READING L.A.

Marjorie Luesebrink, teacher-writer:

“The Ford,” by Mary Austin (University of California Press).

“I am so glad that this book, first published in 1917, is back in print. Stealing water from the Owens Valley was one of the most audacious schemes of the West, and it’s fascinating to see it firsthand. Austin is anguished over the issue and, as a novelist, sees its enormity in human, not political, terms.”

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Dan Lewis, manuscript curator:

“Stan Getz: A Life in Jazz,” by Donald L. Maggin (William Morrow).

“This hefty book offers a beautiful overview of the life of a great tenor saxophonist. Getz led a lyrical life and stood out as a giant on the post-World War II jazz scene. I was struck by the strange fortunes that often stem from the collision of a huge talent with the demands of the public.”

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Chip Houghton, executive producer:

“High Fidelity,” by Nick Hornby (Riverhead Books).

“People who love this novel about a guy and his record collection have been recommending it to me for years. So far, it reminds me of that TV show ‘The Wonder Years,’ with more sex. It brings me back to my childhood.”

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Mark Gozonsky, electronic editor:

“The Total Package,” by Thomas Hine (Little, Brown).

“Packaging is such an important part of everything we do and we are exposed to. It’s great to understand how it’s been done--from the Quaker Oats to the Nike swoosh. I enjoyed the sheer euphoria of this book’s erudition.”