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Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Celebrates 30 Years at USC: A Literary Deep Dive
The nation’s largest book festival returns, promising a weekend of literary immersion, thought-provoking discussions, and a vibrant celebration of reading. Explore the highlights and key events.
Published: June 7, 2024
Trojan Spirit Meets Literary Giants
Bookworms, mark your calendars! The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, a cornerstone of the literary landscape, celebrated its 30th anniversary on April 26-27 at the University of Southern California’s University Park Campus. The festival transformed the campus into a bustling hub for authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts. Beyond the book stalls and author signings, the event offered a unique opportunity to engage with some of the moast influential voices in contemporary literature and thought.
this year’s festival featured a stellar lineup of USC faculty, students, and alumni, including National Book Award winner and Distinguished Professor of English, Percival Everett, and New York Times best-selling sci-fi and fantasy author Marie Lu ’06, a USC Dornsife political science graduate.These figures not only showcased their work but also contributed to the rich tapestry of discussions and panels that defined the festival. For U.S. readers, the festival mirrors events like the National Book Festival in Washington D.C., but with a distinct Los angeles flavour.
The USC Trojan Marching Band provided a uniquely Californian soundtrack to the event, serenading attendees and adding to the festive atmosphere. The festival has grown exponentially as its inception, evolving from a small gathering into the largest book festival in the United States.This growth reflects the enduring power of books and the vital role they play in shaping our culture and understanding of the world.
The enduring appeal of the festival lies in its ability to create a space where readers can directly engage with authors, discover new voices, and participate in conversations that matter. It’s a reminder that in an increasingly digital world, the printed word continues to hold a special place in our hearts and minds.
For those who missed the event, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books website provided a thorough overview of events, authors, and exhibitors. Many sessions were recorded and are likely available online, offering a chance to catch up on the discussions and readings that took place.
Saturday, April 26: A Day of Diverse Literary Exploration
10:30 a.m. | Wallis Annenberg Hall: The literary Life: Connecting the Creative, Critical, and Personal
A panel featuring David L. Ulin, Emily Hodgson Anderson, Sara Sligar, Elda María Román, and Dana Johnson delved into the multifaceted lives of writers who seamlessly blend creative endeavors with literary criticism, personal narratives, and scholarly pursuits. The discussion explored how these authors navigate the complexities of their careers, balancing the demands of academia and professional life while maintaining a strong connection to their creative passions.This panel resonated particularly with aspiring writers and those interested in the intersection of creativity and intellectual inquiry.
The panel resonated particularly with aspiring writers and those interested in the intersection of creativity and intellectual inquiry.
11:20-11:40 a.m. | Poetry Stage: David St. John,reading from Prayer for My Daughter: poems
David St. john offered an intimate reading from his collection,prayer for My Daughter: Poems. St. John’s work is known for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth, and this reading provided a moment of quiet reflection amidst the bustling festival atmosphere. Poetry readings offer a unique opportunity to experience the power of language and the intimacy of the human voice.
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | De los Stage: A Life in Essays: Essayists Writing Memoir
suzy Exposito, Edgar Gomez, Manuel Betancourt, and Vanessa Angélica Villarreal explored the art of the essay as a form of memoir. They discussed how essayists use personal experiences to explore broader themes of identity, culture, and society. This format, ideal for today’s readers, highlights the rawness, depth, and personal reflections found in essay form, exploring topics such as intimacy and cultural identity.
“Love a great memoir but can’t seem to finish a book these days? These titles will give you all the rawness, depth and interiority you’re looking for in essay form.”
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Programme
Noon-1 p.m.: The State of Housing in L.A. and Beyond
Lorcan O’Herlihy, Liz Falletta, Dowell Myers, and Frances Anderton tackled the critical issue of housing affordability, particularly in Los Angeles.The discussion addressed the ongoing housing crisis, exacerbated by recent wildfires, and explored potential solutions from architects, planners, and policymakers.The panel considered what affordable housing means today and how sustainable, livable futures can be created across America. For U.S. readers, this topic is especially relevant given the nationwide debate on housing costs and urban development.
Noon-1 p.m. | Town and Gown: Griffin Dunne, author of The Friday Afternoon Club, and Matthew Specktor, author of The Golden Hour, in conversation with David L. Ulin
Griffin Dunne and Matthew Specktor, in conversation with David L. Ulin, offered an intimate look into Hollywood through their new memoirs. Dunne, an actor, producer, and director, and Specktor, a novelist and screenwriter, shared personal stories about growing up in the entertainment industry, delving into family legacies and scandals. This session provided a glimpse into the lives of those who have shaped american cinema and culture.
