This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores See the top-selling hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction releases for the sales week that ended Jan. 4.
The ‘Coachella for book lovers’ festival returns to Pasadena in February By Charlie Vargas January 6, 2026 at 11:50 a.m. Rare Books LA returns to Pasadena Feb. 22-23 with over 80 exhibitors featuring antiquarian books,...
The Book Pages: A year in author interviews and Q&As, again By Erik Pedersen January 6, 2026 at 1:47 p.m. Check out memorable moments from our 2025 stories on authors, books and more.
The Book Pages: A year in author interviews and Q&As, 2025 By Erik Pedersen January 6, 2026 at 1:48 p.m. Check out memorable moments from our 2025 stories on authors, books and more.
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report December 30, 2025 at 6:16 p.m. See the top-selling hardcover and paperback fiction and nonfiction releases for the sales week that...
At 60, Rick Bass suited up to play semi-pro football. The result is ‘Wrecking Ball’ By Michael Schaub December 29, 2025 at 8:50 a.m. Is the football team popular with folks in town? No, says the author.
Want to read more in 2026? Here’s how to revive your love of books By Associated Press December 27, 2025 at 6:30 a.m. Curling up with a good book can reduce stress, increase creativity and boost empathy.
Matthew and Gunnar Nelson return to tell all in ‘What Happened to Your Hair?’ By Peter Larsen December 24, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. The new memoir from the brothers, who had a No. 1 hit as Nelson, has...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report December 24, 2025 at 10:52 a.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
Jillian Lauren teases new book after LAPD shooting, split from Weezer bassist By Charlie Vargas December 23, 2025 at 12:04 p.m. The author told Rolling Stone she initially felt the incident with the police would be...
Why Natan Last says crossword puzzles are political in ‘Across the Universe’ By Stuart Miller December 23, 2025 at 3:22 p.m. The book, which is subtitled 'The Past, Present, and Future of the Crossword Puzzle,' looks...
Megha Majumdar says ‘A Guardian and a Thief’ explores how we act in a crisis By Stuart Miller December 22, 2025 at 11:09 a.m. The acclaimed novel was a finalist for the National Book Award.
Elizabeth McCracken recalls being first to read Ann Patchett’s ‘Bel Canto’ By Erik Pedersen December 22, 2025 at 11:32 a.m. The author talks about her terrific new book, 'A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction.'
46 best books of 2025: Our top fiction and nonfiction book recommendations By Erik Pedersen December 19, 2025 at 10:59 a.m. Which book is best out of this list of literary fiction, mysteries, nonfiction, memoir and...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report December 16, 2025 at 6:19 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
32 mysteries and thrillers from 2025 to read over the holidays By Michael Schaub December 16, 2025 at 5:38 p.m. We combed through a bunch of bestselling mysteries and thrillers published this year for your...
24 award-nominated 2025 books to read and add to your TBR pile By Michael Schaub December 16, 2025 at 12:04 p.m. Here are two dozen excellent books published this year that are worth a look.
‘Lori Lovely’ author Sarah McCoy recalls her Shakespearean drama By Erik Pedersen December 19, 2025 at 10:58 a.m. The author's 'Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely?' tells the story of a college student writing...
Anthony Jeselnik loves reading great books. So he’s starting a book club. By Erik Pedersen December 12, 2025 at 12:36 p.m. And he has no idea if he'll make any money off it. The comedian discusses...
How icon Googoosh overcame the Iranian revolution’s attempt to silence her By Liz Ohanesian December 11, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. In her new memoir with co-author Tara Dehlavi, 'Googoosh: A Sinful Voice,' the singer recounts...
How Ace Atkins mined his ’80s youth for spy thriller ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ By Peter Larsen December 10, 2025 at 1:48 p.m. After focusing on his two series over the past decade, Atkins decided to write a...
Meet the Long Beach typewriter poet helping strangers navigate heartbreak By Emily St. Martin December 10, 2025 at 12:11 p.m. After a viral moment at a bank, Nico Patino’s poems are making him one of...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report December 9, 2025 at 6:03 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
Charles Beaumont was a spy. Now he’s writing spy novels. By Erik Pedersen December 5, 2025 at 1:41 p.m. Plus, check out this week's bestsellers.
What are you reading? A novel about ‘loving even if it hurts to love’ By Erik Pedersen December 5, 2025 at 1:40 p.m. In the Book Pages, a reader talks about 'The Wall' by Marlen Haushofer, translated by Shaun...
