Powered by Blogger.

Day One BookExpo America (BEA): All Books, All the Time...


...And what a fabulous whirlwind! Thousands of people in motion and millions of books. It was overwhelming at first, but after settling down and choosing a panel to attend -- BEA Selects: Mysteries and Thrillers -- I caught my breath, focused my attention and remembered my goal for this year. I wanted to meet people, have conversations about books and reading and find titles to read and enjoy.  

It turned out to be a wonderful day. I went to two panels, literally bumped into two friends I hadn't seen in ages, and met two of my favorite authors. For the most popular authors there are long lines to meet them and get autographed copies of their latest books. I decided that there were plenty of good books available and I was not getting caught up in long lines. Fate was very kind to me and I met Brock Clarke. I enjoyed his book "An Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England" and was delighted to chat with him and get a copy of his latest title, "The Happiest People in the World." 

It was a thrill to meet favorite authors. 

Fate was very kind to me a second time. I saw a very short line and realized Garth Stein, the author of "The Art of Racing in the Rain," one of the best books with a dog as a main character ever, was signing his latest book, "A Sudden Light." 

"A Sudden Light" looks very different than "The Art of Racing...", but it looks equally good. I've got some great summer reading. 

I did join my friend Fran in one longer line. But we chatted and the time went by very quickly. This line was for a copy of Carl Hiassen's latest book, "Skink." His autographing session is tomorrow. I may stop by to take his picture, but that line will be a long, long one. 


I've got my first giveaway from the exhibition, the cutest tote bag at the BEA. I didn't get a chance to take a picture, but I'll post a picture and giveaway details in the next day. I also got a few postcards that I am happy to share featuring Grumpy Cat, who will be making an appearance on Saturday.  

I packed up around four o'clock, after getting the best Pink Saturday pictures. My feet were starting to feel the walking I had done and my bag of books was getting heavy. I reminded myself that there were two more days to come and it was a marathon and not a sprint. 

Please stop by tonight for Day Two of book fun and thrills. I will be sharing pictures on Twitter during the day @buttercup10024. 

As always, thanks for visiting. Take good care and happy reading!

11 comments

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Busy days hurt the feet but enhance the spirit.

Theresa said...

Looks like a wonderful day of fun! You will be reading all Summer:) Have a blessed day of fun dear friend, HUGS!

The Cranky said...

It looks like an absolutely wonderful day; hope your eyes are ready for the reading marathon!

Sola Scriptura said...

What a fantastic place to discover some new books!

Lynda said...

A book expo - - I would have been in heaven there! Have you ever thought about taking a wheeled tote or backpack to something like this with a lot of give-aways? I have a good-looking backpack with wheels I sometimes use.
I am starting to play "catch-up" again since I don't babysit our grandson in the summertime.

Lynda said...

A book expo - - I would have been in heaven there! Have you ever thought about taking a wheeled tote or backpack to something like this with a lot of give-aways? I have a good-looking backpack with wheels I sometimes use.
I am starting to play "catch-up" again since I don't babysit our grandson in the summertime.

Nellie said...

What an outstanding opportunity! Susan Branch was to be there signing her latest book!

Melinda said...

Oh, the fun you are having!

Enjoy, but get lots of rest.

M :)

Anonymous said...

So happy you are enjoying the expo and meeting some authors and collecting summertime reading.

Mevely317 said...

What a thrill, being a part of that energy!
Your first photo makes me smile.
... I mean, those light shades are adorable, and the purple and salmon colors practically shout, 'pizzaz'!

I didn't realize Garth Stein had published a new book, and will make a note to check it out.

Hope your feet are feeling rested!

TARYTERRE said...

FUN! FUN! FUN!