In Search of the Best Coffee in Chicago

I'm off for a very quick trip to Chicago for BookExpo America. I anticipate spending ninety nine per cent of my time at the Expo at McCormick Place but anticipate a few early mornings that aren't scheduled. During those times I am in search of enlarging my Best Coffee search. Is anyone who's familiar with Chicago have a suggestion for a place to do some coffee sampling? I've done a Google search, but most of the places listed don't look close to the area where I will be staying near the Drake Hotel.

I'm almost packed and I'm going lightly, with just a small carry on. After having my luggage wander between North and South America on my last trip, there's no bag checking for me this time. I hope to blog every night about my experiences at BookExpo.

Thanks for visiting and have a terrific Tuesday.  

Books, Bloggers and More Books

BookExpo America (BEA#15) began yesterday and it's three days with books, authors, bloggers and more books -- a lot more books. I spent yesterday at the BEA Bloggers' Conference. There were interesting sessions and some fun ideas for blogging, especially about books. I've got some ideas brewing to shake things -- in a good way -- in Buttercupland.

One of the most fun things about BEA15 is I never know who will be around the corner. I turned a corner yesterday afternoon and BAM, there was Emeril. The line waiting for autographs for his new book was long, but I was happy with a photograph.

I'm off for another day of books, authors and some very interesting panel discussions. You know there will be more pictures.

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a terrific Thursday.

The Monday After

It's now the Monday after BookExpo and I'm trying to settle back into my usual life in New York City. Between being in Connecticut for Memorial Day weekend and BookExpo, it's taking a little effort to return to my daily rhythms. But there's nothing like an empty refrigerator for motivation and I made the trip to my favorite fruit and veggie market. I love markets all over the world, and while this one isn't exotic, it's colorful and has a great assortment. My snack for the next few days is cherries, one of my favorite fruits.

 I love the rainbow look of the fruits and vegetables. 

Yes, my eye immediately went to the super special sign in the front of the photograph.

 Grapes are on my shopping list for later in the week. Are you a red or green grape fan? I like them both.

This is a shout-out to my dear friend and devoted blog reader, K, on the first Monday of her retirement. Welcome to a wonderful club! K, I have no advice for enjoying retirement, because I know you will and have great plans already. I do think you'd be a wonderful addition to BlogWorld. 

Just one year ago -- literally -- it was my first Monday not going into a workplace. I'll be doing a recap on my year of retirement later this week. This year has taken me places I never dreamed I'd go. I'm grateful for all of the opportunities I've had, but again more later.   

A little blog housekeeping...Dear friends, please leave me a way to get in touch with you if there's a giveaway. This is especially important if you don't have a blog or are a "no-reply" blogger. I left a message on Google+ over a week ago for the winner of the "4 Ingredients" cookbook and I haven't had any response. If I don't hear from Maria Simon in the next few days I'm going to pick another winner. Maria, if you are out there, please leave me your email in a comment. There are a couple of readers who asked for Grumpy Cat postcards and I don't have a way to get their addresses. If you're reading please leave me an email address. Grumpy Cat wants to come and visit you!  

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

BookExpo America Pink Saturday

I saved a few of my BookExpo America (BEA) experiences for Pink Saturday. There were some very fun-in-pink good times at  BEA and I knew they would be perfect for a post.

I didn't expect to make new friends at BEA, but I'm happy to say I met two of nicest women who publish at Pink Pig Press. I was drawn to their pretty-in-pink booth and especially liked their two great books about cats. Liz and Vell were very gracious and I will be doing a giveaway later in the summer for one of their titles.

Of course I was drawn to this pretty in pink booth.

There were hundreds of exhibitors, but not very many with pink decor. I found a perfect Pink Saturday sight at the American Girl booth. 

My attention was captured by the bright pink lettering on the cover of "Let's Get Lost." I got to chat with the author, Adi Alsaid, and look forward to reading his book, which will be published in July. 

And a final goodbye to BEA. I'm now sorting out the business cards I collected, making a list of email I want to write and getting down to the real business, which is reading. I'm enjoying "The Hollow Girl" a lot. I do love my mysteries. There are still some Grumpy Cat post cards available and I'll be in touch with those of you who already let me know you wanted them.  

