Discover the Best Los Angeles Books in the 2024 Updated Edition

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The Library Book

by Susan Orlean

The Library Book by Susan Orlean is a captivating non-fiction work that delves into the history and significance of libraries, particularly the Los Angeles Public Library. Orlean weaves together the story of the devastating 1986 fire at the Central Library with a wide-ranging exploration of the role of libraries in society. Her vivid storytelling and meticulous research bring to life the characters and events surrounding the fire, while also celebrating the enduring importance of libraries as centers of knowledge, community, and culture. The book offers a fascinating blend of true crime, history, and love letter to libraries, making it a must-read for anyone interested in books about Los Angeles or the power of libraries to shape a city’s identity and spirit.

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City of Quartz

by Mike Davis

City of Quartz by Mike Davis is a groundbreaking book about the metropolis of Los Angeles. Davis delves into the history, politics, and social issues that have shaped the city, offering a compelling analysis of its urban development and culture. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, the book provides a gripping portrayal of the complexities and contradictions of the ‘City of Angels’. Davis explores topics such as the impact of racial segregation, the role of the entertainment industry, and the struggles of marginalized communities. With its thought-provoking insights and sharp critique, City of Quartz is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted dynamics of this iconic city.

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The Sellout

by Paul Beatty

The Sellout, a satirical novel by Paul Beatty, is a thought-provoking and irreverent book about Los Angeles. Set in the fictional town of Dickens, the story follows the protagonist as he attempts to re-segregate his hometown and reinstate slavery, all in an effort to bring attention to the absurdity of race relations in modern-day America. Beatty’s writing is sharp, witty, and unapologetically bold, tackling issues of race, identity, and social injustice with dark humor and biting satire. Through his unique narrative style and clever wordplay, Beatty offers a scathing critique of contemporary society while also celebrating the resilience and complexity of the human spirit. The Sellout is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and unconventional take on the city of angels.

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The Day of the Locust

by Nathanael West

The Day of the Locust is a classic novel set in the bustling and chaotic world of 1930s Hollywood. This book is about Los Angeles and delves into the lives of struggling artists, wannabe actors, and disillusioned dreamers who are all chasing the elusive promise of fame and success. Nathanael West’s vivid and haunting prose brings to life the seedy underbelly of Tinseltown, painting a dark and starkly realistic portrait of the city’s inhabitants. The novel explores themes of disillusionment, desperation, and the dark side of the American Dream, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the gritty reality behind the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles.

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The White Album

by Joan Didion

The White Album by Joan Didion is a captivating collection of essays that delve into the complexities of 1970s Southern California. With its candid and insightful prose, this book provides a unique perspective on the cultural and political landscape of the era. Didion’s sharp observations and introspective reflections offer a deep dive into the societal tensions and personal experiences that defined the time period. Through her exploration of the ‘city of angels’, readers are given a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Los Angeles, presenting a thought-provoking portrayal of the city’s allure and enigma. The White Album is a compelling and thought-provoking book about Los Angeles that immerses readers in the vibrant and complex world of the city.

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Tropic of Orange

by Karen Tei Yamashita

Tropic of Orange by Karen Tei Yamashita is a captivating and thought-provoking book about the city of Angels. Set in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, this novel weaves together the lives of a diverse cast of characters, from a traffic reporter to an immigrant couple, all connected by a mysterious and addictive drug called ‘the orange.’ As the characters navigate the city’s sprawling highways and neighborhoods, the story delves into themes of identity, globalization, and the interconnectedness of our modern world. Through its vivid and evocative prose, Tropic of Orange offers a unique and multi-layered perspective on the vibrant and complex cityscape of Los Angeles. This book about Los Angeles is a must-read for anyone looking for a rich and immersive literary experience.

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The Black Dahlia

by James Ellroy

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy is a gripping noir novel set in the seedy underbelly of 1940s Los Angeles. The story follows two detectives, Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, as they investigate the brutal murder of Elizabeth Short, a young aspiring actress whose mutilated body is found in a vacant lot. As the investigation unfolds, the detectives find themselves entangled in a web of corruption, deceit, and obsession, all against the backdrop of a city rife with glamour and darkness. The novel is a haunting and atmospheric portrayal of a bygone era in the City of Angels, filled with vivid characters and a relentless drive to uncover the truth. A must-read for anyone fascinated by crime fiction and the dark side of the City of Angels.

