as well as parks, special points of interest for sightseers, restrooms, water sources, and occasional eateries along the way. At the beginning of the book there is a Master Trip Matrix that is an excellent starting point for planning a ride. The Trip Matrix has items like the general location, level of difficulty, mileage, vertical gain characteristics (hills), percentages of pure bike trail, marked bike lane, signed bike lane, or none of the above (called Class X), and other trip features and highlights. The latter include general scenery, landmarks, and special sightseeing attractions.

I have checked the distances and elevation gains with my own GPS and Avocet vertical gain watch and found the guides to be quite accurate. Options are described for shortening certain rides. Another feature I liked was the description of the connectivity between near-by rides for ambitious riders who want to do multiple rides in a day's outing. I can't think of a more complete guide for either the serious or casual cyclist.

The book provides 71 on-road trip descriptions (83 total rides) in Los Angeles County. Rides vary from those for short-length family trips on separated bike paths, many longer exploratory and workout trips for more experienced riders on various quality bike routes, and a few "gut-buster" tours for the most physically fit and motivated bikers. There are over 1100 one-way miles of biking described. Included are a coastal century (up and back) from the City of Santa Monica to Port Hueneme in Ventura County and a tour of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. Trip domains include beaches, parks, valleys, canyons, harbors, rivers and lakes.
Included is a master map to show ride locations within the county and a master matrix that identifies ride location, level of difficulty, route composition (percentage of route on bike trail, signed bike lanes or open roadway) and a general trip characterization (i.e., Is the trip scenic? Is it in a natural setting? Are there landmarks and/or sightseeing attractions along the way? Is this a mileage and/or elevation workout?).
Each trip description contains a detailed trip map and elevation-distance profile (non-flat rides) and scenic or character-interest photographs are scattered throughout the book. The route maps note the location of water sources, landmarks, sightseeing attractions and campsites among other points of interest.
Condensed Table of Contents:
Introduction
How to Use This Book
Trip Organization
Trip Description/Terminology
General Biking Considerations
Los Angeles County Trips
-- The Coast (18 trips)
-- River Trails (Rivers/Creeks) (7 trips)
-- Inland (21 trips)
-- Potpourri (City of Los Angeles and Avalon, Santa Catalina Island) (4 trips)
-- New Trips (South and East County, San Fernando Valley, Canyon Country) (21 trips)
Index

I have reviewed the 4th Edition of "Bicycle Rides in Los Angeles County," published June 2000, by Don and Sharron Brundidge. This guide has something for every type and level of bicyclist: family outings, sightseeing buffs, distance workouts, and elevation workouts. This edition is greatly expanded compared with the previous editions, with 21 added rides. Also several of the previous rides have been updated.

I especially like the maps and elevation contours. Starting points and parking are indicated, as well as parks, special points of interest for sightseers, restrooms, water sources, and occasional eateries along the way. At the beginning of the book there is a Master Trip Matrix that is an excellent starting point for planning a ride. The Trip Matrix has items like the general location, level of difficulty, mileage, vertical gain characteristics (hills), percentages of pure bike trail, marked bike lane, signed bike lane, or none of the above (called Class X), and other trip features and highlights. The latter include general scenery, landmarks, and special sightseeing attractions.

I have checked the distances and elevation gains with my own GPS and Avocet vertical gain watch and found the guides to be quite accurate. Options are described for shortening certain rides. Another feature I liked was the description of the connectivity between near-by rides for ambitious riders who want to do multiple rides in a day's outing. I can't think of a more complete guide for either the serious or casual cyclist.

I bought this edition a few years ago just when I was starting to do more than ride to & from work & the store.

This edition has over 60 routes for Los Angeles County.

The maps are detailed, the turn by turn description of each ride includes places to see, tips for preparation, & a bit of history.

The terrain covered includes Beaches, Parks, Canyons, Harbors, Lakes, & Mountains.

There are safety tips & equipment tips as well as other sources of info.

