My First LA Times Book Festival: Book Haul & Author Highlights
This year, I finally made it to the LA Times Book Festival and as a first-timer, I didn’t fully know what to expect. But by the end of the day, I was carrying a full tote bag, several signed books, and a heart full of joy from meeting some truly incredible authors. Here’s a look at what I brought home:
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
I bought this one from The Ripped Bodice booth. I knew I wanted it when I saw Callie Hart would be there signing books. I have heard amazing things and thought this was the perfect way to add this book to my collection. After purchase, I then waited in line for two hours to meet Callie Hart and get it signed. She was warm, gracious, and completely worth the wait. I can’t wait to dive into this one!
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
I’ve heard so many good things about this cozy fantasy. I was hoping to find a signed copy of it at one of the booths and was so happy when I saw one at The Ripped Bodice booth. I already know this is going to be a comfort read, and I am so excited there are even more books in the series to dive into.
Malibu Summer by Libby Gill
This one was a bit of a surprise find. I came across Libby Gill at the LA Romance Authors tent, and after chatting with her, I picked up Malibu Summer and had it signed. She did a great job of selling it to me and was super kind! The story centers around love, reinvention, and second chances, all set against the backdrop of a California summer.
The Queer Principles of Kit Webb by Cat Sebastian
I’ve been meaning to read this historical romance for a while. I read an arc of one of Cat’s other books and fell in love. She was one of my must meet authors going into the festival, and in fact I was first in line to meet her! She was very kind and I am so excited to have more of her books.
The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian
Speaking of Cat Sebastian, of course, I couldn’t leave without the companion novel. I bought a signed copy from the Steamy Lit booth.
Books I Brought From Home
I came prepared with a few favorites from home to get signed. I brought Fourth Wing and The Things We Leave Unsaid by Rebecca Yarros, and You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian. Getting all three signed and personalized made the day even more special.
Meeting Rebecca Yarros
This was a true highlight. Rebecca was warm, kind, and genuinely appreciative of every fan in line. I’ve loved Fourth Wing since the day I read it, and The Things We Leave Unsaid completely wrecked me in the best way. Getting to talk with her, even briefly, was such a full-circle moment, and totally worth the almost 3 hour wait.
As a first-time attendee, I left the LA Times Book Festival feeling inspired, energized, and more in love with the book community than ever before. If you’ve been thinking about going, I can’t recommend it enough.
Have you been to the festival before, or do you have a favorite author event or bookish experience to share?