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| Logo by Amber @shelfnotes.com |
Author Interaction
I have been very, very fortunate in that I've had interactions with a number of authors, thanks primarily due to my access to a fantastic independent bookstore. If you live in the Chicagoland area like I do, I highly encourage you to check out Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, IL. Named one the best independent bookstores in the country by Publisher's Weekly, this store draws big names and sets up an atmosphere that makes events a hit. It was there that I met Meg Cabot, Sarah Dessen, Veronica Roth, Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu, David Levithan, Jay Asher, Stephanie Perkins, and so, so many more! I was also lucky to meet a number of authors when I attended the ALA Annual Conference in 2013 - Laurie Halse Anderson actually hugged me. It was awesome. However, my most recent author interaction was one I haven't gotten to blog about yet and now is the perfect opportunity.
I met John Green. I still can't quite believe it. My boss received an email that he was doing this year's Zena Sutherland Lecture at the Herald Washington Library, I got tickets for myself and a friend, forwarded the email to some coworkers who then also shared it with students, and wow. He gave a fantastic speech all about technology, diversity, where his ideas come from, the purpose of fiction, the role of book sellers/librarians, and so much more. It was amazing how much he was able to fit in 30 minutes. Afterwards there was a reception where he was kind enough to take pictures with almost everyone, including this selfie of us. It was an evening I won't be forgetting any time soon. :)
More Than Just Words
I'm a traditional print kind of girl when it comes to reading. I like the feel of a book in my hands, though I do love my e-reader especially when I travel (I recently purchased a new Nook Glowlight, my second device from Barnes & Noble). However I've been opening up more in recent years. I really should give graphic novels more of a chance, but recently I've been absolutely loving the world of audiobooks. I love taking long walks in the summer and a great narrator with an engaging story makes me actually want to get out and exercise! Maggie Stievfater's The Scorpio Races is perhaps my favorite audiobook, but I'm also very much looking forward to Ashley Clements narrating The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet due out along with the print book this summer.
Ooh! I definitely need to check out The Scorpio Races on audiobook if it's so great! I've been looking for more audio for my drives to work. I highly recommend graphic novels - there's a ton of good recommendations in the comments of my post today as well!
ReplyDeleteI got to meet John Green back when he was promoting Paper Towns and it was just such a fun event. That bookstore near you sounds AMAZING - I am so jealous!
The Scorpio Races narrators are both amazing! Seriously, the man who does the Sean chapters could read me the phone book and I'd still go weak in the knees :) And Anderson's is a Fantastic store! If you ever find yourself near Naperville, Illinois, make it a point to visit. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteYou are so lucky to be close to everything-book-ish in Chicago. I feel sad when I see authors have skipped our state. We have lots of readers here in Texas, I want to shout.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying Armchair BEA!
I'll admit that I don't do too many events IN Chicago itself only because it's quite a hike from where I live and I feel like not as many authors come around in the winter months because our weather is so crazy, but I know I'm luckier than most. I hope more writers come your way in Texas!
DeleteGood for you for supporting your local independent bookstore and its events!'
ReplyDeleteJoy's Book Blog
Yay for the independent book stores! Anderson's isn't quite local for me, but definitely worth the drive. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteUgh why is everyone meeting John Green but me? I'm so jealous!
ReplyDeleteI felt that way for the longest time too! But someday maybe your luck will change and it will be Awesome, I promise :) Thanks for commenting!
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