Gayle Forman will be back for her new book Where She Went on Thursday, May 12 at 6:30pm at Books & Books in Coral Gables for The Ballad of Mia & Adam Experience.
Bestselling If I Stay Author Gayle Forman comes back to Books & Books to help to guide us through The Ballad of Mia & Adam Experience for the companion book, Where She Went.
It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever. Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future and each other – and, of course, the music.
Told from Adam's point of view in Gayle Forman’s spare, lyrical prose, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance. Mia and Adam’s story isn’t finished. Neither is ours. The song plays on – at The Ballad of Mia & Adam Experience.
There’s always the music. Check out and download the Where She Went playlist. And then play us a tune from or inspired by the playlist or book at the event. Click here to email us at yathenaeum@yahoo.com to sign up. Performance slots are limited, so sign up today!
We're eagerly anticipating our Sarah Dessen Post-Prom tomorrow (June 26th) and hope you'll join us! There will be performances by Generation, M.O.B., All At Once, and Matt Keilson. All gearing up for the woman of the evening, bestselling author Sarah Dessen in honor of her newest book, Along for the Ride!
Books & Books
265 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL
The bands will begin at 7 and Sarah Dessen will begin at 8.
Here's a little about Along for the Ride, which is now a bestseller!:
It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live. A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend. In her signature pitch-perfect style, Sarah Dessen explores the hearts of two lonely people learning to connect in Along for the Ride(Viking Children’s Books, $19.99).
So, wear your nicest dress (or not, it's not required) and join us with an incredible author for questions answered, books being signed, music, dancing, and anything else you'd like to have. Hope to see you there!
Brought to you by Lorena. With comments by Erika in blue, Brigitte in yellow.
The afternoon started just as any other event afternoon did with myself frantically calling Brigitte trying to figure out how we would manage to get to the bookstore on time/back home. When it was decided that I would pick up and she would drive back, we made our way to the store. It was probably sometime around 4:45 and Erika calls me telling me that Laurie is already at the store. Please note this is way early, even for an author. So I start freaking out and press my dad to hurry up (though that is impossible seeing as we live in Miami). I got there early, about 4:15 because Julie was selling cards for her New York trip. Once I saw Laurie, I immediately called Lorena and Debra. I felt all secret-servicey especially since Julie and I were still in our uniforms and hadn't changed yet, so we blended in.
Debra came a few minutes later and I told her that Laurie had gone into the east side. We met in the hall and Debra was all stressed out and confused. Then, she relaxed. Laurie went to the cafe to have dinner and since she had to leave at 8, we had her sign stock beforehand. So, Debra and I took down the nice Wintergirls display, flapped the books, and brought them over to the cafe for Laurie to sign. After a few minutes, Julie and I went to change into our white clothing. Right after we got back to the cafe, Brigitte and Lorena came. I now bring you back to Lorena...
We finally got to the store a bit past 5 and started searching for everyone. Laurie had decided to have dinner at the cafe so we found everyone huddled in conversation in the back of the store. Some light introductions on our part and we were off to figure out how we were going to announce the contest winners. We finally managed to get the poems/reader lists to print from the computer behind the register, and began our slow mingling trying to figure out how the evening would be run. At some point during this my friend Sacha arrived to lend an extra hand to our Wintergirl troop.
Debra came to remind us that Laurie had to leave early, so we had to figure out at what point in time we could do the Time Warp with her. So we set out to ask Laurie when she would like us to do it and to get our books signed. Though this ended up as a flurry of "where did so-and-so go?" Whether it was Julie or Brigitte, there can only be one who bears the Time Warp Question and tis I, Highlander!, every 5 minutes someone would disappear somewhere, so actually getting to Laurie took a lot longer than expected. Yep... And we also post-ited all our books in this time...
Eventually we made our way to the cafe and asked Laurie if she would be willing to perform the Time Warp as part of our tradition. She was more than willing, and we decided we'd perform it after her Q&A. Apparently Debra had also mentioned to her our fear of higher education possibilities after reading Catalyst. So we entered this long conversation dealing with how the #1 university in the nation was not needed for a successful future. (I'm still a nervous wreck about this... Though a little calmer than before.) Laurie then got to signing our books (I finally beat Erika)(It's okay, it's just the once. :P And I still had 4 books signed.) and we proceeded back into the east wing to finish setting up for the event.
First order of business, contest winners. Debra introduced me to the audience and asked for me to announce the 3 winners of our Speak Up Poetry Slam. Though one was not present to read his poem, we had two amazing readings from Nicole and Bianca.
After the readings, both winners were presented with a copy of Wintergirls, and the floor was opened for Laurie to begin speaking. She discussed her reasons for writing Speak which then lead on to about Wintergirls.
Question and Answer began shortly after this, and we then got our chance to do the Time Warp. I have devised a new formula as to which way we all turn. Wherever the author is, we turn. Though Laurie sort of ruined my formula. (Maybe from now on we should go opposite author? It does back it easier for them so they can see where we turn.) I think we should go with the formula that makes the least sense.
As Laurie sat to begin signing, we opened the floor for anyone who had brought poems to read. We went on our usual post-it duties, and made conversation with anyone who approached us.
After work was done and Laurie had to leave, we grabbed a quick picture with her and bid our farewells.
Brought to you by Erika. With comments by Julie in green.
