READING L.A.

Mary Allen, gerontologist:

“The Road From Coorain,” by Jill Ker Conway (Vintage).

“Conway, who became the first female president of Smith College, writes poignantly in this autobiography about growing up on a sheep station in Queensland and about her father’s death. Her story is an Australian ‘Angela’s Ashes.’ ”

Julia Cammarata, actress:

“Wake Me When It’s Funny,” by Garry Marshall with Lori Marshall (Adams Publishing).

“A refreshingly fearless testimony about how Marshall, one of the good guys, succeeded in show business. His fortitude, integrity and passion are evident throughout his journey.”

Lori Coates, health care consultant:

“The Memoirs of Cleopatra,” by Margaret George (St. Martin’s).

“This is a fictionalized history of Cleopatra as a strong feminist leader. The story takes place in ancient Egypt, but the use of contemporary language and values is sometimes jarring.”

Michael Jasny, policy consultant, Natural Resources Defense Council:

“The Golden Gate,” by Vikram Seth (Random House).

“This is a novel in verse, a wonderful book that gives life to a classical form perfectly suited to the Russian language, a form that was used by Pushkin and was previously thought to be untranslatable. It’s the first book in a long time to make me cry.”