The only drawbacks are not the books fault, & with a brand spanking new 4th EDITION just released in June that includes another 20 rides & a complete update of many of the old ones, these problems have been solved.

Use this edition with a current THOMAS BROTHERS MAP as a way to check changes in route & terrain & you will be ok.

Phone numbers & addresses may be outdated in this edition as well.

All in all, well worth the price of admission.

I also recommend the ORANGE COUNTY & INLAND EMPIRE editions as well, with the same reservations on account of age.

This book is quite suspenseful and Artie Weatherby is a likeable protaganist. I read through the book quickly as it is a great mystery. It says it is the first in the series, but I just picked up another book by the name of "Weatherby" and it introduces Artie Weatherby for the first time so I guess this is actually the second about this private eye! I ordered a book titled "Weatherby, On A Dead Man's Chest" also about this guy, Artie, which I am looking forward to reading. ....

The little summary on the back of the book caught my attention and didn't lose it until I read the last page. It is obvious that the author put a lot of time and research into the subject. The book is a look into the reality of the New Age movement and how innocent it can tend to look until one delves into it. It is written in first person so the reader feels like the main character. The writer is knowledgable in many areas and in conveying that through the main character, Artie Weatherby, a private investigater. He is hired by a woman to investigate her murder and is handed a check written exactly ten years ago on the day she was murdered...

As one other reviewer stated the plot synopsis on the back of the book got my attention and never lost it. Clever, well researched mystery unravels into a serpentine plot involving L.A.'s elite and ultra-rich, East coast mobsters, a former hitman now operating a skid row mission, a woman who's griefing husband affirms she's dead - but has suddenly appeared and asked the novel's protagonist to solve her murder........and it all hinges on the members of a secret fraternity of a New Age cult.

This novel is very pointed about the nature of New Age cults and is definitely not sympathetic, pulling no punches about its subject matter. The only liability that I can note is that the author provides no foreword, afterword or even a summary about her research - even a footnote or two would've lent more credibility to the investigative documents and books her main character uses in solving the mystery. Still a very worthwhile book and far more compelling than most above average Mystery novels you are likely to consider reading.

I am a fan of mystery and suspense novels. This book fits both categories. It is well written with a likable protagonist in private investigator Artie Weatherby. He is asked to investigate a murder by the victim...
This book goes in depth behind the scenes concerning the New Age movement and its more sinister elements and beliefs. It is a real eye-opener and keeps your attention from start to finish. It is the third book in a series about Artie Weatherby; the others being "Weatherby" and "Weatherby: On A Dead Man's Chest". They are both good, but "The Big Lie" is the best of the three. Unfortunately, this author is deceased, so there will be no more books in this series. However, she did write some other fiction series under the name of Janice Miller. They are good as well (P.I. Alexis Albright).
I highly recomend this book to anyone who likes mysteries or suspense.

I live in Oakland and have many in-depth bird guides, but this particular guide remains in the car for any outings. It's quite portable and specific to the birds we see in this area.

In addition to the positive comments listed before, I would add that this book gave interesting, fun facts about species that I had never read in perusing all of the more "substantial" bird books I have. It's also great for beginners to sort out the most likely candidates for identification. I recommend this book for birders at both beginner and intermediate levels. It may not be as revealing for experts, but I do know a lot about local birds and still find this a great book to have on hand.

You should have this book if you live in San Francisco and love birds.

I have carted this book along on many outings since my relocation to California. This has come in very handy for quick identifications and a brief summary of the birds' typical habitats and even their mannerisms.

The main reason I enjoy this guide is that, if the species is included in the book, I can usually find it within thirty seconds. Often times the bird is still in sight and I can easily compare its markings to those found in the guide.

I highly recommend this book as a quick reference guide.

