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Rating: 
Summary: Too much of a lightweight read
Review: Admittedly, there aren't many books devoted to the LA river so we have to make do with what's available. Unfortunately, if you're looking for an in-depth historical biography, this certainly isn't it. Entertaining, maybe -- a big maybe. The text is so lightweight and airy, I half expected it to drift away. The Blake Gumprecht book is more thoroughly researched and thought out, and a much better choice.
Rating: 
Summary: Not very interesting.
Review: I'm a big fan of "urban archaeology" but except for a few cool bridges (if you've ever been to the movies you've seen them) there's not much goin' on these days along the LA river. Its interesting as a story but photographicly its pretty dull, even as an industrial landscape. Its like books on Rt. 66. 99% of what made it interesting isn't there anymore.
Rating:
Summary: Not very interesting.
Review: I'm a big fan of "urban archaeology" but except for a few cool bridges (if you've ever been to the movies you've seen them) there's not much goin' on these days along the LA river. Its interesting as a story but photographicly its pretty dull, even as an industrial landscape. Its like books on Rt. 66. 99% of what made it interesting isn't there anymore.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, The Los Angeles River Does Deserve Better
Review: Than this poorly written, haphazard history. The photos aren't even coffee book table quality and are often so cropped as to delete important features that the author may have actually described. This is not for a serious historical reader or for a photo composition review. It fails on all counts.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, The Los Angeles River Does Deserve Better
Review: Than this poorly written, haphazard history. The photos aren't even coffee book table quality and are often so cropped as to delete important features that the author may have actually described. This is not for a serious historical reader or for a photo composition review. It fails on all counts.
Rating: 
Summary: A great read!!
Review: That other review must be from a disgruntled author. Patt Morrison's book is filled with historical information about the Los Angeles River, plus wonderful anecdotes and a very readable style--I bought it because I saw it on the LA Times BESTSELLER list for six weeks and decided to see what I was missing. The people who put it on the list by buying it know what's great--I love this book. A book doesn't have to be long like Gumprecht's to be fulfilling. Plus this book has compelling photographs that tell their own incredible story. Hooray for Patt Morrison and Mark Lamonica!
Rating:
Summary: Laugh Me A River
Review: This is a great read. Are you frustrated by most Americanss lack of interest in our own "place" history? Then this is a must. Ms. Morrison, celebrated as one of the smartest and wittiest writers to come out of LA in a long time, takes a subject which to most of us appears, ironically, "absent" --- i.e: the LA River is, with few exceptions, DRY! -- and turns it into a re-discovery of the wild origins of this baffling city. There is legend, lore, intrigue (ruthless water grabbers right out of the movie "Chinatown") weird history, and many surprises. Imagine writing team Art Buchwald & Norman McLean pitching an environmental caper movie to studio mogul Molly Ivins, who recommends a polish by Scott Simon.
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