Bibliophiles take note: this coming weekend (April 26th and 27th) UCLA will once again be home of the LA Times Festival of Books. Hundreds of publishers, authors, book sellers, and other book-related organizations will pack the campus. There will also be panels and book signings aplenty. And a chance to get some books at discounted prices. (We call this “How Dave blew his most recent paycheck.”)
In attendance will be Julie Andrews (a Festival favorite), T.C. Boyle, Ray Bradbury, Cheech Marin, Arianna Huffington, Pico Iyer, Henry Winkler, Marlee Matlin, Leonard Maltin, Gay Talese, The Doodlebops (I kid you not), Valerie Bertinelli, and many many others. (I’m sure Miss Bertinelli will be glad to be listed after The Doodlebops. No offense, Val!)
Apart for the big name authors and actors, several publishers and bookstores will have booths with thousands of books for sale. This is the main reason I go. Usually the books are discounted somewhat (sometimes 10% off, but I’ve found some places that give more significant discounts). Food vendors will also be out in good numbers, although you might want to pack a lunch to avoid the high-priced food (and use that money towards a good cause…say, more books?).
For more info, check out the LA Times Festival of Books info page.
N.B. If you plan to attend any of the panels, make sure you get in line ASAP for tickets. Tickets are free but on a first-come first served basis, and if you wait until the last minute, they might run out.
And if you see someone walking around with too many books and an overwhelmed expression, feel free to come up to me and say hello.
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