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 large crowds each year; for instance, the 2024 festival drew over 150,000 attendees. The 2025 event featured more than 550 writers, experts, and storytellers, along with hundreds of exhibitors.
The festival included 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 was 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 engagement, the 2025 festival underscored 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 offers a unique opportunity to explore new voices, groundbreaking ideas, and thought-provoking works of art. One of this year’s most anticipated entries is Pure Luck by Kathryn B. Hull, showcased in the Book Gallery. The story beautifully weaves themes of trust, loyalty, and problem-solving, showcasing the power of friendship and the importance of seeking guidance from trusted figures. Hull’s narrative not only captivates readers with its thrilling moments but also leaves them reflecting on the value of teamwork and determination.
Kathryn B. Hull is an accomplished author and educator whose background greatly influences her storytelling. Raised on a modest farm in the Northwest, she navigated her way through education to become a professional teacher. Her experience working with young minds has deeply shaped her approach to writing, allowing her to craft stories that resonate with children and young adults alike.
Aside from writing, Hull has a passion for music, which she incorporates into her creative work. Her literary pursuits are driven by a desire to create engaging narratives that entertain and educate, ensuring that each story she writes carries meaningful themes that readers of all ages can connect with.
Kathryn was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. The inspiration for Pure Luck struck Hull while visiting the Central Coast of California. Enchanted by the region’s history and rugged coastline, she envisioned a story that combined the excitement of treasure hunting with the natural curiosity of young adventurers. People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. It is a fitting platform for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
To delve deeper into Kathryn’s book and the inspiration behind it, you can watch the full interview below:
Pure Luck is a thrilling and heartfelt novel that follows two young friends on a treasure hunt filled with adventure, mystery, and unexpected challenges. Set along the Central Coast of California, the story captures the timeless allure of uncovering hidden riches while exploring deeper themes of friendship, trust, and perseverance. Through a captivating narrative and relatable characters, Kathryn B. Hull has crafted a novel that resonates with both younger readers and adults, making it a compelling read for anyone who enjoys adventure and emotionally rich storytelling.
But the adventure is far from easy. When the friends realize they need help but are reluctant to involve their parents, they turn to a trusted teacher for guidance. Their secret alliance sets off a dramatic chain of events—including a near-tragic accident when the teacher is knocked unconscious during the search. As the tide rises, the young explorers must act quickly to save their mentor and prevent their quest from ending in disaster.
Kathryn B. Hull’s Pure Luck is more than a tale of treasure hunting—it’s a powerful exploration of friendship, courage, and the thrill of discovery. Whether you’re a young reader seeking an exhilarating escape or an adult drawn to meaningful storytelling, this book is a must-read.
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