Arts & Culture The Leimert Park Village Book Fair (LPVBF) held a virtual event that featured authors reading excerpts from their work, performances, giveaways, and more
November 10, 2022
By: Simone Grant
Contributing Writer
On Saturday, November 5, from 10am until 5pm, the 15th annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair (LPVBF) took place virtually. Hosted by Jasmine Sanders, co-host of the nationally-syndicated “DL Hughley Radio Show,” the event was free and open for all to enjoy. The family-oriented event is based in the heart of Leimert Park and according to LPVBF, “the mission is to promote, encourage and advocate literacy, education, and the love of reading throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.”
Award-winning actress and author Jenifer Lewis is the 2022 Book Fair Ambassador. She is the author of two books, “The Mother of Black Hollywood” and “Walking In My Joy!” Jenifer has starred on ABC’s “Black-ish,” as well as appeared in more than 400 episodic television shows, 68 movies, 40 animations, and four Broadway shows.
This year’s lineup Included Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of “The 1619 Project” and a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine, Nikole Hannah-Jones, who talked about her work in race, social injustice, and reparations.
In addition to Hannah-Jones, actress and social media personality Tabitha Brown discussed her first cookbook, “Cooking from the Spirit” and had an in-depth conversation with Wylissa Bennett. Brown’s previous work, “Feeding the Soul,” was a number one New York Times bestseller. Brown battled with undiagnosed chronic autoimmune pain in 2016, which had her believe she wouldn’t live to see 40 years old - that is - until she started to approach her health differently, completely changing her diet and becoming vegan in 2017. Tabitha
Best-selling acclaimed author and historian Vanessa Riley, discussed her latest work, “Murder in Westminister,” which is the first book in, “The Lady Worthing Mysteries.”
Debut author Kai Harris read an excerpt of her book, “What the Fireflies Knew.”
Right after, she engaged in conversation with journalist and author Devyn Bakewell.
Bakewell also shared an excerpt from her novel, “Greater Life.” She discussed the concept and inspiration behind her book with television personality and author Omarosa Manigault Newman.
Adiba Nelson read an excerpt from her book, “Ain’t That A Mother” with a conversation with radio personality Mischa Duffie right after.
Children’s Storytime Hour was hosted by L.A. Parent Magazine and featured a line-up of award-winning children’s authors who read excerpts from their novels. There were musical and dance performances and a special “tab time” starring Tabitha Brown with, “How Music Can Make Us Feel Different Ways.”
A plethora of other authors made appearances reading from their novels. The event also included giveaways which included a publisher book giveaway, tickets to LA Philharmonic Holiday Concert Dudamel Performs Nutcracker, LA Philharmonic Holiday Concert “Rock My Soul” festival with Carmen Jones Screening with a live performance by J’Nail Bridges, a Taschen Coffee Table Book, and more. There was also a panel discussion, tribute to Sidney Poitier, and much more.
For more information on the LPVBF, visit: https://www.leimertparkbookfair.com/