The Best Eve Babitz Books of 2023

• Best Overall: I Used to Be Charming: The Rest of Eve Babitz (New York Review Books Classics)
• Best Budget: L.A.WOMAN
• Best Value: Black Swans: Stories
• Editor's Choise: Eve's Hollywood (New York Review Books Classics)

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#1: Two by Two: Tango, Two-Step, and the L.A. Night

Specs:

• Title: Two by Two: Tango, Two-Step, and the L.A. Night
• Author: Eve Babitz Publication
• Date: December 13, 2014
• Publisher: Counterpoint
• Pages: 128
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-10: 1619024543
• ISBN-13: 978-1619024549

What We Like:

• Unique writing style of Babitz: Babitz's writing style is both witty and moving. She captures the spirit of 1970s Los Angeles, painting a vivid portrait of the city and its inhabitants.
• The focus of the book is dance: Two by Two is centered on Babitz's experiences with tango and two-step. This book is a tribute to the art of dance and its capacity to unite people.
• Two by Two is a quick read due to its brief length of 128 pages. The engaging and entertaining style of Babitz's writing makes it easy to get lost in her tales.
• The book's emphasis on female empowerment: Babitz is a strong female literary voice, and her stories frequently center on strong, independent women who navigate the world on their own terms.

What We Don't Like:

• While the book's brevity is an asset, it also means that some of Babitz's stories feel incomplete or hurried.
• Two by Two is a collection of essays and short stories, which causes it to occasionally feel disjointed.

Our Verdict:

Two by Two is an excellent addition to any reader's library. The distinctive tone and writing style of Babitz make for an engaging and thought-provoking read. Some readers may be put off by the book's brevity and lack of a cohesive narrative, but those seeking a quick and engaging read will not be disappointed. Fans of Babitz's previous works will find much to enjoy in Two by Two, while those unfamiliar with her work will be pleasantly surprised by her wit and charm. This book is highly recommended to anyone seeking a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of 1970s Los Angeles.

 #2: Black Swans: Stories

Specs:

• Title: Black Swans: Stories
• Author: Eve Babitz
• Publication Date: April 10, 2018
• Publisher: Counterpoint
• Pages: 224
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-10: 161902991X
• ISBN-13: 978-1619029919

What We Like:

• Babitz's writing style is witty and perceptive, and her stories frequently contain a rare blend of humor and pathos.
• Black Swans contains a range of stories, from heartbreaking tales of love and loss to humorous anecdotes about Los Angeles life.
• The portrayal of female characters: The protagonists of Babitz's stories are frequently strong, independent women who navigate the world on their own terms.
• Babitz's stories are set in Los Angeles, and she captures the spirit of the city and its inhabitants in an authentic and captivating manner.

What We Don't Like:

• Some of the stories in Black Swans are excellent, while others feel incomplete or underdeveloped.
• Black Swans is a collection of stories that are all set in Los Angeles, but there is no unifying theme or narrative thread that ties them together.

Our Verdict:

Black Swans is a worthwhile read for fans of Babitz's work and Los Angeles literature enthusiasts. Babitz's distinctive voice and perceptive observations make for an engaging and thought-provoking read, despite the fact that a few of the stories in this collection fall flat. Babitz's ability to capture the spirit of Los Angeles is impressive, as is her portrayal of strong female characters. However, the absence of a unifying theme and the disparate quality of the stories may make it less appealing to some readers. This book is recommended to anyone in search of a collection of stories that provide a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse world of Los Angeles.

 #3: I Used to Be Charming: The Rest of Eve Babitz

Specs:

• Title: I Used to Be Charming: The Rest of Eve Babitz
• Author: Eve Babitz
• Publication Date: October 8, 2019
• Publisher: NYRB Classics
• Pages: 464
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-10: 1681373491
• ISBN-13: 978-1681373494

What We Like:

• I Used to Be Charming contains a variety of essays, short stories, and interviews that provide an in-depth look at Babitz's work and life.
• Babitz's writing style is both witty and captivating, making her stories a pleasure to read.
• I Used to Be Charming delves into Babitz's personal life in addition to her writing, giving readers insight into the person behind the words.
• The overall coherence of the collection: Despite the variety of subject matter, I Used to Be Charming feels like a cohesive collection, with each piece contributing to a more complete picture of Babitz's life and work.

What We Don't Like:

• While I Used to Be Charming contains previously unpublished material, the majority of the content has been published in other collections or periodicals.
• Although the collection feels cohesive as a whole, the absence of clear organization makes it difficult to navigate.

Our Verdict:

I Used to Be Charming is required reading for fans of Babitz's work and Los Angeles literature enthusiasts. The breadth of subject matter provides a comprehensive look at Babitz's life and work, and her wit and charm are prominent throughout. The inclusion of previously unpublished material is a plus, but the volume of previously published material may disappoint some readers. Despite the lack of clear organization, the collection as a whole feels cohesive, and each piece contributes to the larger picture of Babitz's life and career. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of one of Los Angeles' most compelling authors.