For several decades I have been a casual bird observer in the south San Francisco Bay Area and my curiosity had led me to acquire several of the acclaimed major 'Bird Guides' ( Peterson's, Sibley's, National Geographic, etc.) However, I seldom was able to ID birds I saw with confidence using those guides, there were just too many possible candidates in the guides for each of my sightings and I seldom could narrow down the possibilities to one species. The 'Birds of San Francisco' solved that problem for me.

The 'Birds of San Francisco' guide focuses on approximately 120 of the most common species found in the Bay Area. It allots one page per specie which contains a large color illustration and references to other S.F. Bay Area species that have a similar appearence. There are also very useful graphic keys which quickly indicate the preferred habitats of that specie along with migration and breeding timeframes. Also included is a textual description and behavioural information useful for identification.

The 120 species covered are grouped into 23 (quasi phylogenetic) families for quick look-up within the guide ( e.g. Shorebirds, Woodpeckers, Sparrows, small-Songbirds, mid-size Songbirds, etc. ).

Using BoSF in conjuction with the major guides mentioned above is particularly powerful. BoSF often points me to a candidate specie (while I am still not confident about it) and the major guides provide more variations on specie colorings, subspecies, etc. This usually confirms or dismisses the candidate. In my experience, BoSF starts me on the right trail for identifying my Bay Area bird sightings with confidence over 80% of the time.

At only 156 pages, BoSF is also highly portable compared to most of the major guides, so I am much more likely to take it along on 'non-birding' events.

My only regret about this book is that I did not find it 11 years ago when it was first published (1996).

Only problem with these books is that they are not complete in explaining the Disneyland resort. Plus, they do not give correct negative reports on lines and other problems.

I used the book to plan my family's first trip to Disneyland Resort. Lots of information on :best time to go, where to stay, info on admission options,description of rides/attractions/shopping, etc... it helped me plan what my family really wanted to see and answered all of my questions about Disneyland and California Adventure. There is also info on attractions outside of Anaheim that would be helpful. Very informative without strongly voiced opinions..

Just like mboothby, I also buy this every year at Christmas and have a good read. It helps me remember the time I've spent there with my family, and the descriptions of the attractions are always a blast to read. The information is great (as if I didn't already have it memorized) and completely accurate. Very good insight for an "official" guide. This is highly recommended for anyone planning either their first trip or their 10th.

Every year I buy the new edition of this book and it never disappoints. Always colorful and chock-full of valuable information. It's a wonderful source for an upcoming trip to the Happiest Place On Earth or just to get a sneak peek of what the Disney magicians have up their sleeves for the coming year.

If you are a woman looking for a thoughtful review of our modern birthing culture this is a wonderful book. I have read a lot about birth options, perspectives of the birth experience, and midwifery history and philosophy but went away wanting for more. My desire to really explore an informed text about our birthing culture was finally satiated by this book. I am not an anthropologist by training and yet found the book accessible, educational, and challenging. I really suggest this book be read by everyone interested in the birth experience, partners, attendants, birthing woman, or children of technocracy.

If you really want to know what to expect when you're expecting, read this book and Henci Goer's Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth. If you'd really like to remove yourself from the technobirth machine, read Ina May Gaskin's Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Spiritual Midwifery. If you've always thought you might want a natural birth, read Peggy O'Mara's Having a Baby, Naturally. And remember this one thing: If you really (really) want a natural, unmedicated birth, don't give birth in a hospital.

This was a paradigm blowing must read for any woman. A fluid read and with intense narratives. The most educational book I've read in a long time.

The majority of obstetric procedures, from putting on a hospital gown to the birthing position itself, are unnecessary and sometimes dangerous rituals that are perpetuated by an authoritarian system in its desire to maintain control over a virtually uncontrollable process. Robbie Davis-Floyd has studied these rituals of birth; why taking the ride to L&D in the wheelchair sets up an invalid mindset in the laboring woman, and how the lithotomy position robs the woman of her birthing power, forcing her to rely on the medical professions to deliver her baby for her.

It is powerful stuff and difficult to accept, but truth sometimes is.

