Foreign Tongues

Dropped by one of my favourite haunts on Larchmont at none other than Peet's Coffee. A bit out of the ordinary since it was a week night but I was craving a chai latte and some Moravagine reading. After finishing my cup of warm and utter deliciousness (and picking up my jaw after reading a few chapters in my book) it was time to make my way back home. I was actually headed to my car but stopped and made my way back to the tables outside so I could interrogate a reader I spotted from the corner of my eye.

I was instantly drawn to the foreign lettering I could make out on the pages. Marcus laughs when I ask him what he's reading. It's Dumas' The Black Tulip...translated from French...into Arabic. He actually just started it. I was deceived! I had thought he was almost done because it looked like he was nearing the end. Little did I know that books in Arabic start from right to left...like Japanese books.

Marcus warns me that he is not really fluent in Arabic however he did study it for 3 years at university. Although he grew up in Los Angeles he opted to attend McGill University in Montreal. "I wanted to go to school as far away as possible!"

Now here he was, back in Los Angeles, reading books in Arabic whenever possible as continuous practice. "I don't normally get to utilize the language so I do different things here and there to keep it up." Marcus got this copy of The Black Tulip from a bookstore in Garden Grove, apparently an "Arabic enclave". Similar to how Artesia (I believe it's Artesia) where there's a bustling Indian community.


I wondered if Marcus read nothing but Arabic translations. That would be dedication right there. No, he mixes it up. The last book he read was a post-modern work by Thomas Pynchon called Gravity's Rainbow. "This book resonates with our generation." Interestingly enough he found out about this book from a Facebook app. "Yeah it was one of those apps like 'Which book are you?'" Ahhhh yes, gotta love social media.

"This book...I think it is probably one of the most depressing books in American Literature. And it is no easy read. It is as difficult to read as The Satanic Verses...or Naked Lunch."

I chuckled and told him I was currently reading Moravagine. I recited a short quip from the back of the book: "At once truly appalling and appallingly funny, Blaise Cendrars's Moravagine bears comparison with Naked Lunch -- except that it's a lot more entertaining to read."

Marcus continues with his commentary. "Books with nonsensical prose...the writing style is definitely not easy to understand."

Favourite book? It would have to be something by Ernest Hemingway. Marcus paused to sift through the various titles in his head and settled on A Moveable Feast. "It is not one of his famous or well-known works but essential for us to read and get a taste of the Paris flight and the Lost Generation." Marcus has read the book in its entirety and from time to time he picks up the book and reads random chapters. "It's like scripture and reading the Bible. I read a random chapter here and there, then digest what I read. Life IS a moveable feast. The book takes you into the bohemian lifestyle of the Lost Generation.
They were hedonistic!
They were debaucherous!
Let's move to Paris! Be expatriates! Let's sit at cafes and have heated discussions about this and that! The plight of the world! Let's!"

Another work that resonated with him when he was younger was John Donne's "Death Be Not Proud". The words really affected him. He looks back and realizes that even back then he was drawn to darker and depressing themes.

Would he say that Hemingway was his favourite author? No, not at all. "I know my favourite book is written by him but I wouldn't categorize him as my favourite author of all time. He used techniques that I don't necessarily like. I tutor 5th graders and I have them read Hemingway. I figured it would be a great thing for them since I enjoyed his works when I was younger. I guess my tastes have drastically changed now that I am older..."

I probe him about books he read as a child. Surely he must've read books on the lighter side as a young lad. He remembers reading The Little Prince and disliking it. "I just didn't understand it. It touches on adult themes and it didn't make sense to me." I suggested he read it again now with an adult eye. It is one of my favourite books and I wholeheartedly believe that the themes will surely strike a chord in him if he revisits the book now.



When asked what he would write about if he were to write his own book I had truly stumped him. "Is it awful that I absolutely can't come up with anything?" I thumb through my memory rolodex and share a few topics from previous interviews but still nothing. I opt to move on however he was determined to nip this in the bud.

"I mean, I go on Google docs all the time and jot down so many random notes and prompts yet I can't think of them now!" Marcus pefers reading non-fiction prose and historical fiction so he feels his own book would be in that vein.

"I guess I'd like to write about my experiences now. And I suppose my writing style would be similar to that of Perks of Being a Wallflower. The style is very colloquial and modern. I have to admit that I actually loathe that writing style. It's awful trash! But I suppose if I want to translate my personal experiences to paper it will be in my conversational voice."

