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.
In collaboration with Citi of Books, the author “From Out of the Sand,” Steve Sieting, held a successful book signing event during the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.
Steve Sieting attended East Kentwood High School in Michigan and then served in the navy for six years as an electronic technician, serving four years on board a nuclear submarine (USS Snook SSN 592). He and his wife, Lynn, moved to Georgia to raise their one daughter and two sons.
“From Out of the Sand” is not just a collection of poems; it is a heartfelt invitation to embrace the journey of faith and find solace in the knowledge that God hears our cries. It shares a deeply personal and transformative journey of faith, resilience, and self-discovery.
Steve Sieting felt isolated from the Lord and overwhelmed by life’s pressures and found himself spiritually drowning and ready to abandon his faith. However, in a moment of desperation, he uttered one last prayer, and the Holy Spirit responded with the comforting words, “I hear your cry.” This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his journey back into God’s presence, leading him to a place of healing and solid ground. Through his heartfelt reflections, Sieting reveals that many people feel unworthy or lost, and he emphasizes that God desires to comfort and guide them toward a closer relationship.
Throughout the story, Sieting candidly shares his experiences of overcoming personal obstacles, including shyness and low reading skills. He reflects on how the Holy Spirit and prayer became essential tools for accountability and spiritual growth. His poetry serves as a heartfelt confession of the challenges he has faced, resonating with readers who may have encountered their own trials. Sieting acknowledges that while others may have endured more difficult circumstances, the universal need to overcome remains the same. By sharing his feelings and failures, he hopes to encourage readers to seek their own private moments with the Holy Spirit, fostering a deeper spiritual connection.
The book also features poetry from three generations of Sieting’s family, including contributions from his mother, Eleanor Sieting, and his son, Steven Sieting II. This intergenerational collection adds depth and richness to the narrative, inviting readers to reflect on their own relationships with family and the Lord.
Sieting believes that life’s experiences—both joyful and sorrowful—give rise to the songs of the heart, and he encourages readers to embrace their own stories. By rejecting judgment from themselves and others, individuals can overcome barriers and find their rightful place at the foot of the Savior.
Ultimately, Steve Sieting’s “From Out of the Sand” offers a powerful testament to the healing and transformative nature of faith. His journey from despair to hope serves as a reminder that no one is truly alone in their struggles. With heartfelt poetry and profound insights, Sieting invites readers to join him on a path of spiritual growth and self-discovery. As he humbly states, “Follow me as I follow Christ,” he encourages each person to live a life filled with purpose, melody, and words that matter.