Love, West Hollywood: Reflections of Los Angeles [Paperback]

Chris Freeman (Editor), James J. Berg (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2008

From New Orleans (Love, Bourbon Street) to San Francisco (Love, Castro Street), Alyson’s richly detailed, highly acclaimed series finds its way to the sun-dappled land of Southern California. The story of Los Angeles’ gay history is often overshadowed by the mystique of Hollywood, as well as the notion that the gay community was centered in the City by the Bay or the Big Apple. Now, Los Angeles’ rich literary and cultural heritage is revealed in these thoughtful, humorous, and insightful essays.

Chris Freeman and James J. Berg both hold PhDs in literature, and are the co-editors of several books.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chris Freeman earned a Ph.D. in English and American literature from Vanderbilt University, and his writing has appeared in numerous publications, including The Advocate and Variety. He teaches 'Los Angeles Stories' and literature courses at the Universit

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Alyson Books (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593500556
• ISBN-13: 978-1593500559
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,229,681 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Golden State Standard, June 9, 2008

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laconfidential (Beverly Hills, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Love, West Hollywood: Reflections of Los Angeles (Paperback)

"Love, West Hollywood: Reflections of Los Angeles" is a marvelous self-portrait of one of America's most fascinating cities. 35 writers artfully paint a city at once glittering and grotesque - capturing both the allure and pain found within its pearly gates.

The editors have chosen their narrators carefully - each covering his or her part of the canvas in highly personal ways. Some apply war paint with fearless abandon while others dab delicately. "Love, West Hollywood" smartly blends intimate remembrances of Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift and Mary Pickford with harrowing tales of runaways, discrimination and hustlers. The result is a profound testament to all of the creative and colorful people who lived, thrived, loved and died here.

Without a doubt, this compilation is sure to become the standard by which all such books are measured.
Whether a native Angeleno or a literary interloper, "Love, West Hollywood" will leave you spellbound.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Diversity!, June 19, 2008

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Lucia D. Vazquez (Merced, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love, West Hollywood: Reflections of Los Angeles (Paperback)

What a delight is Love, West Hollywood! The collection of stories in the book creates a delightful diversity; diversity in love, race, and class. Strangely gender is not an issue; the book transcends gender, intermingling stories by both male and female authors. However, the weakness being there is only one, albeit very educational, Trans point of view. Despite the delicious name dropping that may appeal to those "in the know" there is something for everyone. The collective stories (were able to) personalize the likes of icon Lucille Ball, tough dike Chicana footballers - even a Jewish Grandmother. Academic and historically accurate, it is educational and appropriate for any undergraduate class. The writing is creative, polished, and the topics are varied enough to hold one's interest. I would highly recommend it (and have already bought additional copies) for those working with runaway youth. It will validate and ring familiar to youth and adults that are still searching, regardless of race or class and is sure to educate my fellow heterosexuals. There is a strong theme of longing for place and belonging and an almost therapeutic sharing as each story unfolds. It's about Love, all kinds of Love; many stories pointedly demonstrate how culture and class often outweigh the ability for free expression of sexuality. One will feel both the excitement and shame brought about by spontaneously "kissing Elvis" in "Color Bonita" and recognize true love for the person known only as A in "a". Readers will understand the frustrated need for anonymity in "a" in "l.a. incog-negro". Congratulations to the editors and contributors on a job well done. Kudos on the breath of diversity it's a difficult task.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than a good read, June 18, 2008

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California reader (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love, West Hollywood: Reflections of Los Angeles (Paperback)

It's a lot of good reads, by a strikingly diverse group of writers. The pieces range from quirkily informative to deeply personal, alternately funny, moving, shocking, and enlightening. About ten essays stand out as my favorites. Other people's favorites might differ. That's the strength of this comprehensive collection that reveals many different experiences of gay Los Angeles. If you're interested in old Hollywood, remembrances of LA's shadowy gay scene from decades past, thoughtful observations from gay rights pioneers, or if you want to hear from new, young voices in LA's LGBT community, then you'll love this book.