Marcus hones in and gets granular on his book's subject matter. "Ok...my book would be about all of my sexual experiences. Think about it. Sex is everywhere and in everything. It drives people, you see them in ads. When it comes down to it sex is our basic purpose as human beings -- to procreate. It's the compass in our heads that navigates our journey. Sex drives and libidos! We have it all!"

We talk about the neighbourhood, how he lives a few blocks down, and my desire to move closer to Larchmont or other neat 'hoods like Los Feliz, Silverlake, Echo Park or Downtown. I need a change from my little nest in Hollywood. Although I'm close to Larchmont I want to stumble over on foot at my leisure. He tells me that his friend is opening up a coffeeshop close by, right by the Larchmont Medical building. They are even going to carry Intelligentsia coffee! Should be opening in a few months and he will be working there. I will definitely have to check it out.

Blu Jam Brunchin'

After my mini hiatus from Blu Jam Cafe on Melrose I finally made my way back to feast on Kamil's fabulous cooking. It was great to see the familiar staff faces and get my big hug from Kamil himself. How I've missed him and Blu Jam.

As I waddled out of the restaurant, belly full of goodness, I see a man reading on the bench right outside the door. It was packed during Saturday brunch so he was waiting for his name to be called.

Michael was reading The Prefect by Alastair Reynolds. It's a science fiction novel, a genre he absolutely cannot get enough of.


Unfortunately our interview was cut short because his table was ready. No time for pictures either.

Chevalier's Fearless Leader

Would you believe that I had not formally met Filis Wintrhop, owner of Chevalier's Books in Larchmont, until very recently? I had seen her in the back very few times or always happen to miss her since she can be found in the store during the first part of the day. Chevalier's, as many of you know, is one of my favourite independent bookstores in Los Angeles, if not THE fave.

I came in one day to ask for a copy of Moravagine by Blaise Cendrars. A guy I met in San Francisco (who happens to work at Green Apple Books) had said it was his favourite book. After he gave me a brief description of the book while we lounged in my sister's living room I made a mental note to pick up a copy.

Chevalier's had to special order the book for me since they didn't have one in-house. Before leaving, staff member Liz remembered that I had been trying to set up an interview with Filis. Lo and behold the woman of the hour was there. I was led to the back of the store where I found Filis before a desk littered with books.


Filis tells me that she's owned the store since 1990. Gosh, almost 20 years! I dive into the interview and ask her what she's currently reading. "American Leonardo", she tells me. "I've been reading many books on art because I was a dosier at LACMA. It's non-fiction. I will only read non-fiction." She was adamant about stressing this fact then proceeded to explain the book specialty responsibilities in the store.

"Each of us is responsible for being the expert in particular genres so that when someone comes in and asks certain questions one of us will have the answer. I read all the non-fiction. Sue is responsible for all children's books, and Liz takes the wheel on fiction."

I was curious about "American Leonardo" and probe her for more details. "It's a fascinating story about this couple in the midwest who inherited a work of Leonardo DiVinci...yes, a couple in Kansas with a genuine DiVinci! Not many people believed them but turns out it was true."

Filis gets her hands on many early copies of books. "I'm tasked with purchasing the books that will be sold on these shelves so it's important that I get to know what I'm bringing in."

Her favourite book of all time is actually a work of fiction. "Oh I love Huckleberry Finn. It's an absolute classic in every sense! I used to be a teacher and taught it as part of my curriculum. I loved teaching it to my students." She hasn't read it in a while but it still holds a special place in her heart.

As a young child Filis loved Nancy Drew books. It's amazing how the Nancy Drew series has transcended generation after generation. Many readers I've encountered recall enjoying them early on in life. Filis also enjoyed the Bobsey Twins series.

Ok, so if I walked into the store and asked her to recommend some non-fiction reading, what would she toss my way? "I usually recommend biographies." She thought about the various biographies she's read over the years until I was met with a definitive nod. "Yes, I think one of the finest biographies in the last 5-10 years would have to be the one on John Adams by David McCullough. You should read it if you haven't already. Then there is the biography on Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser. That's another great one."

When asked what she would write about if she had a chance to author her own book Filis automatically agreed that it would be a biogarphy. Initially she was unsure of her subject but felt she would like to write about someone who we don't really know about. "I'd like it to be a figure in the art world...someone big within the art community but not well known in the mainstream."

I look around at all the books at her fingertips. I always see Liz cradling a book around the store. (She is currently reading the latest work by James Ellroy). I'd imagine that Filis must read a ton while on duty as well. However contrary to my conjecture Filis let's me know that she does not read at work. "I just can't bring myself to read when there are so many distractions around me. It's really hard for me. When I read I need complete calm and silence. No background music, no TV on, nothing."

