The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) 2025 was abuzz with literary excitement, and among the many highlights of this year’s event was the distribution of “A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table,” a poignant novel that delves into the complexities of personal ambition, familial expectations, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Attendees were delighted to receive complimentary copies of the book.
The 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB), held on April 26–27 at the University of Southern California (USC), was a significant cultural event that brought together a diverse array of participants and marked its 30th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of literature, culture, and community. The festival is known for attracting a large crowd each year. For instance, the 2024 festival drew over 150,000 attendees, and the 2025 event featured more than 550 writers, experts, and storytellers, along with hundreds of exhibitors.
The festival featured over 100 ticketed author events, children’s storytelling sessions, poetry readings, book signings, book distributions and more than 400 exhibitor booths. Notable participants in the 2025 festival included authors such as Stacey Abrams, Jon M. Chu, Amanda Gorman, Chelsea Handler, Ibram X. Kendi, and Rebecca Yarros, among many others. The festival’s success was also attributed to the generous involvement of volunteers who assisted with various aspects of the event, including welcoming attendees, staffing author events, and supervising book signings.
LATFOB 2025 emphasized accessibility and community involvement. General admission was free, with select programming requiring tickets. The festival’s partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs ensured that a wide range of activities were available to attendees of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a welcoming environment for literary enthusiasts and families alike.
Recently, The April 14, 2025 issue of Publishers Weekly features “A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table” by Ted J. Brooks.
ARPress is honored to partner with Publishers Weekly Magazine in featuring and marketing outstanding published works by dedicated and passionate authors. Every year, millions of books are released, but only a select few are featured by Publishers Weekly—a credible and globally trusted magazine in the publishing industry.
Also, “A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table” by Ted J. Brooks was displayed at the 62nd edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3, 2025. Beyond the display of books, ARPress leveraged the 62nd edition of the Bologna Book Fair to forge new collaborations and strengthen existing partnerships.
Pacific Book Review recommends the notable book “A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table” by Ted J. Brooks. Pacific Book Review is the recipient of the “Honoring Excellence” and “Best Websites for Authors” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. Additionally, it has received the highest honor from Ezine Articles and has earned “Expert Author Status.”
Pacific Book Review wrote in its review:
“A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table” is a simple but profound novel that explores the complexities of adulthood. It addresses the universal challenge of wanting to please one’s parents while asserting individuality. Pat is a sympathetic protagonist, torn between his Catholic faith and the commercialism of employment. His father is a typical parent concerned about his son’s future and wishes for him to have a secure career, despite Pat’s dreams of becoming a writer. Pat’s college friend, Sean, is a loyal companion who helps guide Pat through the confusing aspects of life with patience and humor.”
This book has also received acclaim from Mark Heisey of the US Review of Books. Heisey highlighted that:
“Brooks’ short fiction deals with the false hopes and dashed dreams that can sometimes affect a recent college graduate. The life once dreamed about upon completing a college degree can sometimes lead to disillusionment when the job market is tough and breaks are hard to come by. Brooks’ writing is crisp, clean, and more focused on pacing than lengthy descriptions. This work is grounded in the everyday. Its concerns are the trials and struggles common to most young professionals as they try to navigate their path in the workplace. The dialogue is stilted at times, and there is not a lot of tension in the story. However, this work will likely appeal to those who have been through similar experiences and felt a little lost as they began to find their place in their chosen profession.”
Additionally, “A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table” by Ted J. Brooks was displayed at the London Book Fair (LBF) at Olympia London from March 11–13, 2025. LBF serves as a premier gathering for the global publishing community, providing a platform for individuals to forge connections, gain valuable insights, and shape the future of creative content. This event brings together a diverse spectrum of professionals, including publishers, dealmakers, copyright specialists, commissioners, and global licensors, representing the broad scope of the publishing industry.
Author Ted J. Brooks has worked in retail for over thirty years in several stores. He is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University. His hobbies include family research, photography, and coin collecting.
If you’re in search of a heartfelt story that captures the essence of friendship, determination, and the lengths we go to for our loved ones, “A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table” is a must-read. Step into a powerful journey—one that will resonate deeply, reminding you of the friends who’ve stood by you and the times their presence meant everything. Watch the trailer today.
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