On a drizzly day in Los Angeles, the annual L.A. Times Festival of Books drew a crowd of literary enthusiasts to USC, showcasing nearly 150 panels, readings, and performances.
Visitors navigated through rows of white tents that housed everything from indie publishing houses to major national chains, as well as independent art installations and public library booths.
Inside classrooms and auditoriums, a diverse range of panels discussed literary forms, genres, and tropes, while musicians and celebrity chefs, like Roy Choi, captivated audiences with their talents.
The atmosphere buzzed with one unifying element: books. Displays of literature filled shelves, tables, tote bags, and arms, reflecting the festival’s vibrant literary spirit.
Ross Brenneman, senior editor at LAist, shared his excitement for the event. “You can see how much variety there is,” Brenneman remarked. “There’s something so wonderful about celebrating this medium. You realize how many books there are, and the fact I will not be able to read nearly enough of them in my lifetime.”
The event catered to a diverse array of exhibitors, including local independent bookstores like Chevalier’s, children’s publishers such as Gloo Books, identity-focused presses like Alegría, and genre-specific sellers like The Ripped Bodice.
Reflecting on the festival’s community spirit, Brenneman noted, “Just walking around and seeing how happy people are just to be out here is really awesome.”
Many festival-goers echoed his sentiments. East Hollywood resident Jennifer Eyo expressed her passion for reading after visiting for the first time since before the pandemic. “I love reading,” she said. “I just thought, why not? Just come and peruse, maybe buy some books.”
Eyo proudly displayed two new romance novels purchased from The Ripped Bodice, known as the first brick-and-mortar store in the Northern Hemisphere dedicated entirely to the romance genre.
Among the exhibitors was Slant’d, an AAPI-centered press aiming to create an inclusive environment for emerging writers.
Dacy Lim, a staff representative, highlighted the importance of fostering a welcoming community in publishing, acknowledging the challenges of entering the industry.
Lim named Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” as her favorite book, showcasing the profound impact literature has on individuals.
Interestingly, some authors began their journeys as attendees of the festival. Carlos Allende, author of the campy comedy “Coffee, Shopping, Murder, Love,” reminisced about his experience since 2009, saying, “I got to say, it was more exciting before becoming a writer because you came and discovered.”
For Allende, attending the festival was all about strolling around, finding new books, and dreaming of one day being published. Now, his own works are featured prominently at the event.
The festival also highlighted emerging entrepreneurs in the literary scene. Annabelle Chang, the teenage founder of Annabelle’s Book Club L.A., welcomed visitors at her vibrant pink-themed booth.
Expressing her joy for the support from the book community, Chang stated, “I just feel so lucky that everyone’s been so incredibly supportive. That’s one of the things I love most about the book industry. Annabelle’s Book Club wouldn’t be possible without them.”
At its core, the festival serves as a hub for storytelling, fostering connections between strangers who share literary passions or even engage in debates about character arcs.
Ultimately, the L.A. Times Festival of Books highlights the cyclical nature of literature, illustrating how today’s readers can evolve into tomorrow’s writers, continuously giving stories new meanings and new lives.
In Los Angeles, not-so-dark and not-so-stormy days create an ideal backdrop for celebrating the magic of books that unites communities.
image source from：https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/2025/04/28/literary-los-angeles-gathers-for-the-festival-of-books/
