This April 18–19, at this year's LA Times Festival of Books, readers are invited to step into a world where history bends, nature speaks, courage endures, and imagination soars. Featured at the Inks & Bindings booth (Booth 978, Black Zone), five compelling titles come together in a showcase that celebrates the richness of storytelling across genres, each uniquely crafted yet bound by a shared pursuit of understanding the human experience.
Leading with a bold fusion of mystery, thriller, and suspense, Dan Bar Hava's The 36 Watchers series (Book I: Fall and Book II: Spring) opens the collection with a sweeping narrative that challenges the very fabric of recorded history. In “The 36 Watchers Book 1: Fall,” readers are introduced to Jenna Berg, an ordinary woman thrust into an extraordinary secret society tasked with preserving humanity. As history's most pivotal events, from the crucifixion to global conflicts, are reexamined through a hidden lens, the novel poses unsettling questions about fate and power. Transitioning into “The 36 Watchers Book II: Spring,” the story deepens into a bold exploration of religion, global institutions, and concealed truths that shape civilizations.
Author Dan Bar Hava, born and raised in Jerusalem, brings a layered creative background as a former Israeli military veteran, jazz pianist, composer, and screenwriter. His artistic intensity is palpable—having spent years crafting the first installment and channeling profound personal grief into writing the second in just two weeks—resulting in a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that merges intellect with raw humanity.
Transitioning into richly layered nonfiction, “Medicine at Sea: The History and Practice of Medicine in the Field” by Dr. Dickie Lynn Hill offers a deeply informative yet engaging exploration of medicine beyond the confines of modern hospitals. Rooted in both science and storytelling, the book examines how medical practices evolved in isolated and often perilous environments—from naval ships to wilderness settings and disaster zones. Richly illustrated and thoughtfully structured, it bridges the gap between academic reference and readable narrative, emphasizing the enduring importance of historical awareness in medical practice.
Dr. Hill's four-decade career spans respiratory therapy, osteopathic medicine, and wilderness medical education. He is a professor at the California Maritime Academy and the founder of the Osteopathic Wilderness Medical Society. His life experiences give the book authority, usefulness, and a deep respect for the past.
In contrast, the charm of children's literature emerges, “The Little Mouse with a Big Heart” by Linda Lang invites young readers into a lyrical seaside world shaped by kindness, friendship, and generosity. Inspired by a vivid dream, the story follows Little Mouse and his companion Dove, as they navigate life on a sandy beach, sharing gifts and spreading joy among their friends. With its soft, imaginative tone and heartfelt message, the book celebrates empathy and the quiet power of giving, making it a timeless tale for readers of all ages.
Finally, rounding out the collection with poetic introspection, “The Wind Speaks: Poems” by Elsa Johnson offers a luminous meditation on nature, voice, and inner transformation. Winner of the 2020 Hopper Poetry Prize, this collection defies traditional poetic structure while embracing rhythm, sound, and perspective in innovative ways. Drawing inspiration from both literary influences and the natural world, Johnson shapes poems that journey from the observed to the deeply personal, often speaking through unexpected voices, giving the work a distinctive and compelling originality.
Elsa Johnson, a poet, landscape designer, and environmental advocate based in Ohio, brings her deep connection to the land into every line. Her work reflects a life immersed in sustainability, artistry, and a reverence for the natural world.
Though varied in genre, these five titles share a unifying thread: each seeks to uncover truths, whether hidden in history, nature, imagination, or the human spirit. Together, they remind readers that storytelling, in all its forms, is a powerful lens through which we understand both the world and ourselves.
Discover these titles at the Inks & Bindings booth during the LA Times Festival of Books, Booth 978, Black Zone. All books are available for purchase on Amazon and are also featured through the Inks & Bindings Special Online Feature at https://inksandbindings.com/latfob-2026/.
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