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 The Madness of March by Marguerite Nardone Gruen, a compelling story that explores how talent, pressure, and personal choices collide in the world of college sports.
This book goes beyond the court and dives into the emotional weight of chasing success while dealing with real-life consequences. It shows how quickly things can fall apart when discipline fades and how hard it is to rebuild once you hit that point. This work carries its own voice, perspective, and purpose, offering readers something both powerful and relatable. As it steps into a space built for connection and discovery, it stands ready to meet readers who are drawn to stories of struggle and growth.
The Storyteller’s Perspective
Marguerite Nardone Gruen brings a grounded and honest approach to storytelling. Her love for basketball clearly shapes the energy of the book, but what really stands out is how she focuses on the people behind the game. She writes characters that feel human, not perfect, not untouchable.
Her writing style keeps things simple and direct, which works well for a story like this. It lets readers focus on what matters. The emotions, the decisions, and the consequences. She does not try to overcomplicate things, and that actually makes the story hit harder.
More Than Just a Game
The main characters of the story are Paul Tanner and Nicky Newman, two talented players with a future full of promise. Their journey starts with strong chemistry and shared goals, making them one of the most exciting duos in their division. With Coach Bob Barrows building the program around them, everything points toward success.
As the story unfolds, the spotlight begins to take its toll. Paul struggles with the pressure and falls into a cycle of bad decisions that slowly damage everything he worked for. Nicky, on the other hand, tries to hold things together, carrying both his own expectations and the burden of watching his friend fall apart. Their bond is tested in ways that go far beyond basketball.
The introduction of Maggie Sardo adds another layer to the story. She challenges Paul to face who he has become and what he needs to change. The story moves through moments of failure, hope, and reflection, showing that growth does not happen overnight. It takes effort, support, and the willingness to face the truth.
Why This Story Stays With You
This book works because it is not just about winning or losing. It is about the choices people make when they are given everything and how they respond when it starts slipping away. It is real, a bit uncomfortable, but worth reading.
The Madness of March
Take a closer look at the game and the life behind it.