100 Christmas and holiday gift book recs from Southern California bookstores By Erik Pedersen December 4, 2025 at 1:44 p.m. LA, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino county booksellers suggest the best books of 2025 to...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report December 2, 2025 at 6:17 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
11 books and last-minute indie gift ideas for Christmas and the holidays By Erik Pedersen December 1, 2025 at 5:49 p.m. From graphic novels and cookbooks to oral histories and photo collections, there's plenty of variety...
Author Tod Goldberg is fascinated by characters who make poor decisions By Erik Pedersen November 28, 2025 at 7:56 a.m. Goldberg, whose latest book is the crime novel 'Only Way Out,' directs the Low Residency...
Why Roger Deakins wrote ‘Reflections,’ a book about his visual work in film By Stuart Miller November 26, 2025 at 7:58 a.m. Deakins, one of the most influential cinematographers of the last 40 years, delivers a book...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report November 25, 2025 at 6:09 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
How Bryan Washington spent years finding a new way to write ‘Palaver’ By Stuart Miller November 25, 2025 at 12:18 p.m. The author's new novel was a National Book Award finalist.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a rare Superman comic book! And it fetched $9.12M! By Associated Press November 24, 2025 at 3:19 p.m. The sale surpassed the record of $6 million from another Superman-related comic sold last year.
Myriam Gurba’s mall crush introduced her to a favorite book By Erik Pedersen November 22, 2025 at 11:22 a.m. The author's latest nonfiction book, “Poppy State,” is out now from Timber Press.
Author Elaine Hsieh Chou adapted ‘Little Women’ for the stage in 6th grade By Erik Pedersen November 22, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. The author's latest release is the story collection “Where Are You Really From.”
Steven Reigns moved Anaïs Nin’s papers to safety prior to the Palisades fire By Erik Pedersen November 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. The new book by the first Poet Laureate of West Hollywood is "Outliving Michael,."
A mystery, memoir and more for readers who like books about books By Erik Pedersen November 21, 2025 at 4:22 p.m. From a new mystery and a book of essays to excellent nonfiction about editors and...
Novelist Rabih Alameddine and poet Patricia Smith win National Book Awards By Associated Press November 20, 2025 at 11:44 a.m. The event included honorary medals for writers George Saunders and Roxane Gay.
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report November 19, 2025 at 5:38 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
These 2025 children’s books make great holiday gifts for every age group By Associated Press November 24, 2025 at 1:02 p.m. Look no further for great gift ideas for your kiddos.
The top 10 audiobooks of 2025, according to Libro.fm By Erik Pedersen November 15, 2025 at 2:50 p.m. So what have you been listening to in 2025?
How San Gabriel Valley bookstores are teaming up on Small Business Saturday By Erik Pedersen November 19, 2025 at 5:04 p.m. On Nov. 29, Black Cat Fables, dym books & boba, Fables & Fancies, Matilija Collective,...
6 novels set in the American West featuring cowboys and complexity By Toni Sciacqua November 12, 2025 at 12:02 p.m. As well, there's a recommendation for a work of nonfiction that provides some context for...
Why Cocteau Twins’ Simon Raymonde says the group is more popular than ever By Peter Larsen November 12, 2025 at 9:01 a.m. Raymonde, who played bass and keyboards in the influential English band, and founded the Bella...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report November 11, 2025 at 6:20 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
22 books coming out in November 2025 to add to your TBR list By Erik Pedersen November 7, 2025 at 2:32 p.m. What's hitting bookstores this month? Here are just some of the titles we're looking forward...
So you’ve been ripped off? Raymond Biesinger has just the book for you. By Erik Pedersen November 7, 2025 at 4:35 p.m. The artist and illustrator wrote '9 Times My Work Has Been Ripped Off: An Informal...
Elaine Hsieh Chou aimed to write Asian American characters she hadn’t seen before By Michael Schaub November 7, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Born in Anaheim Hills, the UC Irvine-educated author discusses her new collection, 'Where Are You...
Salman Rushdie’s new book is his first fiction since a brutal attack. He tells us why By Associated Press November 7, 2025 at 11:22 a.m. “The Eleventh Hour” marks a creative reset for the author.
Why Neil deGrasse Tyson says we’re falling into science illiteracy By Peter Larsen November 6, 2025 at 7:45 a.m. In L.A. to talk about a new book, the astrophysicist, author, podcaster and all-around spokesman...
