LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS | THE LARGEST LITERARY GATHERING IN THE COUNTRY. WHERE 500+ VOICES SHARE ONE STAGE. STORIES, CELEBRITIES, AND CONVERSATIONS IN ONE PLACE. A FREE FESTIVAL OPEN TO EVERY KIND OF READER. PANELS, SIGNINGS, AND IDEAS ACROSS AN ENTIRE CAMPUS. WHERE BOOK LOVERS AND STORYTELLERS COLLIDE. A WEEKEND BUILT ON DISCOVERY, COMMUNITY, AND CREATIVITY. WHERE STORIES DON’T JUST LIVE, THEY CONNECT PEOPLE.
When the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books first began in 1996, it was built on a simple but powerful idea: bring books, authors, and readers together in a way that feels open, accessible, and alive. What started as a local literary gathering quickly grew into one of the largest and most celebrated book festivals in the United States. Over the years, LATFOB has become a cultural landmark, where storytelling goes beyond pages and becomes part of a shared, public experience.
Each year, the University of Southern California transforms into a vibrant literary space filled with energy, creativity, and conversation. Walk through the festival and you’ll find author panels, live discussions, book signings, performances, and interactive exhibits happening all at once. It’s not just about selling books. It’s about connecting people through ideas, perspectives, and stories that matter.
The 2026 festival continues that tradition, bringing together a diverse range of voices across genres, backgrounds, and styles. From emerging writers to established authors, the event celebrates storytelling in all its forms. It reflects a literary world that is constantly evolving, shaped by new ideas, cultural shifts, and the voices that dare to be heard.
Thousands of exhibitors take part in the festival, representing publishers, independent presses, educational institutions, and creative communities. The entire space becomes a living network of storytelling, where discovery happens naturally and every corner offers something new to explore.
Amid this dynamic and welcoming environment, Kravitz and Sons is proud to be part of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026. We’re excited to exhibit Threw These Eyes: Advice For Dads and Coaches by Doug Brainard, a practical and heartfelt guide that shows what it really means to coach kids the right way.
This book does not pretend to be perfect. It speaks from experience, mistakes, and lessons learned on and off the field. It reminds readers that coaching is not just about winning games but shaping lives. This work carries its own voice, perspective, and purpose, offering readers something both meaningful and memorable. As it steps into a space built for connection and discovery, it stands ready to meet readers who are looking for stories that stay with them long after the final page.
The Voice Behind the Lessons
Doug Brainard writes the way real coaches talk. No filter, no fluff, just straight-up honesty mixed with experience. You can tell right away that this is not someone writing from theory. He has been in the dirt, on the field, dealing with kids, parents, pressure, and everything in between. That kind of background shows in how direct and relatable his advice feels.
What makes his approach stand out is that he does not try to sound perfect. He admits mistakes. He calls himself out when needed. That kind of honesty makes the lessons hit harder because they feel earned, not borrowed. Instead of preaching, he shares what worked, what failed, and what he wishes he knew earlier.
A Closer Look at the Game and Beyond
This book dives deep into the world of youth sports, but it is really about people. You will find discussions about hitting, fielding, practice, and game situations, but those are just the surface. The real focus is on how kids think, how they learn, and how adults influence that process. It breaks down roles clearly. Coaches are not just instructors. Parents are not just spectators. Everyone plays a part in shaping a child’s experience.
The settings move from ballparks to backyards, from practice drills to real-game pressure. You can almost picture the scenes. Kids stepping up to the plate, nervous but trying. Coaches balancing discipline and patience. Parents learning when to step in and when to step back. The book highlights how small actions, like showing encouragement or handling mistakes properly, can leave a lasting impact on a child.
One of the strongest parts of the book is its message. Winning is not the main goal. Growth is. It talks about responsibility, respect, teamwork, and understanding different perspectives. It pushes the idea that every kid sees the game differently, and that difference should be respected, not forced into one mold. It is not just about building better players. It is about building better people.
Why This Story Stays With You
This is the kind of book that sticks because it feels real. If you have ever coached, played, or even just watched from the sidelines, you will see yourself somewhere in these pages. It does not try to impress you. It tries to help you, and honestly, it does a solid job of that.
Threw These Eyes
Advice For Dads and Coaches
Step into the story and see the game through a whole new perspective.