 #4: Eve's Hollywood (New York Review Books Classics)

Specs:

• Title: Eve's Hollywood
• Author: Eve Babitz
• Publication Date: October 6, 2015
• Publisher: NYRB Classics
• Pages: 240
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-10: 1590178940
• ISBN-13: 978-1590178942

What We Like:

• Unique voice of Babitz: Babitz's writing style is witty, engaging, and full of personality, resulting in a pleasant reading experience.
• The depiction of Los Angeles: Eve's Hollywood captures the spirit of Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s, and Babitz's vivid descriptions of the city and its inhabitants are captivating.
• The book focuses on female characters, and Babitz's depiction of their experiences is nuanced and relatable.
• The combination of humor and pathos: Eve's Hollywood contains a combination of humorous anecdotes and poignant moments, resulting in a narrative that is both complex and well-rounded.

What We Don't Like:

• Some readers may be turned off by the absence of a clear plot in Eve's Hollywood, despite the fact that it is an engaging read.
• The book was written in the 1970s, and modern readers may find some of the cultural references to be dated.

Our Verdict:

Overall, fans of Babitz's work and those interested in Los Angeles literature must read Eve's Hollywood. Babitz's unique voice and captivating descriptions of the city and its people make for an enjoyable read, and her focus on female characters is refreshing. Some may be turned off by the lack of a clear plot, but the combination of humor and pathos creates a nuanced and well-rounded narrative. The dated cultural references may be a drawback for some readers, but they do not diminish the book's overall impact. This book is highly recommended to anyone interested in gaining a glimpse into the vibrant and complicated world of 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles.

 #5: Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, The Flesh, and L.A.

Specs:

• Title: Slow Days, Fast Company: The World, The Flesh, and L.A.
• Author: Eve Babitz
• Publication Date: August 30, 2016
• Publisher: NYRB Classics
• Pages: 208
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-10: 1681370143
• ISBN-13: 978-1681370141

What We Like:

• As usual, Babitz's writing style is witty, engaging, and full of personality, making for a pleasant reading experience.
• The depiction of 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles in Los Angeles: Slow Days, Fast Company is vivid and captivating, capturing the essence of the city and its inhabitants.
• The combination of personal anecdotes and cultural commentary: Babitz creates a nuanced and multilayered narrative by interweaving personal stories and observations with cultural commentary.
• Again, Babitz's emphasis on female characters and their experiences is refreshing and adds depth to the story.

What We Don't Like:

• Slow Days, Fast Company, like other works by Babitz, lacks a clear plot, which may turn off some readers.
• The book is heavily influenced by the cultural context of the 1960s and 1970s, which may make some readers feel out of date.

Our Verdict:

Slow Days, Fast Company is another fantastic work by Eve Babitz, providing a captivating look at the vibrant and complex world of Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s. The narrative is enriched by Babitz's focus on women's experiences and her engaging writing style. The combination of personal anecdotes and cultural commentary creates a multilayered and nuanced narrative, although some readers may find the reliance on cultural references dated. This book is an excellent addition to Babitz's body of work and a must-read for Los Angeles literature enthusiasts, despite the absence of a clear plot. Slow Days, Fast Company is a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling and entertaining book.

• Determine which book to start with: Babitz's most famous book is probably "Eve's Hollywood," a memoir of her life growing up in Hollywood. However, her other books, such as "Slow Days, Fast Company" and "Black Swans," are also great places to start.

• Consider buying a collection: Babitz's books have been collected into several anthologies, including "I Used to be Charming: The Rest of Eve Babitz" and "Eve Babitz: Hollywood Hills." These collections are a great way to get a broad introduction to her work.

• Check for reissues: Babitz's books have been reissued in recent years, with new introductions by other writers. These editions often have updated covers and can be a great way to own a piece of literary history.

• Look for used copies: Some of Babitz's books are out of print or hard to find in new editions. However, used copies can often be found online at a lower cost.

• Consider audiobooks: Babitz's books are also available in audiobook format, which can be a great way to experience her writing while on the go.

How would you describe Eve Babitz's writing style?

Her writing is distinguished by wit, hilarity, and candor. She frequently combines autobiography and fiction to provide an original perspective on Los Angeles culture.

Which are some of Eve Babitz's most well-known works?

The most popular book by Babitz is likely "Eve's Hollywood," a memoir of her childhood in Hollywood. The books "Slow Days, Fast Company" and "Black Swans" are also notable.

Why is Eve Babitz so significant?

Babitz was an influential figure in the Los Angeles literary and artistic scene of the 1960s and 1970s. Her work offers an original perspective on the culture of the era and is still widely read and admired today.

How should one best experience Eve Babitz's writing?

The best way to experience Babitz's writing is by reading her books. However, her work has also been made into audiobooks and published in a number of anthologies.

What other authors are comparable to Eve Babitz?

Joan Didion, Truman Capote, and Bret Easton Ellis are some additional authors who capture the spirit of 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles.

Eve Babitz was an influential author and artist whose work is still widely read and admired today. Her unique combination of memoir and fiction offers a glimpse into the glamorous and eccentric culture of 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles. Consider starting with "Eve's Hollywood" or a collection, checking for reissues, searching for used copies, and considering audiobooks when purchasing Babitz's books. By engaging with Babitz's work, readers can develop a greater appreciation for her distinctive voice and perspective.