At a recent "Gallery at the End of the World" art showing, my raffle ticket was drawn. Ben McGinty presented me with a wall of framed drawings and paintings from which to choose my art prize. I pointed at a book "Screw the Odds" on the shelf below.

As if to one-up this all too apropos artsy-book acquisition, I read it downtown during Artwalk LA at my own book-signing booth. (Doesn't say much for the traffic at my table, that I read this book cover to cover.)

Generally, a pleasure. Al Dente or Mac (whoever penned this thing) writes with all the color of an outside insider. He's a young creative mind, interested in the fire-spitting underground dwellers that peel back the faceless makeup, botox, and glitz of LA/Hollywood to drink up the night and bbq the big meats in crusty bars and "low brow" art stops.

His language is genuine street level, with a mildly searching tone. And while, personally I'm not a beer drinker or pot smoker, he takes me along with him as friend. He exposes the city's contrasting citizens. On one hand, the endlessly amusing rich kids whose conversations can't rise above topics of cars and shoes, to the working joes struggling to turn a dime, a date, or simply find life in the moment.

Ever meandering, you might be expecting a build to some sort of a tighter focus. Search not, the book actually becomes looser as it tangents a bit longer near the end -- especially regarding Mushball.

Still, over all, the author makes of himself an endearing friend with a sincere love for those that surround and define him. You'll enjoy his company and find curious his journey breaking into the seedier sides of LA.

Read more Book Reviews by Author/Illustrator Ross Anthony.