READING L.A.

Alexandra Marmion, attorney:

“Her Little Majesty: The Life of Queen Victoria,” by Carolly Erickson (Simon & Schuster).

“This well-researched book is an absorbing read, more novel than biography. Erickson breathes new life into the all-too-familiar stone-cold portrait of Queen Victoria. The era in which she reigned is also given a vivid, picturesque treatment.”

*

Ava Cadell, therapist and author: “Gift of Love,” by Alice Chapin (Doubleday).

“This book is filled with unique ideas for low- and no-cost gifts of pleasure, from a jar of love notes for Valentine’s Day to a homemade coupon promising driving lessons to a teenager. It can help people convey the greatest gifts of all: love and happiness.”

*

Drea Gillogly, director of on-air promotion: “Without Lying Down: Francis Marion and the Powerful Women of Early Hollywood,” by Cari Beauchamp (Simon & Schuster).

“The history of Hollywood and the movies has always interested me. But I’ve read only about the men--Cecil B. DeMille, D.W. Griffith. Now we have the story of a truly great pioneer. And she’s a woman.”

*

John Dacey, retail manager, comic book store: “Earthquake Weather,” by Tim Powers (TOR).

“Powers is an ingenious writer, and in this book brings together characters that had previously stood alone. He weaves many threads--from Greek mythology to seabirds on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco--into a fluid and entertaining story.”