I had read Rodger Jacobs’ tribute to the late great Ronny Graham, whom Rodger had known while Graham had worked on M*A*S*H. I wrote Rodger telling him that I remembered Graham quite well. Thus began our correspondence.
Occasionally he’d send me the link to his latest LA story, but I had no idea how many he had written until I ordered the book. I have to admit that for someone who really doesn’t like LA, I am absolutely loving Rodger’s “LA Stories.”
The first one I had read was the title story about Christopher Walken, which left me with a hankering for tuna, which I have yet to shake, thank you very much.
Although I haven’t finished reading all the stories, so far the most satisfying one of the bunch, with a title so hilarious I’m pea-green with envy, is “Winona Ryder Suffers For Your Sins.” Plus there’s “Striking Johnny Depp’s Dog With A Bible” and a boozy Jessica in “The Lange Goodbye.”
Some of the stories are poignant, such as “Bill’s Bottle.” And who knew I’d actually like a story about Shannen Doherty?
Rodger’s style is snappy and unadorned, and his snippets of LA life are enjoyable enough to savor more than once.