BookCon (formerly known as Book Expo America) brought together a vibrant mix of authors, publishers, and book lovers under one roof, creating an exciting space where stories and ideas came to life. Held over two dynamic days, the event buzzed with panel discussions, book signings, and creative showcases that celebrated the ever-evolving world of publishing. From emerging writers to established voices, BookCon proved once again to be a hub for inspiration, connection, and discovery.
Citi of Books proudly took part in this year’s event, marking another meaningful step in its journey of supporting authors and sharing stories with a wider audience. The team engaged with fellow exhibitors, connected with readers, and explored fresh trends shaping the publishing industry. It was a rewarding experience that allowed the company to strengthen its presence while building valuable relationships within the literary community.
Throughout the event, Citi of Books highlighted its commitment to helping authors reach global platforms. From showcasing select titles to discussing distribution opportunities, the team made the most of every interaction. The energy at the booth reflected a shared passion for storytelling, and it was clear that events like BookCon continue to open doors for both writers and readers alike.
Attending book events like BookCon remains essential in today’s publishing landscape, offering a unique chance to connect, learn, and grow. These gatherings remind us that behind every book is a community eager to share and celebrate stories. At Citi of Books’ Book Gallery, this spirit lives on through featured titles that deserve the spotlight—inviting readers to discover their next great read and authors to find their place on the shelf.
Among the standout selections that captivated attendees was “Altered Perceptions: A Psychological Thriller” by Dr. Wayne C. Dees.
These are indeed troubling times. Studies over the past few years clearly illustrate the deep-seated divides and increasingly stark disagreements between us – this includes the economy, racial justice/injustices, law enforcement, climate change, international engagement, core “American” values, and a long list of other issues which we fear may lead to lasting harm to our democracy. “Altered Perceptions” delves into these issues contemporaneously.
Although American exceptionalism preceded the coronavirus outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic further revealed just how pervasive the divide in American society is at this time, with most of the country believing that we are more ideologically divided now than before the outbreak. Disagreements relating to scientific trust, COVID vaccinations, mask-wearing, contract tracing, fake news, truth vs. opinion, and public and policy response to the crisis has surely changed our lives in many important ways.
But the United States is hardly the only country wrestling with deepening social fissures, which include not just politics and policies, but also cultural conflicts/adaptations, economic anxieties, and the rise in populist parties – creating intensified and common strains in our global economy and interconnectedness of world values and opportunities. The polarizing pressures of race/religion ideologies, the rhetoric of moral outrage, partisan media, societal tensions, power inequities/imbalances, long-standing cultural/historical divides, and social media alienation and a breakdown of trust appear to be worsening across the globe – and the solutions have eluded us.
Altered Perceptions is ultimately a love story, with an LGBTQ+ bent, but it is also a reflection of our universal and familial divisions. It is a story of the love between a father, Dr. Joseph Ferretti, and his son, Alex, who struggles with his own demons and longs to find acceptance from his father – both of whom are affectively and politically divided. The issues that divide this father and son are likely the same issues that divide our own families, our country and our worldview – and it is clear that Dr. Ferretti and his son live in “separate worlds.”