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 “Hippie Memoirs: Santa Fe Days” by Clifford Alexander.
Clifford Alexander, the book’s author, worked as a teacher to pay the bills while raising a family, and he still teaches. With a love for creating stories, Alexander has been writing poetry and short stories since 1980. He has always been an outsider and likes to take life head-on.
“Hippie Memoirs: Santa Fe Days” follows a young man, Cliff, on a journey through grief, friendship, romance, and self-discovery following the death of his friend, David, a discharge from being a Vietnam War sniper with PTSD symptoms, and the departure of his companion Norm, who introduces him to the world of poetry.
David’s war guilt, particularly his role in killing civilians, leads him to hide photographs of his victims from his religious mother. Despite therapy, he succumbs to his emotional pain and takes his own life, leaving Cliff with the task of retrieving the photographs. Cliff, with the help of an Apache friend, Buffy, avoids federal agents and performs a spiritual ceremony to honor David’s memory.
The funeral of David brings together a group of outsiders, including ex-girlfriends and federal agents, symbolizing the scattering of David’s unresolved past. Meanwhile, Norm, who has been a mentor to Cliff, faces his own hardships and decides to leave Santa Fe for a fresh start in Austin. Cliff helps him pack, feeling a deep sense of loss at yet another significant departure.
Amidst the grief, Cliff experiences a moment of hope when Gabrielle, a young woman, confesses her feelings for him and kisses him. This connection offers a brief respite from the pain.
Santa Fe, with its rich culture and landscapes, serves as more than just a backdrop; it shapes Cliff’s identity and creative expression. As he contemplates the city’s influence, Cliff undergoes a transformation. The losses of David and Norm leave him feeling adrift, but through his art and a deepening connection with Gabrielle, he finds a path forward.
Ultimately, the story is a poignant exploration of loss, artistic growth, and the power of human connection. It weaves themes of war trauma, self-identity, and resilience against the vibrant backdrop of Santa Fe’s unique culture, ultimately illustrating how personal pain can be transformed through creative expression.
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