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 Why You Need Jesus: Jesus Christ is Lord by James A Stamps, a faith-centered book that focuses on belief, patience, and the power of trusting God even when answers do not come right away. It brings readers back to the core message of faith, reminding them that prayer, trust, and persistence all play a role in spiritual growth.
This work carries its own voice, perspective, and purpose, offering readers something both meaningful and memorable. It takes familiar biblical teachings and presents them in a way that encourages reflection and deeper understanding. As it steps into a space built for connection and discovery, it stands ready to meet readers who are searching for reassurance, clarity, and a stronger connection to their faith.
A Life Guided by Faith and Experience
James A Stamps writes from a place shaped by both personal experience and spiritual belief. Growing up in Arkansas in a large family environment, his early life was rooted in community, shared responsibilities, and strong foundational values. That kind of upbringing often builds a perspective centered on faith, patience, and perseverance, which clearly reflects in his writing.
His approach to writing feels direct and sincere. It does not try to complicate the message but instead keeps the focus on belief and understanding. You can sense that his goal is not just to inform, but to guide readers toward strengthening their own faith. His storytelling carries a tone that feels personal, almost like sharing lessons learned over time rather than presenting something distant or unreachable.
Lessons of Faith Through Biblical Moments
The book centers around powerful biblical events that highlight the importance of faith, especially during moments of uncertainty. One of the key stories revisited is that of Jairus, a father desperately seeking help for his dying daughter. His role in the story reflects a parent’s fear and hope, showing how belief can remain strong even when the situation feels hopeless. His journey toward Jesus is not just physical, but emotional, filled with urgency and trust.
Alongside this, the story of the woman suffering from a long-term illness adds another layer of understanding. After years of seeking help without success, she reaches a point where faith becomes her last option. Her decision to simply touch Jesus’ garment becomes a defining moment, showing how belief, even in its simplest form, can lead to healing. Her role in the story represents quiet determination and personal conviction.
As the narrative continues, these moments connect to a larger message about patience and trust. Even when Jairus receives news that his daughter has died, he is reminded to continue believing. The setting shifts from public spaces filled with crowds to a more private and emotional moment inside the home, where Jesus restores life to the young girl. These transitions show how faith operates in both public and personal spaces, in both chaos and stillness.
The book uses these events to highlight real-life lessons. It talks about waiting, believing without immediate results, and trusting that answers will come at the right time. It reminds readers that faith is not always about quick solutions, but about staying grounded even when things do not go as expected. The message becomes clear that belief is not just something you say, but something you continue to hold onto, especially in difficult moments.
A Reminder to Keep Believing
This is the kind of book that speaks simply but carries a strong message. Why You Need Jesus: Jesus Christ is Lord reminds readers that faith is not about perfection, but about consistency and trust. If you are looking for something that brings you back to the basics of belief while still feeling personal and relatable, this is worth reading.
Why You Need Jesus
Jesus Christ is Lord
Keep believing and discover the strength that faith can bring