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 “The Life Guard” by Christian D. Petersen.
Christian Petersen is a Southern California native, born and raised in Escondido, California. He has lived in various states such as Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada but ultimately returned to Southern California, where he currently resides. As a writer, Christian draws inspiration from his experiences and observations, crafting stories that resonate with readers. With a keen eye for detail and a unique perspective on life, Christian’s writing is insightful and thought provoking. While he has explored various genres, Christian’s writing always reflects his passion for the ocean that’s alive in his storytelling. His writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the worlds he creates and leaving them eager for more.
Christian’s dedication to his craft is evident in his debut novel, “The Life Guard,” which showcases his talent for crafting characters and developing intricate plotlines. As a promising new voice in literature, Christian Petersen is definitely an author to watch, I addition to his writing, Christian has been actively involved in organizing and participating in various community events. He is a dedicated member of his community coordinating fundraisers, beach cleanups, and other charitable events. Christian’s commitment to making a positive impact on his community is also reflected in his work as a board member for a children’s charity for the past 10 years.
“The Life Guard” is a heart-wrenching love story that brings together two people from opposite ends of the social spectrum. Sheldon Winters, an affluent and educated man, is a successful cardiothoracic surgeon and a former professional surfer. Melissa, on the other hand, is poor, uneducated, and physically and mentally abused by her uncle Armando Gomez, who has criminal ties to a cartel in Mexico. Sheldon’s best friend, Carl Hamilton, is openly gay and a U.S. Congressman who chairs the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. Despite Sheldon’s heterosexuality, Carl has always been enamored by him and will do anything for him. The ocean plays a powerful role in the novel as both Sheldon and Carl grew up surfing together in Encinitas, California.
As a teenage lifeguard, Sheldon fails to save the life of Rebecca Gomez, Melissa’s aunt, from drowning. Later in life, Sheldon saves Melissa’s life during an emergency heart surgery, not knowing that she is Rebecca’s niece. As Sheldon and Melissa fall in love, their differences in social status and education become irrelevant. However, Melissa has a serious heart condition, and Sheldon suppresses his emotions for fear of losing her.
Melissa is eventually deported to Mexico due to Armando’s criminal acts. Sheldon agrees to pay a coyote to bring Melissa back to the U.S., not knowing that meant crossing the Sonoran desert on foot. A policy called “Prevention through Deterrence,” a policy supported and instituted by Carl Hamilton, puts Melissa’s life in peril. “The Life Guard” by Christian D. Petersen is a poignant reminder of the impact of policy decisions on human lives and the power of love to overcome social and cultural barriers.
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