Former OC Register humorist Jeff Kramer returns for a book signing By gqlshare November 5, 2025 at 4:37 p.m. Former Orange County Register humor columnist Jeff Kramer will be reading from humorous novel entitled...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report November 4, 2025 at 6:27 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
How the American West story reveals the nation’s triumphs and tragedies By Stuart Miller November 3, 2025 at 8:44 a.m. Paul Andrew Hutton’s 'Undiscovered Country' and Peter Cozzen’s 'Deadwood' examine the nation through separate lenses.
Dr. Seuss manuscript found in California university archives to be new children’s book By Karen Kucher November 3, 2025 at 8:20 a.m. When editors visited the Dr. Seuss collection at UC San Diego, they were looking for...
Why Sterlin Harjo’s ‘The Lowdown’ is a TV show for the books By Erik Pedersen November 3, 2025 at 1:18 p.m. The series finale airs Nov. 4, so you can catch up if you’ve missed it.
The Book Pages: When the bookshelves are full of breaking news By Erik Pedersen November 1, 2025 at 2:45 p.m. In the Book Pages each week, you'll get stories, Q&As, bestsellers lists and more.
Susan Straight shares something no one knows about ‘Sacrament’ By Erik Pedersen November 1, 2025 at 1:11 p.m. The author's latest novel is about a group of nurses in San Bernardino taking care...
Why Todd McFarlane chose this Pasadena comic book store for Eaton Fire benefit By Erik Pedersen November 1, 2025 at 1:27 p.m. The event at P Dot’s Comics and Collectibles raised $25,000 for the Pasadena Community Foundation’s...
In ‘Queen Esther,’ John Irving travels back to ‘The Cider House Rules’ By Peter Larsen October 30, 2025 at 10:35 a.m. The bestselling author's 16th novel tackles antisemitism in a tale of family and love from...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report October 28, 2025 at 6:19 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
Bruce Lee biographer Jeff Chang is fighting a ban on one of his own books By Erik Pedersen October 28, 2025 at 4:16 p.m. The Young Adult version of his hip-hop history 'Can't Stop Won't Stop' was removed along...
A new book takes a stab at explaining how ‘Scream’ changed horror films By Kelli Skye Fadroski October 22, 2025 at 8:14 a.m. In 'Your Favorite Scary Movie,' author Ashley Cullins takes a deep dive, interviewing actors, writers...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report October 21, 2025 at 6:29 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
Gish Jen seeks to understand her abusive mother’s life in ‘Bad Bad Girl’ By Stuart Miller October 21, 2025 at 2:51 p.m. 'I feel it’s the great achievement of my life,' says the award-winning author about stopping...
In ‘Poppy State,’ Myriam Gurba combines memoir, botany, and California history By Diya Chacko October 21, 2025 at 5:54 p.m. The latest work of nonfiction from the author of 'Mean' was inspired by the plants...
45 Halloween book recommendations from Southern California bookstores By Erik Pedersen October 21, 2025 at 6:30 a.m. From titles for kids to super-scary titles for adults, your local independent booksellers have you...
Why ‘Mona’s Eyes’ author is only pretending to be OK with this, readers By Erik Pedersen October 17, 2025 at 1:36 p.m. Thomas Schlesser, who wrote the bestseller, says it 'slightly irritates' him when people say they...
Why Backlisted books podcast cohost Andy Miller is coming to America By Erik Pedersen October 27, 2025 at 12:15 p.m. The popular program devoted to 'giving new life to old books' is celebrating its 10-year-anniversary...
Backlisted: A beginner’s guide to the best of the books podcast By Erik Pedersen October 17, 2025 at 3:42 p.m. The beloved British show has done 250 episodes over the past 10 years. Here are...
Oliver Wang’s book on Japanese American car culture details untold LA history By Charlie Vargas October 17, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. The Cal State Long Beach professor’s book is accompanied by a Japanese American National Museum...
How Bruce Lee transformed from martial arts star to enduring Asian American icon By Peter Larsen October 19, 2025 at 3:42 p.m. Author Jeff Chang was offered a chance to write about Lee after the success of...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report October 14, 2025 at 6:27 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
In ‘Joyride,’ Susan Orlean takes on her most challenging subject yet: Herself. By Samantha Dunn October 14, 2025 at 4:15 p.m. The New Yorker staff writer takes readers on the ride of her life.
Fall book preview: 34 new titles you’ll want to read in 2025 By Michael Schaub October 15, 2025 at 4:13 p.m. From novels and nonfiction to titles that resist easy classification, these exciting books are coming...
‘Nimona’ creator ND Stevenson talks pirates, monsters and ‘Scarlet Morning’ By Erik Pedersen October 10, 2025 at 9:45 a.m. The author and illustrator loves covers with an "ominous snowy mountain or a ghostly tall...
