Check It. Family.

This is one of my favorite LA bookstores, Family on Fairfax Avenue across from Canter's Deli. Despite its tiny storefront, it's filled with excellent books, obscure artsy films, photography and comic books, music, and even has a gallery in the back.

Every time I come here I end up reading the first page of at least five or six really amazing sounding books, and regret when I have to leave.

They usually have several compilation books, including back issues of McSweeney's and the Best American Nonrequired Reading Series, as well as various Bukowski, Fante, Murakami, Sedaris, Miranda July. Basically any good book you may have been looking for is probably here. Each title that's for sale here is hand selected and must meet rigorous standards before getting placed on Family's shelves.

They also have really interesting movie titles from all around the world, and a good selection of CDs.

They also collaborate with CineFamily at the Silent Movie Theater and often have shows and literary events.

Family is located at 436 N. Fairfax Ave. and is open noon-9 p.m. daily.

-- Lauren Williams

Check It. 'The Clock Without a Face.'

Who doesn't love a good mystery? How about one involving the entire United States, and one you can solve yourself?! If you're quick enough, that is.

That's the premise and hook for one of McSweeney's latest releases, The Clock Without a Face. The oddly-shaped pentagon of a book is written by Gus Twiting, and takes readers to the world of the Ternky Tower, where a robbery has occurred on each of its 13 stories. Your job? Conduct your own investigations and solve the mysteries--the answers of whodunit and how are all inside the book.

As are clues to the real-life locations of 12 emerald-studded numbers from the story. Figure out where the numbers are, and you can dig them up to claim the victory--unless someone else beats you to the punch. A real deal scavenger hunt; better get to dissecting the clues now! Good luck!

-- Chau Tu