Robert Beckstedt’s heartfelt and thought-provoking novel Ian and Anton will be showcased at two major literary events in California this April. The novel, which explores themes of acceptance, love, and spirituality, will be on display at the ReadersMagnet Los Angeles Book Confab on April 23-24, 2025, and at the prestigious Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) on April 26-27, 2025.
The Los Angeles Book Confab, held at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, serves as an exciting prelude to the 30th annual LATFOB. This event is an essential gathering for authors, providing them with the chance to present their works to the public, engage with fellow authors, and build connections with readers. The event promises to be an enriching experience for all those passionate about literature.
The following weekend, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest literary event in the United States, will take place at the University of Southern California campus. The free, two-day festival draws over 150,000 book lovers annually and features an array of book exhibits, panel discussions, and performances, making it one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year.
Beckstedt’s Ian and Anton is set against the backdrop of the early 2000s, during a pivotal moment in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The story follows Ian Roberts, a seasoned world traveler, who is drawn to a megachurch in North Carolina. As the church embarks on a building campaign, they pledge to fund an AIDS hospice in a Black township in South Africa. In an act of impulsive generosity, Ian volunteers to travel to Africa, determined to help establish a sustainable business to support the hospice.
However, Ian’s journey is fraught with challenges, particularly in his interactions with Pastor Anton Nikosi, the church’s clergy member. Their differing philosophies create tension, but through their evolving relationship, Ian and Anton learn to transcend their differences, demonstrating the profound power of love and respect in a post-Apartheid world.
“Ian and Anton” invites readers to explore themes of spirituality, personal growth, and the importance of understanding one another in a complex world. The novel is now available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
For those attending the 2025 Los Angeles Book Confab and LATFOB, Beckstedt’s Ian and Anton will be prominently featured at ReadersMagnet’s booth #225 at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this captivating story in person.
