Winter Reading

by Nyla Arslanian

A.K.A. Lucy – The Dynamic and Determined Life of Lucille Ball

Full of fresh perspective, richly informative, and officially authorized by the estate of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, this is a book on Lucille Ball like no other. With profiles spotlighting the many different faces of the woman, A.K.A. Lucy by Sarah Royal details how Ball changed the face of comedy and the entertainment industry. It sheds new light on the star’s history, from her childhood through hard-scrabble days trying to make it in show business, falling head-over-heels in love and embarking on one of the great romances of the twentieth century to becoming the biggest star in the world, a pioneer in television, and an icon for the ages. She is adored and idolized by millions—from modern-day comedians, the queer community, feminists, risk takers, go-getters, and TV fans from around the globe. Filled with photos, this is a volume both vivid and compelling, like the woman herself.

In Charlie Chaplin vs. America, bestselling biographer and film historian Scott Eyman tells the surprising, disturbing story of the decades when the movie genius who brought us such masterpieces as City Lights and Modern Times became too controversial for his adopted homeland. This is a perceptive, insightful portrait of Chaplin and of an America, not unlike today, consumed by political turmoil. In the aftermath of World War II, Chaplin was criticized for being politically liberal and internationalist in outlook. He had never become a U.S. citizen since emigrating from England—something that would be held against him as xenophobia set in during the postwar Red Scare. The dramatic story of how Charlie Chaplin—perhaps the most important figure in Hollywood history—suddenly became a pariah in his adopted country and went into a 20-year exile abroad, is a story as relevant today as when it happened.

Hollywood’s foremost historian, Marc Wanamaker, partnered with lifeguard historian Arthur C. Verge to produce Hollywood on The Santa Monca Beach, a colorful history of the beach that brought Hollywood to the world. Since pioneer filmmakers arrived on its shoreline in the early 20th century, the Santa Monica beach has been a popular location for the making of movies and television productions. Its enchanting beauty led studio moguls, producers, and celebrities to build beach houses on its Pacific shore, creating what became known as “Hollywood’s Playground.” In addition to its comprehensive history from a late 19th century resort, the photographic tour de force culminates with images from film and TV productions through the years. Playground, indeed!

George Geary’s passion for preserving culinary history and his talent for storytelling shine through every page of LA's Landmark Restaurants, a history of an iconic city told through the restaurants and restaurateurs that helped create it. In this beautiful tribute to Los Angeles and its historic restaurants, each location profiled is illustrated with a collection of historic and contemporary photographs and ephemera, such as menus, matchbooks, and advertisements. Every entry features a brief history of the restaurant, entertaining anecdotes, and such details as the year of opening, address, phone number (both original and current), type of cuisine, and the name of the restaurant’s founder. Notable Hollywood restaurants profiled include the Villa Capri, La Conga and Sardis. Gone but not forgotten.

Anita Rosenberg, a pioneering film director, invited her most interesting and successful movie business friends—writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, production designers, costume designers, editors, and actors—to explore what it takes to succeed in a famously difficult, male-dominated, and competitive industry. Each chapter of How Be The Star of Your Life: Lessons from Hollywood & Beyond includes short biographical sketches and well-edited excerpts from these intimate conversations. Illustrated with 121 photos from the author’s personal archive, the book is an absolute gem of lessons learned, advice and inspiration.