READING L.A.

Gregory Branson, film art director:

“Titan” by Ron Chernow (Random House).

“This biography of John D. Rockefeller gives insight into a man that we’ve all heard of but know little about and has definitely held my interest.”

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Howard Russo, advertising creative director:

“Rabbit, Run” by John Updike (Ballantine).

“Through the struggles of a former high school basketball star, readers will better understand how and why life can be so difficult. It’s a book that questions everything in our lives, like family, work, lost youth, infidelity and faith.”

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Trish Glover, graphic designer:

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison (Plume).

“I really enjoy authors who paint a picture in my mind’s eye with visual imagery, and the imagery in ‘Beloved’ is very strong. The language is beautiful; every page reads like a separate poem.”

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Christopher Thompson, physician:

“Breakfast of Champions” by Kurt Vonnegut (Bantam).

“In this quirky story about mental illness, Vonnegut mixes simplistic but cutting social commentary with an exploration of the relationship between author and character.”