Now I join Dora in waving a fond farewell to a wonderful week of books, more books and new friends. 

As always, thanks for visiting and take good care. Happy week and happy reading. 

Day Three BookExpo America (BEA): All's Well That Ends Well and a Grumpy Cat Giveaway

I don't think there's anyone better to quote than William Shakespeare as I'm writing about books and all things books. I finished the marathon of books this afternoon and it ended very well. Today was actually quieter in some parts of the Expo and I took advantage of it. This year Saturday featured a day for the public called bookcon, which generally included  more popular culture than books. Thousands of people attended bookcon and the Javits Center was wall to wall people.

This was the scene before one of the panels. Even though some of the sessions looked terrific, once I saw this I knew the lines of bookcon were too long for me. 

I made my way to the other side of the Javits Center and enjoyed a great uncrowded day. I'm not sure the lack of people was especially good for the publishers who rely on BEA to let book sellers know about their new books, but I appreciated the ability to chat with people and see what I might have missed in the last few days. 

I was very excited that one of my favorite mystery authors, Reed Farrel Coleman, would be autographing the latest book in his Moe Prager series, "The Hollow Girl." Moe Prager is a Brooklyn detective who has some of the worst luck ever. Despite it all he keeps on going and solving cases and I keep on rooting for him. I was so pleased to get a photo and I may just have to start reading "The Hollow Girl" tonight. Not that I know any secrets, but the author intimated that this book wouldn't end as sadly as the rest of Moe Prager's adventures. Mystery fans, this is a terrific series. 

I had a long chat with the folks at Abingdon Press, one of my favorite publishers, and got to know some new friends at Pink Pig Press. I will be chatting more about Pink Pig in my Pink Saturday post tomorrow. After a nice lunch of Korean barbecue -- delicious -- I decided to brave the bookcon crowds to try to get my photo of Grumpy Cat, who has a book coming out soon. The line for Grumpy Cat's autograph, aka paw print, stretched for at least a city block. But if I stood sort of at the edge of Grumpy Cat's signing and kept on the alert I could get a picture. It wasn't for the faint of heart, but I had had a decidedly unstressful day and I wanted to see Grumpy Cat.

Characteristically, Grumpy Cat looks grumpy. I know it's not my best photograph, but I am leaning sideways, there are dozens of people walking in front of me and I was thrilled to even get this. 

Thank you all for joining me for my book adventures. I've got some giveaways coming up, but to begin to share my BEA fun I've got some great Grumpy Cat post cards. I will be happy to send two cards each to the first eight people who let me know they are interested. The cards are Grumpy Cat at her best and they are cute! Just leave me a comment and let me know you would like them and how to get in touch with you to get your address.  

Tomorrow I will be sharing my fun in pink BEA experiences for Pink Saturday. I hope you will stop by. 

As always, thanks for visiting and have a great Sunday.

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!

All Books, All the Time

BookExpo America,  Day 1 

The scene is relatively empty. Tomorrow morning there will be long lines to register and people everywhere.  

Actually it was Day 1, minus one. The exhibition starts tomorrow morning and today was conference day. I attended a day for book bloggers and enjoyed it. I've been thinking of a blog design makeover and I especially liked the session that focused on that. I also liked a session on legal aspects of blogging. 

The final activity of the conference was a reception. There was a band, lots of books, beer and bloggers. Can't ask for much more for an afternoon's entertainment. 

Publishers were very generous with books for us. Definitely felt a little giddy picking ones to take home. 

Tomorrow the exhibition starts at nine. All books, all the time and I am so excited.  

As always, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

Daisies are Forever

I've just finished reading "Daisies are Forever," by Liz Tolsma. One of my favorite books of 2013 was "Snow on the Tulips," also by the same author. "Snow" is set in the Netherlands in the last days of World War II and "Daisies" is set in Germany in the same period. I was immediately engrossed in "Snow," but it took me most of the novel to care about the characters in "Daisies." Based on the story of a German-American family that returns to Germany in the late 1930s the novel focuses on Gisela Cramer who finds herself in the center of the Russian push through Germany at the end of the War. Gisela is an engaging character and as the story progressed she captured my interest and concern.