The nomenclature "Bebop" referring to an extension of American jazz development is, in itself somewhat unfortunate. It is not surprising that many of the musicians at the core of the movement hated the phrase "Bebop" themselves. The jokey sound of the word tends to trivialize the significance and the integrity of the music to which is referring. We tend to think of Bebop as an amusing, but irrelevant, phase of the urban jazz scene. The contribution of Bebop to musical development is both pervasive and irreversible.

Scott DeVeaux's book, "The Birth of Bebop" takes on squarely the issue of the Bebop's place in American music and in America's cultural development of the middle of the 20th-century. He has made excellent use of first-hand accounts, anecdotes, and obscure or original recordings to bring this story to life. He has applied an academic's discipline to documentation of his source material with a high degree of integrity. He achieves a remarkable balance between understanding and dealing with the details of the musical construction in the context of the "race" environments of the 1930s and '40s

This was an important era of American history. In a sense, we would like to forget the gross cultural inequities of the time. There are not many tangible reminders around, although the cultural imprint is still here and not likely disappear in the near future. Fortunately, the music of the era, Bebop, is still accessible through CD re-issues and is continuing to influence modern musical performance right through to a saxophone-toting Lisa Simpson. A key value of "The Birth of Bebop" is to remind us of this continuing connection. This book helps us appreciate the courage and commitment of the proponent musicians exploring this new medium, particularly in the context of nearly-overwhelming daily obstacles in the form of American cultural "Jim Crow" mores and laws.

In a perfect World, this book would come with a companion CD filled with aural samples of the music Mr. DeVeaux discusses organized to illustrate his musical points. This short-coming means that the fullest appreciation of the author's points is only available to those with access to fabulous recording collections of the era or, even more remotely, those with sufficient age and musical memory to bring the musical notation to life.

I am a music major at the University of Virginia, particularly interested in jazz studies, and have had the pleasure of taking several classes under DeVeaux, in particular, one based on this book. DeVeaux's humor, in combination with his musical genius when it comes to the topic of jazz, is expemplified by this book. He explains the hayday of jazz as well as the transition from the swing era into the bop era with incredible detail. Special features in the book are vignettes into the lives of the great artists such as Hawkins and Parker. He compares the styles of several of the pioneers which causes further investigation on the part of the reader to trail the modern jazz progression from the 1940's and 50's on into today. If you've ever wanted to know why the cats play the way the do and how jazz moved from big band swing clubs into bebop jam sessions, this is the author you're looking for.

It's hard to explain the excitement a 13 year old had on first hearing Dizzy Gillespie's THINGS TO COME on Side A and TWO BASS HIT on Side B. Or for that matter, as a 25 year old, on hearing KUSH from AN ELECTRIFYING EVENING WITH DIZZY GILLESPIE relayed on the VOICE OF AMERICA by Willis Conover. Undoubtedly there was something electrifying about the music which Mr Deveaux suggests had a "sense of frustration embedded in its core" p.446. Certainly, it was a musical world away from that of the great Thomas Fats Waller for example whose genius was usually sublimated beneath jumping and jive. It was SERIOUS music and demanded attention. This fine book by Mr Devaux puts the evolution of this revolutionary music in context and inspires one to revisit many of the records including those who inspired the great John Coltrane - Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five. It is also of interest to musicians, musicologists, sociologists, historians but as a general reader who loves America's classical music - called jazz - it is a very fine read indeed and about the best book I own on Bebop.

A 500-page history of bebop that takes 400 pages to get up to the "Groovin' High" Bird & Diz recording session? Whose first 164 pages are all about Coleman Hawkins? Unusual, to say the least, but DeVaux shows how it all makes sense. Hawkins is portrayed as the central motif around which everything else turns: Hawk welcomed progress and a new style, played on the first bop record date (done for Asch in 1944), and opened at Billy Berg's in Los Angeles before Bird & Diz got there. DeVaux is a very good writer, thorough and judicious. Highly recommended.

