Jazz by Gary Giddins and Scott DeVeaux

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Traces and talks about the evolution of jazz. Parishes of New Orleans sparked the fermenting of jazz, later Chicago became a magnet when southerners moved north. Kansas City was hot in the 30’s and LA was in the 50’s, but New York became the focus where jazz matured.

Audio:  29 hrs. 45 min.

Print:  619 pages

The Crossing by Michael Connelly

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Detective Harry Bosch helps defense attorney Mickey Haller catch crooked policemen and save an innocent they are accusing of murder.

Audio:  9 hrs. 26 min.
Print:  400 pages

"A Bad Case" by Hollis Shiloh

Joe is a private detective in 1955 Los Angeles looking for the stolen jewels of a rich client.  He's not getting anywhere so he asks Lee, a man with "second sight," to help him on the case.  It turns out Lee has more than a little paranormal ability; he is part Fae with an evil half-brother who enslaves humans.  Can he help Joe solve the case without Joe paying the ultimate price?  I really enjoy Shiloh's stories; they are always unusual and touching in gentle and unexpected ways.  This one is no different and has a twist at the end that was great.  82 pages (Kindle edition).

"Finding Home" by Lauren Baker and Bonnie Dee

Megan is a 23-year-old aspiring journalist working as a copy editor at an L.A. weekly hoping for her big break when she takes it upon herself to write a piece about homeless youth on her own time.  One of the teens who reluctantly agrees to be interviewed is Mouth, a 17-year-old orphan who makes money as a prostitute on Santa Monica Boulevard.  As Megan gets to know some of the kids better and continues to interview them, she finds herself physically drawn to Mouth and worries when she doesn't see him for nearly a week.  When he reappears beaten and robbed by thugs, Megan talks him into staying at her apartment until he heals.  Though reluctant, Mouth agrees and admits that his real name is Sean and that he wants to get his GED along with a real job.  As their friendship deepens and they become roommates, he and Megan both try hard to fight their mutual attraction, and here's where the book becomes controversial.  Even though Sean is still legally a minor for only a few more months, he and Megan do become involved.  She feels guilty; is this his way of paying her back for all she's done for him, or does he truly care for her and want a real relationship?  As her friends and family find out that they are dating, reactions range from disbelief and disgust to acceptance.  Sean also has issues when he sees how harshly she is being judged for being with him.  His self-esteem is already low, and not being accepted by some of Megan's friends and family makes it worse.

I liked this story but was torn in my feelings because Sean/Mouth is still legally a minor, although he acts more mature than Megan does sometimes, but that's really what drives most of the conflict in the story. He's been on his own for over a year and knows how to survive while Megan is constantly late for work and family functions and can barely take care of herself.  The authors did a great job handling a controversial subject and rendering both characters with depth and distinct personality traits.  Megan's family was also well drawn, especially her sister and brother and their relationship to her.  Overall, this was a well written and highly believable tale of love and redemption.  248 pages (Kindle edition).

Private L.A. by James Patterson & Mark Sullivan

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Famous Hollywood movie couple disappear. They are great parents and philanthropists, with plenty of secrets.

Audio:  6 hrs. 10 min.

Print:  448 pages

"Does This Baby Make Me Look Straight? Confessions of a Gay Dad" by Dan Bucatinsky

Bucatinsky and his partner, now his husband, had been together over 10 years before deciding to have children.  This book consists of short vignettes of their journey to adopt and their evolution as dads once they do.  Perhaps best known for his role as James Novak on TV's Scandal, Bucatinsky writes with a lot of candor and humor about raising a girl and boy in Los Angeles along with his personal doubts of being a good parent.  He relays cute dialog with his kids, his insecurities when they seem to favor his husband, and his worries about how they will deal with being adopted by two men as they get older.  Luckily, they have lots of friends and families who accept and love them unconditionally.  I found one of the most insight parts to be when Bucatinsky worries that his four-year-old son's "tough guy swagger" may indicate that he'll be a bully and terrorize kids as he was terrorized himself.  There are other serious issues, but the author writes with lovable humor and tons of self-deprecation.  Recommended.  245 pages.