‘Rehab: An American Scandal’ examines the human cost of a broken system By Stuart Miller October 9, 2025 at 2:19 p.m. Pulitzer finalist Shoshana Walter examines the problems with America's drug rehabilitation industry in her new...
Kirkus Prize winners include a novel on identity, a history of Iran and an ode to belly buttons By Associated Press October 9, 2025 at 10:52 a.m. The winners were praised for their messages on community, self-transformation, and history.
Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai wins the Nobel Prize in literature By Associated Press October 9, 2025 at 9:58 a.m. Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai has won the Nobel Prize in literature for his compelling and...
This Santa Ana resident created LibroMobile not just to sell books but to bring people together By Theresa Walker October 8, 2025 at 1:45 p.m. LibroMobile Bookstore is part of a national revival of independent bookstores with an advocacy bent,...
Can small museums make our world bigger? This LA author thinks so By Tanya Ward Goodman October 8, 2025 at 1:44 p.m. Researcher Todd Lerew's curiosity has led him to America's smallest, quirkiest museums.
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report October 7, 2025 at 6:09 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
Banned Books Week 2025: What every reader should know By Erik Pedersen October 4, 2025 at 8:01 a.m. Plus, a new PEN America study, screenings of 'The Librarians,' the Books Unbanned program and...
How the Cars found rock ‘n’ roll superstardom and let it slip away By Peter Larsen October 3, 2025 at 9:37 a.m. Musician and writer Bill Janovitz's' 'The Cars: Let the Stories Be Told' is the first...
Journalist and convicted murderer John J. Lennon takes on true crime in new book By Emily St. Martin October 1, 2025 at 3:48 p.m. Journalist John J. Lennon's debut book "The Tragedy of True Crime" follows four men who...
Stephen King is the most banned author in US schools, PEN report says By Associated Press October 1, 2025 at 8:28 a.m. The report tracks over 6,800 instances of books being pulled for the 2024-2025 school year.
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report September 30, 2025 at 6:01 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
Why M.L. Rio spent 18 months living in her car to write ‘Hot Wax’ By Stuart Miller September 30, 2025 at 10:31 a.m. The author will be in conversation with Amanda Montell at Book Soup on Oct. 8.
‘Crooks’ author Lou Berney on the book that wracked him with joy and despair By Erik Pedersen September 30, 2025 at 12:39 p.m. The novelist also discusses working on Sterlin Harjo's new FX streaming crime series, 'The Lowdown.'
Book club insider: Celebrity-run groups and why wine makes a meeting better By Erik Pedersen September 26, 2025 at 12:43 p.m. Also in the Book Pages this week, new books from Stephen King, Robin Wall Kimmerer...
Hard pass. Cold brew. Dad bod. Merriam-Webster adds over 5,000 words to ‘Collegiate’ dictionary By Associated Press September 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. The 12th edition, the first update in 22 years, will be released Nov. 18.
How celebrity book clubs are using their platform to inspire a love of reading By Emily St. Martin September 24, 2025 at 10:06 a.m. From Oscar-winning actors to morning news hosts and Grammy-winning pop stars, here are the celebrity...
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report September 23, 2025 at 6:07 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
Claire Jia dreamt of being U.S. ambassador to China. Instead, she wrote a novel. By Michael Schaub September 22, 2025 at 10:43 a.m. After researching how propaganda influences people's lives in Beijing, she decided she'd rather write fiction.
The badass return of crime novels by Nicola Griffith and Elizabeth Hand By Erik Pedersen September 19, 2025 at 4:49 p.m. Griffith’s Aud Torvingen novels and Hand’s Cass Neary series are back in new editions and...
Why Jon Raymond’s ‘God and Sex’ owes a debt to Graham Greene’s masterpiece By Stuart Miller September 18, 2025 at 9:46 a.m. The author, who was nominated for an Emmy for 'Mildred Pierce,' has written six previous...
Dungeon Crawler Carl’s Matt Dinniman reveals a secret of the series’ start By Erik Pedersen September 19, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. DIESEL, A Bookstore will be hosting an event with Dinniman and Felicia Day on Sept....
This week’s bestsellers at Southern California’s independent bookstores By Staff report September 16, 2025 at 6:24 p.m. See the top-selling releases among hardcover fiction and nonfiction, plus trade and mass market paperbacks...
How the ’60s and ’70s Los Angeles scene inspired Ella Berman’s ‘LA Women’ By Michael Schaub September 16, 2025 at 3:17 p.m. The author's third novel follows two writers who take different paths during the Laurel Canyon...