This week, the lives of artists in Los Angeles, almost Dan Brown-like conspiracies and true events of the 19th century, and how novelists interact with contemporary culture are my reading-for-pleasure choices. Each definitely is its own world to delve into, in different times and places; perfect for the rainy days sure to come this November. Read on!

“Artful Lives: Edward Weston, Margrethe Mather, and the Bohemians of Los Angeles”
By: Beth Gates Warren
(Hardcover, J. Paul Getty Museum; 1 Edition; $40)

This biography not only explores the untold love story of Edward Weston and Margrethe Mather, both working as photographers in the 1910s and 1920s Bohemia in Los Angeles, but also of those working and creating around them during this time. Weston would go on to become a famous Modernist photographer and Mather would fade into the woodwork, but her influence on Weston is brought to light through this product of 10 years’ research. Gates Warren animates the tumultuous landscape of Los Angeles during this waxing time of Hollywood and the waning scene for these Bohemian artists. (Nov. 8)

“The Prague Cemetery”
By: Umberto Eco, translated by Richard Dixon
(Hardcover, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Trade; None edition, $27)

In the vein of Dan Brown’s books, Eco brings to readers the underside of European history—full of secret polices, murders, plots, and conspiracies—real events, with one fictional character the cause of all. Eco’s main character acts as the instigator and perpetuator of all of these conspiracies, a master fabricator who functions as the connector to all of these events and schemes. Eco wants his readers to see “the fact that history can be quite so devious” and to realize that while all of these things actually happened, the thrill and mystery still live on today in the modern imagination as well. (Nov. 8)

“The Ecstasy of Influence: Nonfictions, Etc.”
By: Jonathan Lethem
(Hardcover, Doubleday, $28)

The author that brought us “Chronic City” and “Fortress of Solitude” expresses his views on how novelists relate to contemporary culture among other things such as graffiti, superhero movies, plagiarism, Brooklyn, and about his literary idols and peers. Essays and already published pieces mingle together, fitting for this writer whose work has been classified as genre-blending at its finest. Part memoir, part societal commentary, this one is for more than Lethem fans. (Nov. 8)

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