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 “Natural Behavior: The Evolution of Behavior in Humans and Animals using Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology” by Burton A. Weiss.
Burton A. Weiss holds an AB, magna cum laude, an MA and a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He taught and did research for nearly five decades at the University of South Florida, the University of Massachusetts, Drexel University, and the University of the Arts. He is a Fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the American Psychology Society and is a Diplomate-Fellow in Prescribing Psychology. His research spans from ants to fishes to frogs to crowd noise. He is a licensed psychologist and has done work in forensic investigation. Now emeritus, he has focused on producing this volume on the evolution of behavior from years of thought on animal behavior.
Weiss opens by tracing the evolutionary origins of behavior, discussing how instincts and capacities to learn arose in response to environmental challenges and population dynamics. He explains that behavior itself is a powerful agent of evolution—animals and humans alike adapt not just by genetic mutation but by changing how they act. Topics range from the earliest neural organisms to complex human societies, covering phenomena like foraging strategies, communication, cooperation, aggression, and mating rituals. The narrative advances into hominization, exploring our interactions with Neanderthals, the development of brain structures, and how these changes reshaped humanity’s place in the world.
“Natural Behavior: The Evolution of Behavior in Humans and Animals using Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology” by Burton A. Weiss is a fascinating must-read book that dives into the evolution of behavior across the entire spectrum of life—from the tiniest microorganisms to humans—and invites readers to see the connections between instinct, learning, and the forces of natural selection. Weiss combines science with storytelling, making complex ideas accessible and genuinely engaging, which took its well-deserved place at the 2026 LA Times Festival of Books. Displayed in the book gallery, this title drew in curious minds eager to explore how behavior, in all its forms, connects life across species and time.
At the heart of Weiss’s work is a journey through evolution unlike any other. From the simplest life forms to complex human societies, the book unpacks how behavior is shaped by both instinct and learning. It’s not just about animals or humans in isolation. Instead, it builds a bridge between them, showing how our actions, thoughts, and even moral patterns are deeply rooted in the same evolutionary processes. Readers browsing the gallery found themselves pulled into a narrative that feels both scientific and surprisingly personal.
What makes this book stand out at an event filled with incredible titles is its ability to make big ideas feel accessible and exciting. It speaks to anyone who has ever wondered why we behave the way we do, or how our past continues to shape our present. As part of the 2026 festival showcase, “Natural Behavior” wasn’t just another display, it was a conversation starter. The kind of book you pick up out of curiosity and walk away from with a whole new way of seeing the world.
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