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 “Why I Have Chosen Jesus over My Father’s Voodoo” by Adolph Dagan, which is being showcased in the Book Gallery.
Adolph A. Dagan was born in Daganhoé, Moyen-Mono Prefecture, in Togo, West Africa, on July 20, 1974. He was raised in Daganhoé and went to elementary school in Ahassomé; middle school in Kpékpléme and Nyékonakpoè Atakpamé; and high school in Aplahoué in the Republic of Bénin, Atakpamé (LYATA), and Notsé (LYNO) in Togo. Adolph graduated with a bachelor’s degree at American Military University (AMU) and a master’s degree at Austin Peay State University (APSU) in the United States of America.
Dagan’s memoir reflects a bold stand in the face of family tradition. Raised in an environment rooted in voodoo practices, he details his struggles and the emotional conflicts that came with leaving behind the belief system he grew up with. The decision to turn to Jesus Christ marked a profound change in Dagan’s life and spirituality, and this book presents his experiences and reflections on that journey.
“Writing this book was an important step in sharing my personal story,” says Dagan. “It wasn’t just about my own transformation; it was about breaking generational cycles and sharing with others that faith can be a path to liberation and peace.”
The memoir offers readers a candid look at the conflicts between cultural heritage and faith, exploring the powerful impact of Christianity on Dagan’s life. With raw honesty and vulnerability, the book delves into the emotional and spiritual battles that many individuals face when transitioning from a belief system ingrained in them by their families.
Dagan’s journey is one of resilience and hope. He encourages readers to explore their own beliefs, challenge what they know, and find strength in their spiritual convictions. “Why Have I Chosen Jesus Christ Over My Father’s Voodoo” is a powerful narrative that invites readers into the personal and profound transformation of an individual who chose faith over tradition.
The book is available for purchase on various platforms, including online bookstores and through Trilogy Christian Publishing. Dagan invites all to join him in this spiritual conversation and to reflect on the power of faith in one’s life.
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