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 “Maximillion Slaughter: That Ain’t No Jive” by Ronald Louis Bryan.
Ronald Louis Bryan was born in Berkeley, California in 1946, and raised in Oakland, California. He attended Oakland public schools and graduated in June,1965 from Oakland High School. He has always been intrigued by the history of his hometown and that of the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, he served as an officer in the United States Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant before his honorable separation from active duty in 1972. Three months after leaving the Navy, he entered Law School at the University of California, in Davis, and graduated in June of 1975.
He enjoys writing historical mystery fictions involving culturally diverse characters, which come to life as adventures filled with thrills and suspense.
“Maximillion Slaughter: That Ain’t No Jive” crafts a compelling narrative set against the vibrant backdrop of the Avalon nightclub in Oakland, California, on a lively Saturday night in July 1944. The club, a hub for Blues and Jazz lovers of all backgrounds, serves as the center of Maximillion (Max) Slaughter’s universe.
As a young African American owner in his early thirties, Max is not only a charismatic figure with a bright smile but also a man deeply connected to his community, which he affectionately refers to as the Harlem of the West Coast.
However, his world is turned upside down when he meets the enchanting Lily Carter, whose tragic death in his bed sets off a chain of events that will challenge everything he holds dear. Max’s quest to uncover the truth behind Lily’s death leads him on a perilous journey as he searches for her son and confronts her murderer.
Along the way, he finds himself entangled with two of the city’s most powerful men, whose ruthless ambitions for postwar wealth threaten to engulf him. Bryan masterfully weaves themes of love, loss, and the struggle for justice into this gripping mystery, as Max grapples with the haunting regret that fills his heart and invades his dreams.
Overall, “Maximillion Slaughter: That Ain’t No Jive” by Ronald Louis Bryan is not just a tale of crime and intrigue; it is a poignant exploration of resilience and the fight against the forces of brutality and fear, making it a captivating read for fans of historical fiction and mystery alike.
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