[close] The premier novel of Los Angeles native John Bwarie relates the unequaled experience of LA, pointing out the peculiar and ironic. In 40 fast-paced chapters, he employs the region's recent and long-term history to extrapolate stories of a community like no other. From Freeways to newscasters, local celebrities to LA landmarks, Bwarie paints a picture of the real Los Angeles. He brings truth to the story by employing real places and experiences in this fictional account of a young man on a mission to get from one side of the city to the other, and then back again.

Bwarie's main character, Ben Grenaro (a 20-something learning about himself as he navigates the city), narrates as he drives through his LA one Sunday on an adventure that brings the city's culture - from the over-shadowing, Disney-dominated entertainment culture to the melting pot, inner-city, high school culture - into plain view. As he drives, Grenaro conveys his experiences in the city, telling of natural and civic disaster to encounters with other citizens like his dancing nun elementary school teacher, a crazed Hollywood Hills homeowner, and a girl just out of reach. [close]