Fodor's Upclose Los Angeles

When we moved to North San Diego County two years ago, we bought a handful of guides to Los Angeles. This is the only one we still consistently use. It listed the closest hotel to UCLA, turned us on to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, gave us enough SoCal history so we didn't feel like out-of-town geeks dropped on cosmo-ville. I like the readable, matter-of-fact, and yes, entertaining entries; my husband (who relies on the other side of his brain more than I do) likes and uses the maps. It's the size, shape, and format of a trade paperback, not the odd vertical oversize that won't fit easily in a book- or handbag. UpClose is also realistic about LA price tags, and honest about the value of trendy eateries with good food. It even identifies the roofs with character worth bedding down under for a night ot two.