SeeCalifornia.com

Books are always a fun gift for those who have special interests and like to read. Just in time for the holidays, author Craig MacDonald recently reviewed several California books that you may enjoy giving. Plus, we added his Christmas book that we think is extra special.

California Tiki

California Tiki — A History of Polynesian Idols, Pineapple Cocktails & Coconut Palm Trees

By Jason Henderson and Adam Foshko, The History Press

Chapters guide the reader through Tiki-land–from music and books, films and TV shows, to the new world of Tiki.

True Tales from Burbank

By Wesley H. Clark & Michael B. McDaniel, The History Press

“Beautiful Downtown Burbank” was a phrase that went “viral” before the World Wide Web was available to the public. Making it famous was Gary Owens, the deep-voiced announcer of the #1 Rated Television Show (1968-70), “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.” Fans imitated Owens’ words across the country.

A Guide to the Gold Rush Country of California

By Frank Lorey III, Arcadia Publishing

If you’ve never been to California’s Gold Rush Country, Frank Lorey’s book will give you a good look at the remnants from one of the greatest migrations in history.

Old West Christmas – Tales with a Twist

By Craig MacDonald, El Dorado County Historical Society & The El Dorado Museums Foundation

The California State Library’s “Book of the Week for Christmas, 2017” written by Pulitzer Prize nominee Craig MacDonald and illustrated by renown artist Bill Anderson, features amazing, true, mainly unknown stories researched over 40 years by the author and his professor father, Franklin, Ph.D. Here’s one story, Finders Keepers, appearing in this holiday gem. To receive an autographed copy, send a check for $26.70 made out to “El Dorado Museums Foundation,” to Anderson Art Gallery, P.O. Box 1710, Sunset Beach, CA 90742.