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 gripping sports-driven story that blends ambition, friendship, and the reality of personal struggles.
This book takes you into the fast-paced world of college basketball while also showing the personal battles happening behind the scenes. It highlights how success can quickly turn into downfall when discipline is lost. This work carries its own voice, perspective, and purpose, offering readers something both engaging and meaningful. As it steps into a space built for connection and discovery, it stands ready to meet readers who are looking for a story that mixes intensity with heart.
The Mind Behind the Madness
Marguerite Nardone Gruen writes with a strong sense of passion, especially when it comes to sports and storytelling. Her inspiration comes from real-life moments, emotions, and even dreams, which gives her writing a natural and personal feel. You can tell she writes stories that she genuinely wants to tell, not just stories that fit a formula.
Her style is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for readers who just want a good story without overthinking every line. At the same time, she builds enough emotional weight to keep things grounded. She balances the excitement of the game with the seriousness of real-life consequences.
Inside the Game and the Struggle
The story follows Paul Tanner and Nicky Newman, two standout point guards who enter college with huge expectations. Under Coach Bob Barrows, the team is set up for greatness. At first, everything seems to fall into place. Talent, teamwork, and opportunity all line up perfectly.
But things start to shift when Paul loses control. Fame, attention, and bad choices pull him into a destructive path filled with partying, drinking, and poor decisions. Nicky, who sees Paul as a brother, tries to pull him back. His concern is not just about basketball. It is personal. He has already lost someone close to him the same way and fears history repeating itself.
Then comes Maggie Sardo, a turning point in Paul’s life. She represents something different, something better. Through her, Paul starts to see the possibility of change, but the past does not let go easily. The story moves between hope and struggle, showing how difficult it is to truly leave behind old habits. It is not just about basketball anymore. It is about redemption, relationships, and the long fight to become better.
Why This Story Hits Hard
This story stays with you because it feels familiar in a real way. Not everyone plays college basketball, but a lot of people understand what it feels like to lose control and try to fix things after. It shows that change is possible, but it is never easy.
The Madness of March
Step into the game and see what it really takes to turn things around.