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The Barbarian Nurseries

by Héctor Tobar

The Barbarian Nurseries is a compelling book about Los Angeles that delves into the complexities of the city’s diverse neighborhoods and cultures. Héctor Tobar’s novel follows the story of a Mexican maid who is left in charge of her employer’s children after a family dispute. As she navigates through the various social strata of Los Angeles, the novel explores issues of class, race, and identity in a city known for its sprawling diversity. Tobar’s vivid and evocative prose brings the vibrant and dynamic energy of the city to life, making it a must-read for anyone interested in a book on Los Angeles. The novel offers a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the complexities of contemporary urban life, making it a truly captivating Los Angeles book.

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The Big Sleep

by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep, penned by Raymond Chandler, is a classic hardboiled detective novel set in the gritty streets of the City of Angels. This iconic book on Los Angeles follows private investigator Philip Marlowe as he delves into the seedy underbelly of the city, navigating through its corrupt cops, wealthy families, and femme fatales. Chandler’s vivid prose and sharp wit bring 1930s Los Angeles to life, capturing the city’s dark glamour and moral decay. As Marlowe unravels a complex web of crime and deception, readers are drawn into a world of danger, intrigue, and moral ambiguity. A true Los Angeles book, The Big Sleep is a timeless tale of mystery and suspense that continues to captivate readers with its atmospheric portrayal of the city.

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The Madonnas of Echo Park

by Brando Skyhorse

The Madonnas of Echo Park is a captivating book on Los Angeles that tells the interconnected stories of the residents of Echo Park, a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of the city. Brando Skyhorse weaves together a tapestry of voices and experiences, ranging from young dreamers chasing the Hollywood dream to hardworking immigrants striving for a better life. Through beautiful prose and rich character development, the novel offers a poignant and intimate portrayal of the diverse community of Echo Park. The book about Los Angeles delves into the complexities of identity, family, and the pursuit of belonging in a city that is both dazzling and unforgiving. Skyhorse’s vivid storytelling and deep understanding of the city make The Madonnas of Echo Park a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the diverse tapestry that is Los Angeles.

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The Tortilla Curtain

by T.C. Boyle

The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle is a compelling novel that explores the complexities of immigration, xenophobia, and the American Dream in the outskirts of the city of Los Angeles. The story follows two couples, one wealthy and one struggling, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, bringing to light the stark realities of living on the outskirts of the city. With vivid prose and unflinching honesty, Boyle delves into the harsh social and economic divides that exist in the outskirts of the sprawling metropolis. This book about Los Angeles offers a thought-provoking and timely exploration of privilege, race, and the struggle for a better life in the shadows of the city’s glitz and glamour. The Tortilla Curtain is a powerful and poignant novel that will leave readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of life in the outskirts of this vibrant and diverse city.

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The Loved One

by Evelyn Waugh

The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh is a satirical novel set in the glitzy and superficial world of Hollywood, a city often associated with glamour and artificiality. The book takes a humorous and critical look at the obsession with image and appearance in the city of angels, revealing the absurdity and emptiness behind the facade of perfection. Through the story of a British expatriate working in the funeral industry, Waugh explores the darker and more grotesque aspects of Los Angeles, presenting a sharp critique of the city’s culture and values. The Loved One offers a witty and incisive commentary on the superficiality and shallowness of life in the entertainment capital of the world, making it a must-read for anyone interested in a satirical take on the ‘City of Angels’.

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The Long Goodbye

by Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye is a classic hardboiled detective novel set in the City of Angels, a sprawling metropolis known for its glitz and glamour. Raymond Chandler’s gripping tale follows private eye Philip Marlowe as he navigates the seedy underbelly of ‘the city of angels’ in search of the truth behind a friend’s mysterious death. The novel is a gritty portrayal of Los Angeles, depicting its dark alleys, corrupt elites, and treacherous characters. As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to consume him. The Long Goodbye is a compelling ‘book on Los Angeles’ that captures the essence of the city and the complexities of human nature in a gripping and suspenseful narrative.

