The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026, held on April 18–19, 2026 at the University of Southern California campus, once again brought together book lovers, authors, publishers, and creatives for a vibrant celebration of literature. Known as one of the largest literary festivals in the United States, the event featured panel discussions, book signings, live performances, and countless booths filled with stories waiting to be discovered. The atmosphere was lively and inspiring, offering something for every kind of reader.
Citi of Books proudly took part in this year’s festival, connecting with attendees from all walks of life. Their booth became a welcoming space where visitors explored a diverse collection of titles and learned more about the company’s publishing and marketing services. Throughout the two-day event, the team engaged in meaningful conversations with aspiring authors, avid readers, and fellow industry professionals, making the experience both productive and memorable.
The participation of Citi of Books in LATFOB 2026 was a valuable opportunity to showcase their growing catalog and strengthen their presence in the global book community. Being surrounded by passionate storytellers and curious readers allowed the team to gain fresh insights into current literary trends while building new relationships. The energy of the festival reflected the shared love for storytelling, reinforcing Citi of Books’ commitment to helping authors bring their work to a wider audience.
Attending book events like the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues to play an important role in connecting stories with readers. It opens doors for collaboration, discovery, and inspiration that go beyond the pages of a book. As Citi of Books carries this momentum forward, readers are invited to explore featured titles in their Book Gallery, including “James Legge and the Chinese Classics: A Brilliant Scot in the Turmoil of Colonial Hong Kong” by Marilyn Bowman.
“James Legge and the Chinese Classics: A Brilliant Scot in the Turmoil of Colonial Hong Kong” by Marilyn Bowman drew curious readers into a world of scholarship, danger, and cultural exchange. Among the many titles on display, this book stood out for its vivid portrayal of a man who bridged two vastly different worlds at a time when doing so was anything but easy.
The buzz around the book came from its larger-than-life subject, James Legge, a Scottish missionary and translator who devoted his life to interpreting the Chinese Classics during a period marked by conflict between Britain and China. The blog-worthy twist is that his story reads less like a quiet academic biography and more like an adventure novel. From surviving illness and political unrest to facing real physical danger during the Taiping Rebellion, Legge’s life unfolded against a backdrop of war, trade upheaval, and cultural tension. Visitors at the fair were often surprised to learn just how action-packed a scholar’s life could be.
What made the book even more compelling for fairgoers was its human side. Beyond the historical drama, it explored Legge’s resilience through personal loss, illness, and controversy. He challenged prevailing colonial attitudes by showing respect for Chinese philosophy and culture, which did not always sit well with his contemporaries. That tension gave readers something deeper to reflect on, especially in today’s world where cross-cultural understanding still matters so much. Many who stopped by the display found themselves drawn not only to the history, but to the values behind it.
By the end of the event, it was clear that Marilyn Bowman’s work had left a strong impression. It offered something unique amid the sea of titles, a blend of history, biography, and gripping storytelling that appealed to both casual readers and history enthusiasts. This book is a hidden gem worth discovering, especially if you enjoy stories about real people who dared to look beyond their own world and truly understand another.
BOOK FAIR SNAPS
