SKU: 75226164972

Los Angeles Stories

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Description

Los Angeles StoriesA Los Angeles Times's and Southern California Indie Bookseller Association's Bestseller Los Angeles Stories is a collection of loosely linked, noir ish tales that evoke a bygone era in one of America's most iconic cities. In post World War II Los Angeles, as power was concentrating and fortunes were being made, a do it yourself culture of cool cats, outsiders, and oddballs populated the old downtown neighborhoods of Bunker Hill and Chavez Ravine.

A Los Angeles Times's and Southern California Indie Bookseller Association's Bestseller

Los Angeles Stories is a collection of loosely linked, noir-ish tales that evoke a bygone era in one of America's most iconic cities. In post-World War II Los Angeles, as power was concentrating and fortunes were being made, a do-it-yourself culture of cool cats, outsiders, and oddballs populated the old downtown neighborhoods of Bunker Hill and Chavez Ravine. Ordinary working folks rubbed elbows with petty criminals, grifters, and all sorts of women at foggy end-of-the-line outposts in Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

Rich with the essence and character of the times, suffused with the patois of the city's underclass, these are stories about the common people of Los Angeles, "a sunny place for shady people," and the strange things that happen to them. Musicians, gun shop owners, streetwalkers, tailors, door-to-door salesmen, drifters, housewives, dentists, pornographers, new arrivals, and hard-bitten denizens all intersect in cleverly plotted stories that center around some kind of shadowy activity. This quirky love letter to a lost way of life will appeal to fans of hard-boiled fiction and anyone interested in the city itself.

"Taken as a whole, this collection offers a panoramic view of a rapidly changing Los Angeles and its immigrant communities, rich in period detail and idiomatic dialogue, sometimes based on Cooder's own memories of growing up in the same neighborhoods in which the stories are often set."--Uncut Magazine

"Cooder shouldn't stop making records. He should keep writing, too." --Rolling Stones

"The stories of Ry Cooder are a lot like his music: stately, precise, well constructed; they grab you by the throat, quietly, and never let go ... "--Andrew J. Khaled Madigan, The Iowa Review

"The strict Los Angeles setting--the city's highs and lows romanticised ceaselessly--make them like Raymond Chandler or Mickey Spillane."--Chris Johnston, Sydney Morning Herald

"In Los Angeles Stories, his first published collection of stories, Cooder pays homage to the jazz, the blues and the Latin beat of a bygone era. He also honors a cast of boisterous musicians, some murdered, others spared to tell their gritty tales of life and death. A few famous musicians--John Lee Hooker and Charlie Parker among them--make cameo appearances in these pages, but most of the guitar players, drummers and lounge singers are as unknown as the repossession men, waitresses and mechanics they entertain in forgotten bars and derelict nightclubs."--San Francisco Chronicle

Ry Cooder is a world-famous guitarist, singer, and composer known for his slide guitar work, interest in roots music, and more recently for his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries, including The Buena Vista Social Club. He has composed soundtracks for more than twenty films, including Paris, Texas. Two recent albums were accompanied by stories Cooder wrote to accompany the music. This is his first published collection of stories.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: City Lights Publishers - City Lights Publishe
Published: 10/04/2011
ISBN: 9780872865198
Pages: 232
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.20w x 0.70d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 11/07/2011
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SKU: 75226164972

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These Vcansion cargo shorts are extremely comfortable and easy to wear. The cotton fabric is lightweight and breathable, making them great for warm weather. The loose fit gives plenty of room to move without feeling baggy or sloppy. The multiple pockets are a big plus. They’re well sized and actually usable, which makes these shorts perfect for casual wear, travel, or working around the house. They sit comfortably at the waist and feel well made for the price. If you want casual shorts that are comfortable, functional, and versatile, these are a great buy. I’d definitely pick up another pair.
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​Best lightweight cargo shorts I own!
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These are my new go-to shorts for summer. The cotton material is breathable and feels great—you barely notice you're wearing them. I love the classic look and the practical design; the loose fit allows for maximum comfort and movement. All of the multi-pockets are sturdy and well-sewn, making them perfect for camping, fishing, or just relaxing. They hold up perfectly in the wash. Excellent value, fit, and utility
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Bozeman, US
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Size: 34, Color: #01black
Shorts I ordered were great. Good quality and perfect fit. Exact color I ordered. Won’t hesitate in ordering more in the future
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Logan langford
San Leandro, US
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Online vs Instore
Size: 40, Color: #01khaki
As to be expected, not seeing and touching before purchase. I bought three pairs of these shorts in different colors for a trip to see my son graduate from his Army National guard AIT. I would rate the overall a five based on fit, quality, and comfort. One thing that I have to mark down, is they have elastic waist bands as described! In the description pic's, they are shown with nice long tie strings. The reality of what I received is the stings are too short to tie. They were almost the same circumference as the waist band, so only able to tie in a small knot, rather than a bow. no Biggy, until it's time for the restroom. Hopefully it's self explanitory....fumbling around with a knot! waist fits as stated to my size, but add weight of wallet and cell phone, and after a few steps, they begin to slide down. Tie string a must. I will see about finding something longer, as I do like them overall!
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Samie Bryner
Massapequa, US
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Great fabric and quality
These shorts were a gift for my boyfriend who loved how comfortable they were!!! They washed very well bought them to match an army t shirt and they both matched perfectly!!! Size was perfect would definitely recommend these for the man in your life!!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2026

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