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 “Alpha Women” by Barbara J. Restle.
The author, Barbara J. Restle was born in Paris to American parents and later pursued higher education at Indiana University, earning a BA in Journalism and Political Science with a focus on environmental law. Her formative years were steeped in both culture and intellectual curiosity, and during her time at university, she became captivated by the political philosophies of Niccolò Machiavelli—a fascination that would shape much of her later work. For over three decades, Barbara not only honed her literary talents by writing articles and short stories, but she also put her ambitious spirit into practice by owning and operating 700 acres of farmland across Indiana and Mississippi.
Her writings have garnered acclaim, including awards from Life magazine, first for an insightful science article on the dunes of Lake Michigan and later for her evocative short stories set in the heartland of rural Indiana. Now a widowed mother of three grown children, Barbara continues to embrace life’s adventures and infuses her creative endeavors with a deep understanding of power, loyalty, and the intricacies of human nature.
“Alpha Women” by Barbara J. Restle is a gripping exploration of ambition, loyalty, and moral complexity set in a small Southern town where reputation is paramount. For twenty-five years, Diane—a determined and shrewd physician’s wife—has maintained an unspoken vigil over her community. With a keen sense for detecting even the slightest hint of impropriety among the local medical elite and their spouses, Diane and her close confidantes have become the self-appointed guardians of social order. Their mission: to preempt scandal and uphold the strict codes of conduct that protect not only personal honor but also the integrity of the community at large.
When a pair of newcomers—a physician and his assertive wife, arriving from the culturally vibrant Dominican Republic—settle into town, long-held traditions are challenged. Their presence introduces a clash of values and exposes latent prejudices, as the town’s deep-rooted norms are confronted by fresh ambitions and cultural diversity. Inspired by the strategic insights of Machiavelli—a philosophy that once ignited Barbara’s academic passions—Diane embarks on a calculated, daring plan. Her goal is to quell the brewing controversy by meticulously orchestrating responses to every emerging rumor and ensuring that the public standards remain unblemished.
In “Alpha Women,” Barbara J. Restle weaves a narrative that is as much about the personal transformation of a woman determined to protect her community as it is a study of power dynamics and cultural friction. The book challenges readers to consider how far one might go in the name of loyalty and honor, and whether the pursuit of a pristine reputation might justify choices that test the boundaries between right and wrong.
This dual narrative captures not only Barbara Restle’s remarkable life journey—from her worldly beginnings and intellectual pursuits to her direct adventures in farming and writing—but also the compelling, multifaceted story of Alpha Women, where personal ambition, community standards, and the timeless allure of Machiavellian strategy collide.
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