Last night I had the incredible opportunity to meet Markus Zusak! He is most well known for his book "The Book Thief" which is an incredible read! (I actually was lucky enough to go to lunch with him and some other co-workers in the afternoon.)
He spoke to a packed ballroom (with about 450 people) at the library at 6:00 and began signing books at 7. I don't know how many people got books signed, but I would guess it was over half the crowd.
I didn't get home until 1:30 am this morning! He wanted to spend a few minutes with each person and there were just so many people! It was worth it though. Everyone left with a smile and we were all slap happy by the end of the night/beginning of the morning :)
It made me happy to see so many people eager to meet an author and got me thinking that if we ever go completely to e-books, book signings will either no longer exist or be vastly different. I loved the feeling of community as people talked with one another as they waited in line, as they shared common interests. How often do we talk to our neighbors and to strangers? Not very often. Last night was an opportunity to meet other members of my community and I had a great time chatting with lots of different people. One couple who ended up being the last people to get their books signed said that they had gone to see a movie while they waited their turn. They saw The Chronicles of Narnia, and that's not ever a short movie! People left and came back with food and games to entertain themselves as they waited.
I enjoyed Markus's remarks. He too talked at the end of his speech about how thrilled he was to see a ballroom full of readers with books in their laps. That too often our world is plugged in and doesn't talk to each other enough. He was so gracious as he signed books for 6 1/2 hours. He seemed to love talking with each person.
Also after hearing Markus speak, I determined that I need to find me an Australian man, because wow I could listen to anything if said in that Australian accent!
I gotta say, I look pretty good at 1:30 in the morning. I never knew!I'm always asleep at that time!
[Photos courtesy of Adrienne ]
6 comments:
I just emailed some pics to your work email. And I'm posting my blog entry as I type...just waiting for some video to load.
Wow thanks for this really detailed post. I didn't get to go but I feel like I still know what it was like because of what you wrote. Thanks so much!
I am envious!! But happy for you that you had such a great opportunity!!
your hair is sure getting long. You look great! We are doing "Book Theif" for our book club next month. I have already read it though. This may say it came from Tracy, but it was really me! We will be in Provo in 3 weeks for Charisse's graduation!
I second Tammy, you look really cute at 1:30am, and I like your longer hair! I really need to read this book again; I remember I had mixed feelings for it the first time I read it, but after discussing it I liked it more. It is definitely a good book club book. Does he have other good books out? What a great guy!
Wow! That's crazy that he was willing to sign books for that long. What is the book about?
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