California

California (Regional Guide)
$22.99
Really great book, the only problem, the pictures are all in black & white, its an overview of the Californian State, but if you want a more detailed focus on each city you may need additional guides.

The California Coast: The Most Spectacular Sights & Destinations
$29.95
My husband and I have been touring the coast of California for a couple of years and I was sure we had missed a few beautiful spots, I saw this book in the waiting room of my dentist recently and had to have it. This book has given my husband and I many places to visit and enjoy. It is full of wonderful pictures and great discriptions of the coastal towns California has to offer. I would encourage everyone to get a copy of it. Even if you are not planning on visiting these areas it is a wonderful book for you coffee table your friends and family will enjoy it.

California: A History (Modern Library Chronicles)
$14.95
I took Professor Starr's history of California class while an undergrad at USC, so I had been interested in reading this one volume history of the state for years. I had read Starr's Coast of Dreams (http://www.amazon.com/Coast-Dreams-Kevin-Starr/dp/0679740724/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252364634&sr=8-1) previously, but did not feel I had the time to read the other parts of the multi-volume history, so I went with the single volume instead.

Many of the criticisms in some of the other reviews seem to reflect the fact that the reviewers chose to go with the single volume condensed history, instead of the more detailed multi-volume books. Having read Coast of Dreams, I can say that at least that entry does not have the shortcomings other reviews mention which are somewhat accurate. This book does not go into too much detail, some sections are fast tours through different aspects of California and its culture, and some paragraphs read almost like lists of famous Californians. But that is the point of the one volume book.

The book starts chronologically, but the 20th century is primarily told thematically. There are chapters on public works, art and culture, politics, and more. That can be a little confusing, for example a governor does something a few pages before he is elected. But overall, this is probably a good way to relay lots of information about 20th century California.

If you want more detail, read Starr's other books. If you want a quick tour through California, go with this one volume book.

AGB Women's Ruffle Me Up Beautifully Printed Top With Knit Bodice And Slim Belt,Multi,X-Large
$44.00