L. A. Nuts: A Collection of the Cult-Hit Columns

Joe Dungan
Trinco Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780982034569
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (7/09)


Hilarious tales of the ‘Land of Fruits and Nuts’ are found in “L.A. Nuts” by Joe Dungan.  Mr. Dungan has more than written a very intriguing and informative book, he has exposed the stories and fables that we outsiders have heard throughout the years.  From “Meet Clyde Langtry” to “Meet the Author,” the book kept my attention and I could not put it down. Joe has masterfully weaved a tantalizing book out of the many stories of people, places and things in L.A.

I loved the chapter on “What it’s like to smoke here,” as that struck close to home (I’m a smoker trying to quit). He covers the many ridiculous rules that LA has about smoking and where one can smoke.  This story and the one on recycling had me in stitches - to think that people have to actually place such items as glass, metal, and paper in specially marked bins. The fun continues as Joe takes the reader on journey to one of L.A.’s nontraditional landmarks, “The Pallet Tower.”  Considered by some to be an eyesore, Joe explains the intricate details of how it got there and why.

So varied and amusing are the many tales that I have a problem picking favorites to write about. But having said that, certain ones I mention because they will stay with me even after the book is put away.

No book on L.A. would be complete without the mention of cars, drivers and the highway system. Mr. Dungan covers this area with the greatest of detail; he has even categorized L.A. drivers and explains the differences.

His stories of the bigotry that goes on in L.A. are nothing out of the ordinary for any large Metropolis but to hear him tell it, it is funny. The people he describes and the things that happen continue to add to the enjoyment of “L.A. Nuts.”

It is funny, sometimes factual, definitely entertaining and a quick moving journey to a fantasy land of OZ. I recommend the book to all genders but the age group should be mature as the language is, to put it nicely, “off color.”  Well written and with quality print, “L.A. Nuts” by Joe Dungan gets an A on my grading system. Buy it!

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