So when does she find time to read? "Just before dinner...anytime between 4:30pm and 7:30pm." Filis and I start to laugh about how we pass out within minutes if we read in bed. I mean, c'mon! Reading in bed right before sleepytime is not practical at all! I get maybe 4 pages in if I'm lucky! Filis is the same way. She also laughs about reading in comfortable couches and chairs at home. Then I tell her about my Stranger in a Strange Land cram fest. "I chose the most uncomfortable chair in my apartment, a narrow, wooden chair. No way I could get comfortable and sleepy in that!"

We bond a bit more since she was a former Bruin herself. (English majors, what what!) I asked her what it was like to be an English major back then. Must've been more romantic...more practical, right? I definitely got a chuckle from her there. "Dear, an English degree was not practical then and certainly is not practical now." Sad but true. However, there are some great qualities that I took from those years of studying literature. There is the critical thinking and, well, the arm muscles we acquired from lugging around all those heavy books across campus. Then it hit me. THE NORTON ANTHOLOGY! Did Filis have to read the hefty series of books too? The moment I uttered the those three words her eyes grew wider and wider. We both burst out laughing at how HUGE each anthology was and found comfort in our shared complaints.

"Oh my, I felt the same way about Victorian literature! I never want to look at George Eliot ever again!" She started to have flashbacks of having to read Middlemarch in Professor Hillhouse's class. "He taught Victorian lit back then and it was absolutely awful!" I personally could not remember my Victorian Lit prof but remembered having to read alot of Victorian poetry. Filis didn't mind the poetry, actually. "I rather enjoyed Tennyson." We continue to share a few laughs of books that tortured us. Filis leans in and says, "And then there's Ulysses. If someone tells me they enjoyed that book, I tell ya, I will say it like that House Representative Joe Wilson from South Carolina: "You Lie!"

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I found this little treasure a little while back and I'm finally getting around to taking it out of my shirt pocket and sharing it with you as it was meant to be. Borrowing this from Joe. RegularJoe. And Rian Johnson. And Ronen V. hitRECord.org, really. A visual representation of James Joyce's Finnegan's Wake. Page 439 to be exact. Joseph and Ronen V were tasked/challenged to create this in one week. Voila, the fruits of their labour. Take a moment, if you may.

Bandini!

Dears, I hope you already know but in case you don't pay attention to my ramblings on Twitter or Facebook then here it is, folks. September book club reading is a Los Angeles favourite to go with our LA theme. Ok, so it isn't LA noir but this pick is supposed to be aces!

Ask the Dust by John Fante. It's supposed to be superb. I've started it and it makes me want to see my own city in a new light. Slowly getting addicted to the raw desire. Hope you enjoy it. As for our meeting date, well, that is still to be determined. Sometime at the end of the month. Somewhere akin to the book's theme. Here, Here!

oh alice...dear alyss

On my way back from lunch last week with my co-worker, B. As we were crossing Beverly towards the Sofitel I see "Marc" sitting at the bus stop. He is not actually waiting for the bus. He was passing the time on the bench because he was waiting for his mother who was being dropped off across the street. This happened to be as good a spot as any to be on the lookout.

"Marc" is reading The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. It's an Alice in Wonderland spinoff, he tells me. Lewis Caroll's tale with a twist! Beddor's Alyss Heart falls through the Pool of Tears where she finds herself in another world - our world. Victorian London to be exact. Her parents, the King & Queen of Hearts were murdered by her Aunt. "Marc" tells me that Aunt Redd is technically the evil Queen of Hearts we are used to, so it may be a bit confusing on that end.



Alyss' Aunt is on the hunt for her to make sure that Alyss is destroyed. The whole kingdom on Wonderlandia is desperate to find Alyss and bring her back to her rightful throne.

I actually quite excited to read this book myself! I love Alice and it will be interesting to read this version.

Kind of funny that "Marc" reminded me to the White Rabbit. Why, you ask? Because he was a bit jumpy and a bit in a hurry to get his mother's attention. "She just got out of the cab...that is her right there...I've really got to get going..."

Ever read a book that borrowed one of your favourite storylines/characters?

Time for me to go down my rabbit hole. Good night...

Here, Here and Here

After traveling the country for about 8 weeks (give or take) the Warped Tour made its last stop for the summer in Carson (Los Angeles), CA on August 23rd. I made a pit stop at this last leg. God bless VIP passes - it was uber hot and the shade out back and the free ice cream helped us cool down. I applaud the bands on Warped Tour for caravaning all across the different states, battling the elements in various parking lots and stadiums here, here and here.

