“The Journey” by John Dearman was displayed at the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books – Book Gallery

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 Journey” by John Dearman.

John Dearman was born a Negro on March 28, 1931, to a seventeen-year-old unwed mother who was just two generations removed from slavery and had only a fourth-grade education. His birth was attended by a midwife, assisted by his grandmother and aunts. He took his first breaths in a three-room sharecropper’s shack on a hardscrabble farm, miles down a dusty dirt road in Falls County, Texas, twenty-five miles south of Waco.

John Dearman’s remarkable journey begins in the depths of poverty in segregated, often hostile central Texas—an unlikely starting point for a life that would lead to law school in Michigan and, ultimately, a prestigious judgeship in San Francisco. With quiet humility and clear, unadorned prose, Dearman not only recounts his personal path but also offers rich historical and legal context, painting a vivid portrait of the times that shaped him.

Throughout it all, the steady presence of his family served as both anchor and compass, grounding him in his early struggles and sustaining him through his later achievements. “The Journey” by John Dearman is more than a memoir—it’s a testament to resilience, purpose, and the quiet power of perseverance.

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