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 “It Was Nevada” by Tony Lesperance.
Dr. Lesperance worked for the University of Nevada for 25 years. During that period he taught numerous undergraduate and graduate classes. He published over 160 scientific and popular publications, served on countless committees at both Nevada and nationally. He directed well over thirty successful graduate programs.
In his later years he developed the Gund Research and Demonstration Ranch, located in central Nevada. He retired from the University in 1995 with the highest possible academic standing, being named Emeritus Professor of Animal and Range Science. During his academic career he also served as Adjunct Professor, University of California, Davis, and Visiting Professor, Oregon State University, Corvallis. Since leaving the University, Lesperance and his wife, Nancy, have owned and operated a successful business in Elko Nevada, dealing in agriculture and hard rock reclamation for the Nevada Mining industry.
Lesperance also served as a County Commissioner for Elko County and assumed a three year term as Director of the Nevada Department of Agriculture. IN 1997, the Lesperance’s purchased a small ranch in Paradise Valley located in northern Humboldt County. He is considered an expert in the production of native grass, utilizing nothing but snow melting water and nitrogen from the occasional thunderstorm.
“It Was Nevada” is a compelling narrative that chronicles the life of Terry Hope, a determined individual whose journey takes him from humble beginnings to the ambitious goal of working on a Nevada cattle ranch.
However, as fate would have it, Hope’s path veers unexpectedly when he finds himself at the University of Nevada, pursuing a master’s degree in agriculture. His academic journey quickly evolves into a professional one as he becomes an assistant professor, where he uncovers the alarming threats facing Nevada’s agricultural landscape.
As the narrative unfolds, Hope’s passion for Nevada agriculture leads him to convince the dean of agriculture to acquire a working cattle ranch, a bold move that symbolizes a last-ditch effort to safeguard the livestock industry. Yet, this pursuit comes at a significant cost, not only to Hope personally but also to the broader agricultural community in Nevada.
Overall, “It Was Nevada” paints a vivid picture of the state’s transformation from a predominantly rural landscape to an increasingly urban one, highlighting the struggles and resilience of the agricultural sector amidst these changes. Lesperance skillfully weaves together historical elements with fictional storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into both the triumphs and tribulations of Nevada’s agricultural history. As readers navigate through the pages, they are invited to reflect on the complexities of progress and the sacrifices made in the name of survival, making this book a thought-provoking exploration of a vital industry and its place in the evolving narrative of Nevada.
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