READING L.A.

Barbara J. Salice, executive director, Literacy Network of Greater Los Angeles:

“Being Red,” by Howard Fast (M.E. Sharpe).

“After reading this unnerving account of how the communist witch hunt in the 1950s almost destroyed Fast professionally and personally, I was struck by the contradictions of his life. He lived in luxury yet still espoused radical beliefs.”

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Jessica Yu, filmmaker:

“Why People Believe Weird Things,” by Michael Shermer (W.H. Freeman).

“I’m less fascinated by weird things than by people’s attraction to them and Shermer’s approach is both humanistic and funny. Could an alien beat an angel in a fight? Inquiring minds want to know!”

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Re Howse, public relations director:

“Second Sight,” by Judith Orloff (Warner Books).

“Orloff’s use of her psychic abilities in her psychiatric practice is intriguing. The honesty of her writings will cradle even the unbelieving skeptic. It is exceptional reading for anyone who wants to understand how unconditional love affects our soul.”

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Larry Flynt, chief executive, LFP Inc.:

“Without a Doubt,” by Marcia Clark with Teresa Carpenter (Viking).

“Aside from the obvious sour grapes Clark denotes in her book, it is probably the best book on the Simpson trial to date.”