Rio L. A.: Tales from the Los Angeles River

by Patt Morrison, Mark Lamonica

In "Rio Tales from the Los Angeles River," the Los Angeles River is presented in its diverse context, a waterway as unique as the city through which it meanders. According to Los Angeles Magazine (August 2001) "Morrison, Lamonica and Angel City Press should be commended for this love letter to one of Los Angeles's most ill-used natural treasures." The subject of tremendous controversy, the L.A River is quickly becoming a revered geographical icon that for too long was left neglected and unappreciated. Today it exposes an urban psychology unimaginable in the 21st Century; a river where nature, commerce, concrete and the trails of humanity fight for space, and even for existence. In a city whose history has been explored time and again, little is known of this majestic river. In "Rio L.A." Morrison and Lamonica present the culture that evolves around this virtual oasis in a land of super highways and celluloid dreams, while tracing its history and giving the Ri! ver its voice. Rio L.A magnificently captures both the reality and the spirit of the Los Angeles River, a concrete masterpiece of clandestine beauty that stretches from the mountains of the Santa Susannas to the mouth of Long Beach Harbor. Accompanying the full-color photographs is a powerful commentary on the history, evolution, mythology and culture of the L.A the very source of life to the City of Los Angeles.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jake La Fronz · Rating 4 out of 5]

god bless the los angeles river

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book insulted my Angeleno pride.

I picked the book up hoping to read interesting facts about the Los Angeles River, and the book included a few of those. However, it provided no footnotes or citations as to where they came from.

Moreover, the book kept repeating itself, as though there was a derth of material to work with, which I find hard to believe.

Pat Morrison continually eluded to the illusiveness and shallowness of Los Angeles, as if the entire city was infected with the disease of Hollywood. A fact which, as an Angeleno, I know to be untrue.

Moreover, he personified the river as being abused and unheard, writing of how the river must feel in its current state. While it is true that the river is quite overlooked by most of Los Angeles, I did not pick the book up for a sad tale of a lost river. I picked it up in hopes of learning something that I could share with friends in order to inspire more faith and support for the river.

The true saving grace of the book is the collection of photos. But that's about the only nice thing I have to say about it.

[Kevin B · Rating 3 out of 5]

You mean that concrete channel that runs along the Long Beach Freeway used to be a real river? Yes, and who knew that it drops more in elevation (and therefore flows faster) in its 30-odd mile length than the Missisippi does in around 1000 miles? An awesome and terrifying sight when it's been raining heavily and it runs full right up to the top.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very accessible and fun read. Patt Morrison does a great job covering the history, the culture and the possible future of the Los Angeles River.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information about the LA river. Most of us raise our eyebrows when the "river" is mentioned, but it has its dangerous side.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, compact history of the Los Angeles River with moving and reverent photographs throughout. Very well-done!