He took on a project that was considered impossible and overcame all odds to see it completed. When disaster struck (and lives were lost), he stepped forward and took full responsibility. (Imagine that happening now when something is always someone else's fault). Whether you think William Mulholland brought water to L.A. or stole it, Water to the Angels: William Mulholland, His Monumental Aqueduct, and the Rise of Los Angeles, by Les Stanford is good read.

Orcas Island, from the Orcas Island Historical Society and Museum, is another in the series Images of America. It is a loving history of the island full of wonderful pictures and text about what life was like in the 'olden days.' Lime from the island was used in the rebuilding of San Francisco earthquake of 1906. There was a married couple, both MDs so the wife was known as 'Mrs. Dr.' And, one of the many resorts was equipped with the most modern of amenities ... a two-story outhouse!

What was your first job? Did you like it? Hate it? Find out what others thought in First Jobs: True Tales of Bad Bosses, Quirky Coworkers, Big Breaks, and Small Paychecks, by Merritt Watts. One young man found him self covering sports for the local newspaper at age 16. All other men were off to fight in WWII, and while the owner was fine having women cover all the other stories, he thought sports should be reported on by a guy. Another started at age 5 (!) shining shoes. From Disneyland to zoos, to ice cream parlors and farms, this was an interesting read. (What happened to babysitting? Picking strawberries? Were those not considered as first jobs for this book, or are Riding Reader and I showing our age?)

Reading Hermit With Dog