Tom Lutz is the founder and editor of Los Angeles Review of Books. His books -- Doing Nothing: A History of Loafers, Loungers, Slackers, and Bums in America (American Book Award), Crying: A Natural and Cultural History of Tears (New York Times Notable Book), Cosmopolitan Vistas: American Regionalism and Literary Value (Choice Outstanding Academic Title), and American Nervousness, 1903: An Anecdotal History (New York Times Notable Book) -- have been translated into twelve languages and have appeared on the New York Times and Los Angeles Times' bestseller lists. His fiction and nonfiction have appeared in New York Times, Los Angeles Times, New Republic, Chicago Tribune, Die Zeit, ZYZZYVA, Exquisite Corpse, Salon.com, Black Clock and other newspapers and literary venues, as well as in dozens of books and academic journals.
Lutz has taught at Stanford University, University of Iowa, CalArts, University of Copenhagen and, now, at the University of California, Riverside.
Tom Lutz on KCRW
More from KCRW
Weekend film reviews: ‘Wicked,’ ‘Gladiator II,’ ‘The Piano Lesson’
EntertainmentThe latest film releases include Wicked, Gladiator II, and The Piano Lesson.
Tragic optimism and the male identity crisis with Brad Stulberg
Health & WellnessAuthor Brad Stulberg shares hopeful observations from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, while also reflecting on the growing masculinity crisis.
Film photography develops into a serious interest in LA
ArtsHobbyists and nostalgia chasers are coming back to film photography. Meet the local small business owners keeping up with demand.
From glitter to punk: the rise and rise of DIY in Hollywood
ArtsIn the mid 1970s, as glam rock fizzled out, new kids began to trickle in on the block–kids who looked up to the groupies as party girl icons, as rock’n’roll legends, who went out there…
Keeping the music playing at LA’s indie venues
MusicSmall stages provide a place for newer acts to gain exposure. But faced with inflation and corporate competition, venue owners have to be scrappy.
Renowned psychologist Tara Brach on the power of Buddhism in modern therapy
ReligionKCRW’s Jonathan Bastian talks with renowned Buddhist teacher and psychologist Tara Brach about meditation, mindfulness, and trusting our “inner gold.”
Weekend film reviews: ‘Mufasa,’ ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘Nickel Boys’
EntertainmentThe latest film releases include Mufasa, The Room Next Door, The Brutalist, and Nickel Boys.
UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination exposes divergence of America's justice system
PoliticsThe assassination of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare insurance company, has prompted a national reckoning of how corporate entities commit crimes on a daily basis…
Kim Masters & Matt Belloni want your questions for ‘The Business’
EntertainmentGot questions about the Entertainment business? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni have answers, so tell us what’s on your mind.