I've been curious to see what some bands were reading while on the road during the tour. Through small degrees of seperation I was fortunate enough to interview Meg Frampton from one of my favourite bands on the tour, Meg & Dia. (Thanks, Yoori, for helping make this happen!)

You've probably seen me follow the band's reading habits on tour as I posted various tweets about the books they've been reading, even photos of them caught reading in catering lines. Now I've been able to get a first hand account of what was read on this year's Warped Tour.

[Ahh yes! The illustrious and infamous Warped Tour band schedule board]

Both Meg and Dia are avid readers. Before heading out on the road, whether it's Warped or any other tour, these sisters are sure to load up on books to read while away from home. This summer Meg brought along 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This was a book recommended by a friend. Meg initially didn't know what to expect then she ultimately could not put the book down once she started!

She also brought along Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. "I read [Atlas Shrugged] during every tour. I consider Atlas Shrugged my all time favorite book. [Ayn Rand] made me who I am today. I started playing music because of how she made me feel about the capabilities and the potential due to mankind."


Liza: How many books have you read on the tour so far?

Meg: Probably about 7. I've read The Fountainhead, 100 Years of Solitude, A Tale of Two Cities, Atlas Shrugged, A Confederacy of Dunces, and Chuck Klausterman's Dying to Live. I'm currently reading Letters From the Earth by Mark Twain. It's about how ridiculous human beings are because of religion/wars/hatred and all the things we regularly are involved with as a human race. I think [Mark Twain] is the wittiest, most humorous man to ever put pen to paper.

Meg's boyfriend actually recommended this book to her. Normally she finds out about books by merely perusing through bookstores or somebody will see her reading a book and recommend another book to her.

There is definitely alot of book swapping that goes on during the tour, especially with fellow band mates. "Nick, our drummer, and I are trying to find him a copy of Letters From the Earth so that he can read it along with me. But yes, we switch off regularly. My sister, Dia, and I do alot of of swapping on tour."

Liza: I've also been curious to see what touring reading habits are like. I personally can't read in a moving vehicle unless it is a plane or train. Reading in cars or vans make me nauseous! Is that the same for you?
Meg: No, not at all. Being in a van or on a bus all the time I got nauseous at first but I forced myself to get used to it. Of course I prefer quiet and peace but those are non-existent on tour.

Liza: What about audiobooks? I would imagine they come in handy with life on the road, right?
Meg: I hate them. I want my voice in my head reading the gorgeous words.

I showed Meg the photo of her and Dia in the tour catering line that was shared via the Warped09 Twitter profile and asked her what they were reading. Meg, with hair tied back, was reading A Confederacy of Dunces while Dia was reading Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

"Dia and I have similar tastes but they do differ. She never quite got into Ayn Rand (my favorite author). I enjoy philisophical novels. She enjoys Victor Hugo and Charles Dickens. Somehow I find these pieces slightly depressing and can't quite love them the way she does."

While Meg thoroughly enjoys philosophical novels she absolutely enjoys classical literature, usually fiction. "The authors have a lot of integrity to the art form, and they are extremely intelligent. I always feel like I am learning a great deal whenever I am reading a classic. Also I would like to start getting into political history. That's a genre of books I haven't really read."

Liza: How about books growing up? What are some that come to mind?
Meg: Peter Pan. I also really loved Little Women and the Babysitters Club books (Don't hate me!) I also read J.R. Tolkien. Hmm, Catcher in the Rye, The Giver, and other titles I can't think of...

Liza: What are you excited to read next?
Meg: I'm excited to reread a bunch of books such as East of Eden and some of my favorite Charles Bukowski books. Somtimes a little fun and vulgarity brightens my day.

East of Eden happens to be one of the books Meg highly recommends to friends along with, of course, Atlas Shrugged.

As for random reading quirks Meg tends to scribbled all over the pages comparing characters to real people in her ife. "Somtimes I get extremely angry during certain passages and cross out paragraphs in ferocious red pen."

Of course I had to ask Meg my "Anne Fadiman Odd Shelf" Question. So, if she were to have an odd shelf, what would we find on it?

"My odd shelf would be really bad modern fiction, which would be similar to really bad chick flick movies these days. They seem to entertain me on long flights."

Liza: And finally...do you have a favorite book quote?
Meg: "The only requirement for evil triumph is for good people to do nothing."