I absolutely could not put this book down! From cover to cover I was hooked: The mastery of Shannon's writing style painted vivid images in my head, and kicked-started my imagination like no other book has in a very long while.

The boldest adventure on paper I've ever been on in my life, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read at the edge of their seat, and be salivating for more when they're done! It's been a while since an author could stir me up like this...a most welcome change for everyone who's tired of the S.O.S. that clutters much of our bookshelves today. Great job, Barry Shannon!

The tale takes us to places we'd probably best never seek in person, but come wonderfully to lusty life in Shannon's seemingly simple style. Readers will wait as anxiously as will I for the further adventures of JOAT St...John; remarkably, the tale pushes the rather two-dimensional universe of the medium; The wry and apt turn of phrase, the hilarious juxtaposition of events, and the relentless insouciance of the auctorial voice seem to surpass the restrictions, taking this reader more for a flight into, through, and about marvels, than just a drive along the tired turnpike. This one carried me straight through, but already I'm going back for another look at scenes that may be experienced again and again, albeit vicariously. Shannon enters august company, nay even julian enclaves, with other paradigm- pushers such as Laurence Sterne, Richard Condon, and Thomas Perry, each uniquely enriching the volume of the reader's experience. Bold Stroke came to me as a gift, one that encourages me to hang out in anticipation of the next one; even the cover art enhances the package to the benefit of the beholder. Behold and enjoy!

Barry Shannon has written a captivating tale with all the ingredients needed to hook me on the first page and keep me entertained all the way through. His accuracy and attention to detail is significant but never gets in the way of the action. I really liked this one and would certainly recommend it. Good show, Shannon!....hope you write another.

Brilliantly filled with gems of Private Investigator tradecraft, ceaselessly entertaining with madcap and ribald adventures, "The Bold Stroke" engages your interest and exhilarates your sense of humor. It is also a wonderfully readable yarn of a streetwise righter-of-wrongs who seems possessed of indefatigable sexual prowess and joy of life. Yeah! . . . Barry Shannon's hero is just my kind of role model for the New(est) Age.

Paul Robinson

Bone Dry is one scary book: fast-paced, authentic, and suspenseful. But what I liked the most were the characters. There was not one major character who didn't feel fully-realized to me. Even the worst bad guy in it was real, which of course made it even scarier. It kept me up all night reading. I know other readers will enjoy it as much as I did.

A real page-turner! What makes this thriller so compelling, is that there is an eery sense of reality to the story although it is fiction. The authors successfully combine the best and worst of human behavior and set their characters within a fragile medical environment. Current advances in cancer treatment coupled with recent hospital scandals makes this mystery all the more plausable. "Bone Dry" is a white-knuckle read 'til the end, which makes it difficult to put down. Wouldn't be surprised to see this one jump from page to screen--it's got all the ingredients.

As a physician one would think that the last place I'd look for entertainment would be medically related literature. But I find myself drawn to it especially when the story is so plausible and the hospital and clinical characters are so true to life as was the case in this exciting and all-to-possible story. The book just whisked you away from the very start and was impossible to put down. There were some truly macabre and twisted methods that the authors came up with to agonizingly terminate at least one of the characters that only someone in the field could have come up with. But it was the premise of the story that made this one of the best medical mysteries I've read in years because this could really happen and it would be relatively easy given what I know of security in the various hospitals I've worked in to pull this off. Finally, the authors' style of inexorably building tension within a framework of making all the medical technology and jargon understandable to the lay reader just added to the pleasure of this diabolical plot. I highly recommend this book.

In San Francisco's Ridgewood Hospital, the staff is upset as the bone marrow to be used in an autologous replacement surgery to save the life of patient Carl Chapman is missing from the lab. Especially shook up is nurse Gina Mazzio, who has been with Carl from the beginning of his cancer treatment and now cannot understand why he seems so stoic about his pending death.

