Books Galore at USC

This year marks the 20th year of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California.  As previously reported, there were thousands of books ranging from children to young adult and many more in between.  There were also several celebrities that brought their own books for people to purchase as well as a cooking stage, music and much more.

Watch now to see just which books were the highlight of this year’s festival and stay tuned for a follow up with even more exclusive interviews from more of the authors at the 2015 LA Times Festival of books.

“Grey” Dominates on Valentine’s Weekend

Love is in the air as Universal’s 50 Shades of Grey draws in crowds for its opening weekend.  It’s the story of Christian Grey, a billionaire bachelor with a dark secret who meets young innocent English Lit Major, Anastasia Steel and attempts to trap her in his sex domination games, but it is him that ends up trapped as domination slowly turns to love and leaves us wondering what will happen next.

Based on the Worldwide Bestseller Trilogy by British author E. L. James, it is a story for a more mature audience and view discretion is deeply advised.  The movie stars Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, who’s performances equally kept audiences on the edge of their seats with suspense.

The movie brought in 30- million opening day and was expected to be number one for the 4 day weekend.  It’s currently showing in a theater near you.

“Stars” shine over Evil

2014 movie poster, Photo rights belong to 20th Century Fox who produced and distributed the film
2014 movie poster,
Photo rights belong to 20th Century Fox who produced and distributed the film

Based on the 2012 novel by author John Green, “The Fault In Our Stars” is a drama romance about two teenagers battling terminal cancer and finding lover at the end of their lives.

The film reunites actress Shailene Woodley and actor Ansel Elgort from the 2014 adventure “Divergent” as Hazel, played by Woodley, is struggling for her life with a terminal cancer that has taken over her lungs. She meets Gus, played by Elgort, at a support group and is slowly drawn in by his wit and charm.

It’s a love story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from their first words to the intimate heart felt moments when you think it might be their last.

Rated PG 13, “The Fault in our Stars” is expected to take the number one spot, it’s opening weekend, bringing in at least 55 million dollars and knocking the Disney live action Maleficent to the number two spot at the box office.