The book gave me a lot to think about, especially as I read it over Memorial Day weekend. My father fought in Europe in World War II and many of my relatives died in Europe during the War. Honestly, I've not thought much about German citizens during the war. The book gave me a perspective on lives of German citizens during the War. I found Gisela sympathetic, but as she was an American -- her parents were born in Germany and it was her father's decision to return -- it didn't give a focus on someone who had lived their entire life in Germany. Yet, it was worth reading and I look forward to the next book by Liz Tolsma. I am interested if that book to come will take place in England or France in the same period.

Please note: I received this book from the Litfuse Publicity Group  for review, but the opinions are all mine.

I had a great weekend enjoying perfect New England weather. I spent time with friends, visited a juried craft fair and honed my cat photo skills.

Had to share a photo of sweet Bernie, recently adopted by my friend Lonni, from a cat rescue group. His brother Oscar is a cutie, too, and I will be sharing his picture in another post. 

Stay tuned for book posts for the rest of this week. I'm going to Book Expo America, one of my all-time favorite events. Tomorrow I've signed up for Blogger Day and the rest of the week promises lots of book fun. There will be photographs and there will be giveaways. I'm planning at least two, to share the book fun with the Citizens of Buttercupland.   

As always, thanks for visiting and have a great week!

What's Better Than Being A Kid in A Candy Store?

 Being a Power Reader at Bookexpo America.

Power Reader Day did take place the day after my last official day of work and it did mean that I needed to be at the Javits Center before 8:00 a.m. for the author breakfast I had signed up for sometime in the winter. It was definitely worth the tiredness I'm feeling today.

I'm not sure there are many more fun times than a day devoted to books and more books and people who like to read and talk about books. Power Reader Day was instituted last year at Bookexpo. The rest of the event is devoted to Publishers and Book Sellers, but on Power Reader Day the focus is on readers. 

I enjoyed the breakfast a lot. Chris Matthews, who I got to chat with while waiting for an autograph, moderated the program and Cong. John Lewis, Helen Fields -- yes, there's a new Bridget Jones book coming out -- and Diana Gabaldon (I'm an Outlander fan) were speakers. 

It's fuzzy, but I delighted that Chris Matthews spent time after the breakfast chatting and signing books.

I enjoyed walking through the exhibitions and found the sessions very interesting. I got to hear -- and chat with -- Cong. John Lewis again and Jason Mott. Jason's first book, "The Returned" will be published at the end of August. It will also be a television series on ABC next year called "Resurrection." I was very lucky to receive an advanced reader copy and I'm enjoying it a lot.  

Jason Mott and Cong. John Lewis

I've already noted Bookexpo America for my schedule for 2014 and I'm excited already!

My whirlwind of activity has taken a toll, and I'm tired and have a sore throat. I'm taking it easy today and pushing all the errands and things I hoped to get done to the next week. It's a relaxing day for Buttercup. I appreciate all of the nice comments I received on yesterday's post and will happily take the good advice offered.

Wishes for a Relaxing Tuesday!

Introducing Angel

I really like dogs -- whether it's in real life or movies and books. Lady, my friend Lonni's dog and my cousin Rachel's fun pups, Sasha and Dudley, always make me smile. And I can't count the hours of enjoyment watching "Lassie" and "Rin Tin Tin." Many a snowy winter day was made better with time spent with these two favorites.

I've added a new canine friend to my list, Angel. I had the good fortune of meeting Martin P. Levin at BookExpo America. Mr. Levin is Angel's friend and the person she tells her story to in "Letters from Angel."
Angel tells her story of shelter to loving home in this sweet and totally charming set of letters. I smiled, laughed and shed some tears. I especially enjoyed the illustrations. Angel's story is a heart-warming read that was over much too quickly. Thanks, Angel, for sharing your story with us!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review, other than a copy of the book for reviewing.

I Didn't Meet Karen Kingsbury Giveaway

...but I got an advance copy of her book, "The Bridge," that will be published in October and it's AUTOGRAPHED. I was at the Simon and Schuster booth and saw a small pile of books on the floor next to one of the booths where authors sign books. I noted the title and the staff person said they were giveaways. Karen had signed yesterday. I was disappointed to have missed meeting her, but happy to have the book. When I got home and opened it I saw the signature, "Love, Karen Kingsbury." The Karen Kingsbury is not very clear, but love is very clear.