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The Age of Miracles

by Karen Thompson Walker

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker is a captivating book about Los Angeles that explores a world in which the Earth’s rotation begins to slow. As the days and nights stretch longer, the delicate balance of nature and human life is thrown into turmoil. Against this backdrop, the protagonist, Julia, navigates the challenges of adolescence while witnessing the unraveling of the world she once knew. Walker’s lyrical prose and keen observations create a haunting and thought-provoking narrative that delves into the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming change. This Los Angeles book offers a unique and poignant perspective on the impact of a natural catastrophe on everyday life, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and introspective story.

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The Turner House

by Angela Flournoy

The Turner House by Angela Flournoy is a compelling family saga set in Detroit, Michigan. The novel follows the Turner family as they grapple with the ghosts of their past and the uncertain future of their beloved family home. The story is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, generational differences, and the impact of economic hardship on communities. Flournoy’s vivid storytelling and rich character development make this a captivating read that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and resilience. The Turner House offers a powerful and intimate portrayal of a city in transition, making it a must-read for anyone interested in urban fiction or the human experience. This book about Detroit is a moving and insightful exploration of the ties that bind us and the places we call home.

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The High Window

by Raymond Chandler

The High Window by Raymond Chandler is a gripping novel set in the seedy underbelly of the City of Angels. The story follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he delves into a case involving a rare and valuable coin. As Marlowe digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit, murder, and greed, all set against the backdrop of the sprawling metropolis of LA. With Chandler’s signature hard-boiled prose and sharp wit, The High Window is a classic example of noir fiction that captures the gritty essence of the City of Angels. If you’re looking for a compelling book about Los Angeles that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the one for you.

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The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

by Aimee Bender

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender is a captivating novel that delves into the emotional complexities of a young girl who discovers she has the ability to taste the emotions of the person who prepared the food she eats. Set in the sprawling metropolis of the City of Angels, this book on Los Angeles takes readers on a unique journey through the city’s diverse neighborhoods and the protagonist’s struggle to navigate her unusual gift. As she uncovers the hidden feelings of those around her through the taste of their cooking, the protagonist is confronted with the painful truth about her own family and the secrets they keep. A book about Los Angeles that beautifully captures the city’s vibrant culinary scene and the profound impact of human connection, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake is a poignant and thought-provoking read.

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The Big Nowhere

by James Ellroy

The Big Nowhere is a gripping book about Los Angeles in the 1950s, written by James Ellroy. This gritty novel delves into the underbelly of the city, exploring corruption, crime, and scandal. Set against the backdrop of the Red Scare and the glamor of Hollywood, the story follows three law enforcement officers as they unravel a web of corruption and violence. The book paints a vivid portrait of the seedy side of the City of Angels, with its intricate plot and morally complex characters. Ellroy’s writing style is intense and immersive, drawing readers into the dark and dangerous world of Los Angeles during this turbulent era. If you’re looking for a compelling and atmospheric book on Los Angeles, The Big Nowhere is a must-read.

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The Black Ice

by Michael Connelly

The Black Ice by Michael Connelly is a gripping mystery novel set in the City of Angels, Los Angeles. The story follows detective Harry Bosch as he investigates the death of a fellow police officer found in a seedy motel room. As Bosch delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, drugs, and betrayal that leads him into the dangerous world of the Mexican drug trade. With the help of an intriguing female detective and his own relentless determination, Bosch navigates the treacherous streets of the City of Angels to unravel the truth behind the murder. The Black Ice is a thrilling and atmospheric book about Los Angeles that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

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The Last Bookstore in America

by Amy Stewart

The Last Bookstore in America by Amy Stewart is a captivating book about Los Angeles that delves into the world of a struggling independent bookstore in the heart of the City of Angels. Through the eyes of the bookstore’s dedicated owner, readers are taken on a journey through the challenges and triumphs of keeping a literary haven alive in a city that is constantly evolving. Stewart’s vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling paint a vivid picture of the unique and vibrant landscape of the book on Los Angeles and the bookish community that calls it home. This is a must-read for anyone who loves books, supports local businesses, and has a soft spot for the enchanting city of LA, or any Los Angeles book.