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 Layman’s Guide To Making Sense Of Statistics by John L. Campbell, a book that strips away the confusion around statistics and makes it understandable for everyday readers. It takes something most people avoid and turns it into something approachable, even practical.
This work carries its own voice, grounded and clear, offering readers something both meaningful and useful. As it steps into a space built for connection and discovery, it stands ready to meet readers who are tired of being misled by numbers and want to finally understand what statistics are really saying.
Understanding the Mind Behind the Message
John L. Campbell brings a background that naturally fits this kind of book. With years spent in psychological research and teaching experimental psychology and statistics, he knows exactly where people struggle. He’s not writing to impress academics. He’s writing to help regular people stop feeling lost when numbers start flying around.
What makes his approach stand out is how intentional it is. Instead of overwhelming readers with formulas, graphs, and technical jargon, he removes all of that entirely. That alone says a lot. He understands that the real problem isn’t the math, it’s the communication. His writing focuses on clarity, logic, and awareness, making sure readers walk away actually understanding, not just memorizing.
There’s also a calm confidence in how he explains things. He doesn’t force ideas. He guides readers into seeing patterns, questioning claims, and thinking independently. It feels less like a lecture and more like someone sitting with you, explaining things in a way that finally clicks.
Breaking Down Numbers Without Breaking the Reader
This book isn’t about turning you into a statistician. It’s about making sure you don’t get fooled. Every day, people are exposed to numbers in news, marketing, politics, and research, and most of the time, those numbers are presented in ways that sound convincing but aren’t always honest.
Campbell walks readers through how statistics influence decisions, shape opinions, and sometimes even manipulate reality. He focuses on how vague or overly precise numbers can mislead, and why questioning them matters. It’s not about rejecting statistics. It’s about understanding them enough to know when something doesn’t feel right.
What really makes this book effective is its simplicity. No equations, no tables, no complicated breakdowns. Just clear explanations that focus on meaning instead of mechanics. Readers are encouraged to think critically, to pause when something sounds too perfect, and to ask better questions.
By the end, the reader isn’t just informed. They’re sharper. They see things differently. Numbers stop being intimidating and start becoming tools they can actually use in everyday life.
Why This Book Matters Right Now
In a world filled with data, information, and constant claims, this book hits at the right time. It gives readers something valuable, not just knowledge, but awareness. It reminds you that understanding doesn’t always come from complexity. Sometimes, it comes from clarity.