Books & Reviews

Books continue to top best-seller charts, and there are so many great books from California authors to enjoy that we thought they deserved their own special section. We will continue to add books to the list as they become available, but for now, we’ll start with those we’ve had time to look at and / or review.

Larry King Live, My Remarkable Journey is a great read from one of the nation’s most popular news personalities. A lively, tell all book offers hope for those who feel down. King discusses his rise from penniless and broke to wealth, confessing that perhaps he should arrange his financial affairs for the huge family he’s built. This autobiography is the most recent of a list of books by King. Our interview conducted during a book tour offers a photo and insight into the author’s motiviation for writing the book.

Pioneers in Blue and Gray–Civil War Veterans in Orange County by Gordon Bricken. Painstakingly researched and chockfull of graphic photos and incredible stories, the impressive work by the former Santa Ana Mayor will keep you glued to it from cover to cover. You’ll learn about more than 1,000 Civil War veterans, including 741 Union and 97 Confederate, with roots to the OC.  Contact Gordon Bricken at GBricken@aol.com)

Bolsa Chica– Its History From Prehistoric Times to the Present by David M. Carlberg is a must-read for those who want to learn about the wetlands ecology and the history of the Orange County coast. One of the most important parcels of land in Southern California has been spared development, but not without great efforts and litigation to protect its status as an ecologocial reserve for migrating birds. Read all about Bolsa Chica, located in the city of Huntington Beach, Calif.

Without Risk There’s No Reward by Robert Mayer offers a glimpse into a humble man who built an empire. The book includes lots of humor, and a section of family photos. Robert Mayer is a self-made entrepreneur who attributes success to good research, timing and taking risks. His knowledge of the building industry began decades ago as he started from the ground up, learning as he went. Throughout the years he’s observed opportunities and been willing to partner to make things happen and grow a thriving business that today includes several premier oceanfront hotels in Southern California and numerous development projects.

Huntington Beach, California (postcard history series) by Marvin Carlberg and Chris Epting. Huntington Beach on the Southern California coast 40 miles south of Los Angeles has been a tourist destination for over 100 years. The haven of sunshine and sand has been the subject of many postcards, too. This picturesque place with its scenic pier, downtown, businesses and other points of interest have became some of the city’s most popular souvenirs throughout the decades. Postcards of this special beach town evoke magic memories and offer nostalgic glimpses that are as lovely today as they were long ago.

Survive the Drive by David Rizzo (Dr Roadmap) tells everything you want and need to know before hitting the road in Southern California. The book offers detailed information about when to drive, where to buy a house for easier commutes, and what all the jargon really means. It’s the “bible” of road travel in SoCal.