I really wanted to like this book but was eventually turned off by the never-ending flood of anecdotes which come at such a pace you feel smothered. The map showing orange groves, fields and cattle where now there's only concrete is the most interesting part. ( )

I was thrilled when I found this book in the Salvation Army store. Matt Weinstock was a columnist for the Daily News all the time I was growing up, and I can remember that I looked forward to his daily columns; probably because they were so humorous. The end papers contain a pictorial "map" of L.A. and vicinity, which is just fascinating. I can remember all those landmarks so CLEARLY!
The book itself wasn't quite as good as the nostalgia it engendered. It was very exciting at first, to see mentions of such places as Belvedere, Montebello, Sunset Strip, downtown L.A., Olvera Street, etc; and to have buried memories of orange groves, smudge pots, skid row and search lights resurrected. After while, though, anecdote after anecdote got tiring. I think maybe Weinstock was a lot more interesting at the time he was writing; first of all because there are in-jokes that no longer seem so funny, and secondly, it's a lot different looking forward to reading a daily column than to read a whole book of them all at once. But still, for anyone who grew up in Los Angeles during the 40's and 50's this is a nostalgic trip down that old Memory Lane. Today, the book wouldn't be of much interest to any one else. But then, it was originally intended for Angelinos. ( )

A series of essays about Los Angeles approximately post-WWII. Touches on various groups, trends and industries. Weinstock was a reporter for the LA Times.
Writing was so-so, just interesting as a novelty since I live in the vicinity.
Great map of greater LA showing cows and sheep where there are now freeways! ( )