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 “The Goldberg Variations: A Novel” by Andrew Grof.
Andrew Grof, the author, was born and raised in Hungary. After fleeing the communist regime with his family, he lived in Vienna for two years before emigrating to the United States. He is the author of four critically acclaimed novels, all published by Sunstone Press: The Goldberg Variations (also translated and published by Argumentum Press in Hungary, 2014), Everyone Loves Ronald McDonald, Artists and Lost Loves. He currently resides in Miami, Florida after having retired from Florida International University as a humanities librarian and adjunct professor of English and Honors Studies.
Everything begins and ends in the past. But where does the past begin, and how will the present end?
“The Goldberg Variations: A Novel” centers on the reunion of two friends, Schaeffer and James, whose accidental meeting in New York’s Greenwich Village rekindles a deep conversation about life and death. Their interaction unfolds as an intricate tapestry, weaving together past and present in a way that defies traditional beginnings and endings, leaving them adrift in a timeless expanse.
This journey of dialogue carries significant risks for both the storyteller and his listener, who is later joined by his girlfriend, Marie. The narrative grapples with the dangers of blurred identities and temporal confusion, as the present seems to intrude upon the past in unexpected ways.
The music of Glenn Gould’s “Goldberg Variations” serves as a recurring motif throughout the novel, symbolizing comfort and connection. It resonates deeply with Schaeffer, evoking memories of his mother, who cherished “First Piano Concerto” by Van Cliburn before her battle with cancer. Both artists experienced meteoric fame followed by sudden disappearances, mirroring the themes of loss and longing in the story.
Ultimately, music emerges as a universal language that transcends barriers, linking Schaeffer, his ailing mother, and friends across time and experience. Their shared love for music creates a pathway for authentic communication, highlighting its power to forge connections among people from all walks of life.
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