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, 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.
As LATFOB celebrates three decades of literary celebration, the 2025 festival underscores the importance of storytelling in shaping culture and community. With its diverse programming and commitment to accessibility, the festival continues to be a premier event for book lovers and cultural aficionados. The success of this year’s event sets a promising precedent for future festivals, ensuring that the tradition of literary celebration will continue to thrive in Los Angeles.
LATFOB 2025 provides a unique opportunity to explore new voices, groundbreaking ideas, and thought-provoking works of art. This year, one of the most anticipated entries is “Learning To Live After The Trauma Of A Stroke” by Dan McSkimming, which is being showcased in the Book Gallery. This powerful memoir chronicles the author’s life-altering experience with a stroke and the arduous journey toward reclaiming independence, purpose, and inner strength. Far more than just a medical account, the book delves into the emotional, psychological, and spiritual battles that come with surviving trauma. It offers a raw and honest look at the challenges of rehabilitation, the redefinition of identity, and the unwavering hope that sustains the human spirit through the darkest times.
The book follows the author’s journey from the shocking onset of a debilitating stroke through the painstaking process of recovery. Readers are taken through the immediate aftermath—the fear, confusion, and loss of control—as well as the grueling realities of physical therapy, emotional upheaval, and moments of despair. But Learning to Live After Trauma of A Stroke is ultimately a story of triumph: a testament to perseverance, adaptation, and the will to live fully again. The narrative is candid and often heart-wrenching, yet filled with moments of humor, wisdom, and profound insight, making it relatable to anyone who has faced life-altering obstacles.
Dan McSkimming was born in Santa Barbara, California, and spent his life in the area. He obtained a degree in criminal justice from Sonoma State University, followed by an internship with the probation office in San Francisco. His decision to go into local law enforcement led him to work in a couple of juvenile halls and for Nordstrom in the loss prevention department. After completing police academy, Dan served as a police deputy for eighteen years and was a member of SWAT (Special Enforcement Team) for thirteen years with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s office until his stroke. He lives in Southern California and refuses to permit his physical limitations to stop him from remaining active.
The author, a courageous stroke survivor, brings a unique and authentic voice to the story, one shaped by lived experience and a profound understanding of human vulnerability. Before the stroke, the author led a vibrant, active life—an identity that was shaken but never destroyed by the trauma. With a background that may include professional accomplishments and a strong network of personal relationships, the author channels their resilience into every page, offering not only a memoir but a message of encouragement to all who are struggling with physical or emotional recovery.
It’s an unflinching look at vulnerability, yet it uplifts by showcasing the resilience of the human heart and mind. Whether you are a stroke survivor, a caregiver, a medical professional, or someone navigating any kind of trauma, the honesty and emotional depth of Learning to Live After Trauma will resonate deeply. It is not just a story of survival; it is a guide for living with courage, finding meaning in hardship, and celebrating every small step toward recovery.
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