Five Acclaimed Authors Bring Inspiring Nonfiction to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026

Literary voices with powerful messages and transformative life perspectives will take center stage at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 as five thought-provoking nonfiction titles are showcased at Inks & Bindings Booth #978 in the Black Zone this April 18–19, 2026.

From constitutional commentary and legal insight to spiritual testimony, parenting wisdom, and an extraordinary memoir of grit-fueled success, these featured works offer readers a diverse and compelling collection of narratives that challenge, inspire, and empower.

Among the titles drawing attention is “Undermining the U.S. Constitution” by Diane S. Vann, a politically charged and deeply analytical work that examines the ideological tensions facing America through the lens of constitutional governance and communist philosophy.

Drawing from her extensive background in healthcare and public service, Vann, an accomplished registered nurse, uses her medical expertise to compare the nation’s political climate to a patient battling a life-threatening disease. A Vietnam War-era veteran who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and achieved the rank of captain, Vann channels decades of professional and civic experience into a book she describes as both a warning and a call to awareness. Her work encourages readers to examine the Communist Manifesto alongside America’s founding documents and consider the philosophical battle she believes is unfolding within the nation today.

Also featured is “Abusing The Public Trust” by Dustin Merryfield, an informative and detailed examination of the reintegration process for individuals designated as Sexually Violent Predators under the Kansas Sexually Violent Predator Act.

Tackling a highly complex and often misunderstood legal subject, Merryfield provides readers with a procedural breakdown of how reintegration functions within the Kansas legal system after incarceration. Writing from lived experience and academic achievement, Merryfield brings a uniquely informed perspective to the discussion, supported by his educational background that includes associate and bachelor’s degrees in Theology, a Paralegal Degree, and diplomas in PC Repair, Accounting, and Criminal Justice. His book offers insight into the intersection of law, rehabilitation, and public safety while contributing to broader conversations surrounding justice and reintegration policy.

Readers seeking an uplifting and inspirational memoir will find profound resonance in “Divine Destiny: One Woman’s Spiritual Journey” by Pavla Zakova-Laney. In this deeply personal narrative, Zakova-Laney chronicles her remarkable life journey from growing up behind the Iron Curtain in communist Czechoslovakia to building a meaningful life of service and spiritual fulfillment in the United States.

Once a shy child who blossomed into a competitive ballroom dancer, Zakova-Laney made a daring escape from her homeland in 1986 before immigrating to America, learning English, and ultimately graduating from Wellesley College as a Davis Scholar in 1995. Her life’s mission expanded through her service as a Peace Corps volunteer teacher in Cameroon and later through founding Educare-Africa, a nonprofit organization she has faithfully led for 25 years. Through her memoir, Zakova-Laney offers readers a heartfelt reflection on courage, faith, resilience, and the divine guidance she believes shaped every chapter of her extraordinary life.

Bringing heartfelt family wisdom to the featured collection is “Behind Mommy, In Front of Daddy: Little Adults in Training” by David Sepulveda, a thoughtful and faith-centered exploration of intentional parenting and raising children to become capable, compassionate adults.

Written as both a gift to his own children and a guide for parents everywhere, Sepulveda shares the philosophies and practical lessons that shaped his family’s parenting journey. With a background spanning public speaking, executive consulting, and leadership development, Sepulveda combines storytelling with actionable insights to communicate timeless principles rooted in faith, accountability, and personal growth. Inspired by the quiet reflection of the pandemic years, he crafted this book to preserve the lessons he hopes will guide future generations, emphasizing that the true inheritance parents leave behind is not financial wealth but wisdom, character, and understanding.

Completing the lineup is Albert H. Parnell’s riveting memoir, “On The Road Again: A Truck Driver’s Highway to National Trial Law and Business Success,” a larger-than-life true story chronicling one man’s rise from humble beginnings to extraordinary professional triumph.

Born in Alexandria, Virginia during World War II-era America, Parnell’s memoir recounts his evolution from a self-described “party boy” who graduated last in his high school class into one of the nation’s most accomplished civil trial attorneys. Over a distinguished 40-year legal career, Parnell has represented insurance companies and corporate clients in litigation across more than 40 states, earning national recognition for his courtroom prowess and thought leadership. Yet his path to success was anything but conventional. His colorful journey includes stints as a truck driver, pool shark, civil rights activist, restaurateur, poker player, and entrepreneur. Rich with humor, candor, and hard-earned wisdom, Parnell’s memoir stands as a testament to the power of determination, reinvention, and relentless ambition.

Attendees of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026 are invited to discover these exceptional titles and more at Inks & Bindings Booth #978 in the Black Zone during the festival weekend on April 18–19. As part of its continuing mission to amplify diverse authorial voices and bring meaningful stories to wider audiences, Inks & Bindings proudly presents this featured collection in one of the literary world’s most celebrated gatherings. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the full featured catalog through the Inks & Bindings website.

All showcased titles are available for purchase through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many other leading online book retailers worldwide.

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