ARPress proudly celebrates A Roof Over Our Heads and A Food on the Table by Ted J. Brooks, a book whose quiet power and emotional honesty have carried it onto some of the most respected platforms in contemporary literature. In an era when millions of books are released each year, works that achieve meaningful recognition do so because they speak with clarity, courage, and resonance. A Roof Over Our Heads and A Food on the Table is one such work, an intimate narrative that continues to find its place in cultural, academic, and literary spaces both in the United States and abroad.
The book’s recent feature in the Sunday Los Angeles Times Calendar section on December 21, 2025, stands as a defining moment in its publishing journey. To be included in this publication is to enter a lineage of creative works that have shaped cultural conversation for more than a century. The Los Angeles Times, the nation’s largest metropolitan daily newspaper and a Pulitzer Prize–winning institution, has long been a trusted voice in journalism, arts, and literature. Its Sunday edition, the most widely read and influential of the week, offers unparalleled reach and authority, presenting featured works to millions of engaged readers across print and digital platforms. Placement in such a forum is not merely promotional; it is a form of literary validation that reflects both artistic merit and enduring relevance.
This recognition affirms ARPress’s commitment to championing works that reflect excellence in storytelling and purpose. Featuring A Roof Over Our Heads and A Food on the Table in the Sunday Los Angeles Times underscores the book’s ability to connect across audiences, offering readers a narrative that is at once deeply personal and universally human. In a publishing landscape shaped by speed and saturation, this distinction signals a rare and meaningful pause, a moment in which a story is invited to be read with attention and care.
“A Roof Over Our Heads and A Food on the Table” traces Pat Kavanaugh’s journey from his final year of high school into the uncertain terrain of early adulthood. After being accepted into Nutmeg State University, Pat harbors dreams of becoming a writer, yet his ambitions are met with resistance from his father, who insists on a more practical path—such as accounting—believing it to be the surest route to security and stability.
Torn between following his passion and honoring his family’s expectations, Pat wrestles with the question that lies at the heart of the story: what does true success really look like? His father’s repeated reminder that “a roof over your head and food on the table” must come first becomes a constant source of tension, shaping Pat’s decisions and personal growth.
As Pat completes his education and enters the workforce, he quickly discovers that adulthood presents challenges no classroom can prepare him for. Low wages, rigid supervisors, and scarce opportunities expose the unforgiving realities of the working world. Determined to find something more fulfilling, he experiments with side projects, builds new connections, and seeks alternative paths forward—all while attempting to establish his independence, relationships, and sense of self.
Throughout his journey, Pat confronts self-doubt, pressure, and an ever-present fear of failure. Gradually, however, he uncovers an inner resilience marked by adaptability, perseverance, and the courage to define success on his own terms. By the novel’s conclusion, a powerful truth emerges: success is not measured solely by salary or job titles, but by authenticity, determination, and purpose in the face of everyday struggles.
Pat’s story mirrors the experiences of countless young adults navigating an unforgiving job market, parents anxious about their children’s futures, and dreamers who have faced rejection while striving for something more. With empathy and clarity, Brooks invites readers to recognize their own journeys within Pat’s struggles and triumphs. More than a traditional coming-of-age narrative, the novel is a thoughtful exploration of endurance, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Ultimately, the story encourages readers to reflect on their own paths—to respect where they come from, recognize their inner strengths, and pursue a life that balances responsibility with passion. It is an inspiring narrative that redefines success and affirms the value of persistence, growth, and self-belief.
The book’s presence at the 2025 China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) further reflects its resonance within spaces dedicated to storytelling, reflection, and cultural exchange. Held from 14 to 16 November at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, the fair reinforced our mission to champion diverse voices and cross-cultural storytelling. With a history of participating in major global book fairs, ARPress welcomed the opportunity to engage with CCBF’s vibrant international community.
Aside from CCBF, A Roof Over Our Heads and A Food on the Table was also showcased at the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair 2025. The 2025 Hong Kong Book Fair took place from July 16–22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s theme, “Food Culture · Future Living,” served up a rich menu of tastily themed programming. Culinary literature from around the world was showcased, offering insights into food’s role in traditions, health habits, and even the future of dining through tech innovations.
Additionally, 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. ARPress proudly participated in the prestigious Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), an event that brings together publishing professionals, authors, illustrators, and industry leaders from around the world. Held annually in Bologna, Italy, the fair is recognized as one of the most important international events in the publishing calendar.
In partnership with ARPress, Arthur A. Edwards held a successful book distribution event during 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.
Taken together, these milestones tell the story of a book that has moved steadily and meaningfully through the literary world. From its display at the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair 2025, 62nd edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) and Book Distribution event during the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) to its recognition within major cultural platforms like the Sunday Los Angeles Times, A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table exemplifies the enduring power of fiction when written with authenticity and insight. It is a work that does not seek attention through excess but earns it through the resonance of its characters and themes.
ARPress is honored to support A Roof Over Our Heads and Food on the Table and its author, Ted J. Brooks, as the novel continues to reach readers who find within its pages reflections of their own struggles, hopes, and resilience.
A Sunday Los Angeles Times feature is not merely an advertisement; it is a mark of excellence and a testament to the power of storytelling in a competitive and ever-evolving literary world.