Can you recommend some books about Los Angeles in the fiction genre?

One such book could be 'There There' by Tommy Orange. It delves into the lives of urban Native Americans in Los Angeles and explores themes of race, identity, and the complex relationships within the community.

Sure. 'The Day of the Locust' by Nathanael West is a great Los Angeles fiction. It vividly depicts the dark side of Hollywood and the dreams and disillusionment of those who flock there.

Well, Los Angeles is the setting of 'Pulp Fiction'. It gives the story a specific backdrop. The city's diverse and sometimes seedy elements contribute to the overall noir - like atmosphere of the movie. For example, the different locations in LA, like the diner and the seedy motels, play important roles in the various storylines.

One of the best - selling ones is 'The Day of the Locust'. Its vivid portrayal of the seedy side of LA in the 30s attracted a lot of readers. It was really popular at that time and still is today for those interested in the history and culture of LA through a fictional lens.

Some lesser - known but great Los Angeles short fiction can be found in anthologies. For instance, 'Los Angeles in Fiction' anthology contains works from various authors that show different aspects of the city. These works might not be as famous as the ones mentioned before but they are equally interesting in their portrayal of LA, from the beach communities to the downtown areas.

One of the best is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It's a classic that really captures the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. The complex plot and the hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe, are iconic.

One great book is 'The Sellout' by Paul Beatty. It's a satirical take on race relations in a fictional Los Angeles neighborhood. It won the Man Booker Prize and offers a unique and often humorous look at the black experience in the city.

To find out the Los Angeles Times' 20 top fiction books, you could start by looking at their book review section. They might have a special feature or an annual list. Another option is to search for it in libraries that keep track of such lists. Maybe some of these books are by popular authors like Stephen King or Margaret Atwood, but again, without seeing the list, we can only guess.

Well, one important aspect is the exploration of different ethnic cultures. For example, in books set in Los Angeles, there are often characters from Hispanic, African - American, Asian, and Native American backgrounds. These books show how these cultures interact, sometimes clash, and often influence one another.

There are several. 'Crash' by J.G. Ballard, while not a traditional detective - centered crime fiction, explores the dark and violent side of Los Angeles through a different lens. It looks at how people interact with technology and violence in the urban landscape. And 'White Jazz' by James Ellroy is another great addition to L.A. crime fiction, with its complex characters and exploration of the city's criminal underworld.