Lab worker Faye Lindstron stole the bone marrow at the machinations of her boyfriend Frankie Nellis. She has taken others also as Frankie demands fifty thousand dollars from the near death sufferers or they will die. As Alan Vasquez of administration tries to bury the scandal, Gina and a few other caring medical practitioners struggle to uncover why a simplistic procedure has gone awry not knowing that Frankie will kill to continue his lethal scheme.

Medical procedural fans will have a field day with the exciting BONE DRY even with knowing the perpetrators from almost the beginning as authors Bette Golden Lamb and J.J. Lamb use dramatic irony to make Gina question whether Vasquez is the culprit. The story line is action packed never slowing down until the final beach blanket scene. Though Faye is too pathetic a character and Frankie is too evil, readers will devour this strong thriller starring a wonderful Bronx transplant that is quite the lioness when it comes to protecting her cubs (patients).

Harriet Klausner

If you have looked for great muffin, coffee cake, cobbler recipes, this book has them. I'm pretty picky about recipes but I have found some great ones in here. I made the blueberry coffee cake and it was so easy and delicious. The banana bread was great and I can't wait to try others. I'm going to check out her other one!

This cookbook is awesome! I have had it for about 8 years now and have tried quite a few of the recipes and have yet to find one I haven't loved. The recipes are easy to follow and contain ingredients that are usually in my kitchen already or are easy to find at the grocery store. Although everything I've sampled is super-good, my favorites are "Yogurt Coconut Coffee Cake" and "French Breakfast Puffs". Several of the recipes call for 'melted butter or margarine', but I found I can substitute healthier canola oil and the recipes come out great! I highly recommended this cookbook!

Carol Frieberg continues to find the most delicious, and easy to prepare, breakfasts in town. There are so many good recipes, this book makes it easy to celebrate the morning! I cannot wait until Carol's next B&B adventure.

So far all the recipes I have tried have been a huge success. The organization is simple, as are most of the recipes, so it is fairly easy to turn out a tasy breakfast with little effort. Like another reader, I am looking forward to checking out the author's other B&B cookbook for more great recipes! Make sure to check out the apple cider syrup in this one, it smells fabulous and tastes even better!

This book is a great read for people of all ages. Whether your interested in learning more about "The Rock" or need some background information on it, this is the one book for you.

From the colorful pictures scattered throughout the pages to the easy to read layout, you will find yourself immersed in the horrific atmosphere that is Alacatraz.

Few books manage to capture so many elements that make a book sucessful like Breakout! Escape From Alcatraz does. I guarantee you will feel as if you've actually walked through Alacatraz and know exactly why they call it, "The Rock".

I was previewing this book for my 2nd grade classroom and became completely enthralled in it! It's a great adventure/mystery story sure to capture the attention of any child who likes action and suspense! It creates great imagery of Alcatraz and leaves the reader with an eerie feeling of not knowing whether these men made it or drowned in the bay. It's definitely one of my students' favorites in the classroom.

This book outlines in vivid historical detail the legendary escape of three men from the most inescapable prison in U.S. history. The book also explains a brief history of the island of Alcatraz in addition to a brief account of its final days. One of the major themes of this book is that not everyone will be shut up. Out of every prison, or every situation, there is a way out, and there is an escape if one is only willing to take the risks.

Along with colorful illustrations which tell a story by themselves and photographs which provide historically accurate detail, the book also tells an exciting though quite short, true story about the legendary island of Alcatraz. The text is not overrun with needless detail nor is it too general. What I liked best is that by the end of the book, the reader feels as if he or she has just been given a tour of the island prison.

I think Escape From Alcatraz Island was a great book because it had alot of adventure,and I could picture in mind what was going on.also I think it must have been really hard getting chased by a gang through san fransisco near the dwarfs pier,I could probably imagine what it was like locked up in a cell at night in Alcatraz, having to find away to get back home during the morning.