Nothing will make me happier than to do a giveaway for this special copy. I've had the most fun three days and I want to share this terrific time and fun reading with the good citizens of Buttercupland. This is the first in what will be at least three book giveaways over the summer. Please leave a comment about a favorite book and please be a citizen of Buttercupland, too. There is also a small surprise runner-up giveaway. This giveaway closes Sunday, July 1 and I will announce the winners on Monday, July 2.

Today was an equally fun day. I met a number of authors -- all of whose work was unfamiliar to me -- but I am so glad for the discoveries. I think I've got some great reading ahead.

This charming author is Susan Elia MacNeal. I am a fan of mysteries and I think with Susan's book I've got a find. Her books take place in Wartime England and I've got some catching up to do. Due out in October is "Princess Elizabeth's Spy," and her character, Maggie Hope, is dispatched to Windsor Castle to tutor then Princess Elizabeth. What a great read for Jubilee time!

I had a great chat with Victor LaValle, whose creepy terrific novel, "The Devil in Silver" is due out in August.   I don't usually read scary books, but the first few pages -- I've been flipping through all my new books -- caught me and that it takes place in Queens, where I've worked for the last seven years, is added fun. This is a great gift book for your friends who like a good scare in their literary life.

Another great gift idea is James Dashner's "The Kill Order." Teens can be so tough to choose books for, but his series look great for fans of "The Hunger Games" and "Divergent."

My last moment of being a star-struck fan was seeing E.B. Lewis, Caldecott Honor awardee and fabulous illustrator. Yes, I am in awe of illustrators, whose talent gives life to some of my favorite books. 

A big, big thanks to the many publishing folks who made this a very special time. People were unfailingly patient, fun and friendly. This reader and blogger is very grateful!

It's tough to come back to real life after my wonderful week. I go back to work tomorrow for a day and then I am officially on medical leave, with my surgery scheduled for next Wednesday. I am going to rest, blog and read.  

Happy Reading!

I Didn't Meet Debbie Macomber...

...but I did get to meet Clifford! And he is a honey. Debbie is speaking at a ticketed luncheon tomorrow, and I didn't think ahead to buy a ticket. She may be doing a book signing, too, but the lines for famous authors are long and require more standing than I can do right now. 

And Bobby Deen. He is a honey and a cutie. I attended a session moderated by Sam Sifton, of the New York Times, with David Venable of QVC and Bobby. What complete fun! On behalf of all of us in Buttercupland, I told him how much we like his mom. I was pretty sure I could take that liberty. 

And Peter Brown, illustrator, par excellence, who signed a copy of his new book "Creepy Carrots," for me.  

Yes, it's wild, hectic and crowded and the food is so over-priced, even for a New Yorker. A cup of coffee was $3.50, but when you're desperate for a cup of coffee...But I am having such a good time. The book show is primarily for book stores, publishers, book reviewers and folks who make their livings in the book business. I am thrilled that my registration for BlogWorld included admission to BookExpo. 

In the past I've had a number of jobs in the book business and I have some regrets about not pursuing that path professionally. Throughout the day I was asked what I did and the first thing that popped into my head was "book blogger."  Long-time readers know I don't blog about books very much, and I've felt insecure about writing about books because I wasn't a book professional. But books and discussing them is something I love. I don't intend to turn Buttercupland into a book blog, but there are more books to come in the future of Buttercupland.

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Bookexpo America

I've got an adventure coming up! I will be attending Bookexpo America this week. I am so excited. It's at the Javits Center, which is almost just down the block. Actually, it's closer to three miles away, but in New York City that's practically walking distance. I haven't studied the agenda, but I know there will be opportunities to hear some of my favorite authors and to see the new titles for the fall. I'm going to be looking for book blogging opportunities and hope to find a fun giveaway (or two) to share with the book lovers in Buttercupland.  

Just to get me thinking...what author would you like to meet? Debbie Macomber is high on my list!

Wishes for a sweet and literary week!