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 A Discipleship Primer: A Guide to the Essentials of Dedication to Jesus by Trudy Pettibone, a clear and grounded guide for anyone looking to better understand what it truly means to follow Christ.
This book keeps things simple but meaningful. It breaks down discipleship into something real and doable, not something distant or complicated. It reminds readers that faith is not just about belief but about daily commitment and growth. This work carries its own voice, perspective, and purpose, offering readers something both practical and spiritually enriching. As it steps into a space built for connection and discovery, it stands ready to meet readers who are searching for a deeper and more personal faith journey.
The Heart Behind the Teaching
Trudy Pettibone brings years of experience and study into her writing. As a retired pastor with a strong academic background in religious studies and theology, she writes from a place of both knowledge and lived understanding. You can feel that balance in how she explains things. It is informed but never overwhelming.
Her writing style is clear and steady. She does not try to impress with complicated ideas or language. Instead, she focuses on making sure the message is understood. That makes the book approachable whether someone is just starting their faith journey or has been in it for years.
Walking the Path of Discipleship
This book is not driven by characters or a storyline but by a journey that reflects real life. The “role” here is the reader stepping into the position of a disciple, someone who wants to grow and follow Christ more closely. The setting is everyday life where faith is tested, practiced, and strengthened through daily actions.
It walks through the essential principles of discipleship, focusing on commitment, growth, and relationship with God. It explains what it means to live a Christ-centered life in practical terms. Not just ideas, but actions. It shows how small, consistent steps can build a stronger and more meaningful connection with faith.
The message is steady and clear. Discipleship is not about perfection. It is about dedication. It is about choosing to grow, to learn, and to live according to what you believe. The book encourages reflection while also pushing readers to take action, making it both thoughtful and useful.
Why This Journey Matters
This is the kind of book that meets you where you are and helps you move forward without making things feel complicated. It gives direction without pressure and clarity without confusion.
A Discipleship Primer
A Guide to the Essentials of Dedication to Jesus
Take the next step and start building a stronger connection with your faith