As the pages of history turn, we find ourselves reflecting on a remarkable milestone—the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book festival in the United States, held on April 26-27, 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the University of Southern California campus, this annual celebration of literature brought together thousands of book lovers, authors, and industry professionals for a weekend brimming with literary magic.
Attracting around 150,000 attendees from Southern California and beyond, the festival was a testament to the enduring appeal of literature and the community it fosters. Each event, each conversation, and each shared moment contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrated the diverse voices and stories that shape our world.
This year, Citi of Books was thrilled to be part of this vibrant gathering, where the love for literature was palpable in the air. Whether you were a lifelong bibliophile or a curious newcomer exploring the world of books, the festival provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share our passion for the written word.
As we look back on this unforgettable weekend, we invite you to join us in reliving the highlights of Citi of Books’ gallery during the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books—a true celebration of the literary arts! A book included in the gallery was “I Did It!: From Iraq to Freedom: A True Story” by Markar Mardirossian.
The author, Markar Mardirossian, is a survivor, a builder, and above all, a testament to the power of perseverance. Born into a Christian Armenian family in Iraq, Markar’s early years were marked by promise—until political persecution shattered his world. At just fifteen, he was thrust into a life-altering journey when Saddam Hussein’s regime imprisoned his father, a peaceful man who had committed no crime. With his family facing constant threat, Markar stepped into a role far beyond his years: caretaker, protector, and eventual refugee.
His escape from Iraq was not a clean break—it was a path strewn with betrayal, imprisonment, and three harrowing assassination attempts. Separated from his family in Lebanon, he endured homelessness and fear, but never surrendered to hopelessness. Against all odds, Markar rebuilt his life. He worked in construction, pursued education, and eventually earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. With deep gratitude for his second chance, he penned I Did It! not just as a memoir, but as a declaration—for every person trapped in silence or fear, that freedom is worth fighting for.
“I Did It!: From Iraq to Freedom: A True Story” by Markar Mardirossian is a gripping firsthand account of survival and the long road to liberty. Markar Mardirossian chronicles the fear and heartbreak of a teenager forced to grow up too fast under a brutal dictatorship. When his father is arrested without cause, Markar must lead his family to safety. Their escape from Iraq to Lebanon marks only the beginning of a new set of dangers: border patrols, detention centers, and violent attacks. Alone and hunted, Markar survives against overwhelming odds, driven by an unshakable belief that his life has purpose.
The memoir is more than an escape story—it’s a story of transformation. Markar doesn’t just recount his trials; he examines them through the lens of faith, endurance, and the will to rise. His reflections on war, immigration, and human rights elevate this book from personal history to universal message. Through powerful storytelling and unfiltered truth, I Did It! reminds readers that freedom is not handed down—it is claimed by those brave enough to pursue it, even at great cost.
Ultimately, “I Did It!: From Iraq to Freedom: A True Story” by Markar Mardirossian is a message of victory. It celebrates the courage to dream, the strength to survive, and the grace to forgive. Markar Mardirossian stands as proof that even in the darkest places, hope can endure—and that one voice, when brave enough, can carry across borders and generations.
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