I’ll start from when I got home from school. A little while later Julie (That's me :D) and her friend (Sasha) came. We put on our super cool painted jeans and Books & Books t-shirts and at 4:30, we all hopped into my dad’s SUV (my mom needed the extra room for the way home, more on that later) and were on our way.
Once we got to Bal Harbour, we immediately went to the store. Debra wasn’t there yet, so we just put our stuff in the back. Then, we found a café and ate. Debra found us and said how she had been stuck in traffic coming from a school event. FOR ONCE WE WERE THERE BEFORE LORENA AND BRIGITTE!!!!!!! (See miracles happen)
When we were done, we went back to the store and soon Lorena, Brigitte, and Lorena’s cousin came. (After we were waiting FOREVER) We just kind of stood around and looked at the books in the YA section. I also went over what I was going to say in my introduction. Julie wanted me to do an April Fool’s that Ann wasn’t here, but: 1. She would be coming through the front so everyone would see her and 2. That was pretty mean considering how it was cancelled in January. I still think it would've been a good idea...
Then, people started coming, Catherine (my friend) came with her neighbor (Ann’s cousin), so I went over and started talking to them. When I went back they were looking at pop-up books… COOL pop-up books.
Since the newspaper had said 7:30, we decided to wait a little while just in case. Then, Ann came in and Debra introduced her to us. As I thought the plan for our joke wouldn’t have worked since she past everyone. Whatever...
So, Debra introduced us. Lorena introduced our contest winner and gave her the book. Here's a picture of the contest winner with Ann:
Then, I introduced Ann. We all went to the back and stood as we listened and filmed.:
Once she was done talking and answering questions, Debra announced how when Ann was supposed to have come in January Julie was going to have her birthday party and since it was also Brigitte’s birthday the week before that she got a cake. It was blue for 3 Willows. Though I had given up sweets for lent... And I found out Catherine did too, so we were resisting the cake together. It was really thoughtful...
We started post-it-ing and stacking up the chairs. Once everyone was finished, I got all my books signed (notice how she said "my" books. She still won't let me get any signed to me...3 Willows was signed to both) and we asked her our Q&A questions (The Q&A will be up in the next week).
She started signing stock and we were still just talking. We asked our typical Q&A question if she could do the timewarp. Since she said not really, we did it in front of the table while she was still signing.
A while later, Debra came up to us and said, “Have you heard of Kevin Rudolf? Apparently his song is number 3. He’s the guy in the black back there.” (Referring to near the front door behind us.)
We all went, “Nope, never heard of him.” After going home I looked him up and realized I’ve heard his song countless times… (I WAS/AM SO MAD WE DIDN'T GET HIS AUTOGRAPH!!!!! IT WAS SUCH A GOOD OPPORTUNITY!!!!)
Ann finished signing stock and then we said our goodbyes, piled into the car (there were now 6 of us plus my mom) (it was a tight fit) , and headed to my house where everyone was being picked up.
Join us tomorrow, April 2nd, for our Speak Up Poetry Jam with Laurie Halse Anderson!
In celebration of National Poetry Month, as well as Laurie's poem "Listen", we will be hosting an event for an author to not only speak to you, but for you to speak back to them. Winners of our last contest will be able to share their poems during the event.
It just about screams Speak Up Poetry Jam!
The event will begin promptly at 6:30 in the evening at :
Books & Books
265 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL
"Few writers speak to us the way Laurie Halse Anderson does, so now it’s your turn to speak to her with Books & Books’ Speak Up Poetry Slam for Speak authorwith Laurie Halse Anderson her new book, Wintergirls (Viking, $17.99, 13 and older). Wrenching and riveting, Wintergirls won’t let you put it down. From the very first words – “I swear to be the skinniest girl in school. Skinnier than you.” – you’ll be amazed. Wintergirls explores the emotions that underlie the obsessive, competitive culture of eating disorders as only Anderson can. With lyrical, evocative prose, she tells the unforgettable story of one girl’s desperate struggle to battle the demons within."
If you entered your poem, don't forget that not only the readers get to read theirs! Did you forget to enter completely? Bring your poems and if time permits, we may be able to fit you in!
This is no April Fool's joke. Now recovered from illness, Ann Brashares is well and ready to enjoy an evening of traveling pant fun with us tomorrow, April 1st.
The event will be held at Books & Books Bal Harbour Shops at 7P.M. Books & Books Bal Harbour Shops 9700 Collins Avenue Bal Harbour, FL
"You made friends for life with The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series. And what better way to make new friends than at a party? Put on your favorite jeans and join our Traveling Pants Party It’s a great way to start a new sisterhood and meet news friends – like Polly, Jo and Ama – and grow with them in 3 Willows. Click here to read an excerpt from the new book.
It is a new summer. And a new sisterhood. Come grow with them.
And come meet Ann Brashares to hear all about the 3 Willows (ages 12 and older) and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series." Hope to see you all there tomorrow.
Brought to you by Erika. With comments in Red by Lorena, Brigitte in yellow, and Julie in green.
The afternoon started like most days we have events. The one exception being that was there were a lot more books. Lorena, Brigitte, Julie, and Debra told me to bring them all, so I did. (No I didn't! I told you not to!) I have over 50 of Meg’s books, which filled up exactly two of the large Books & Books bags. One of which I had to carry.
Brigitte and I got there a bit after 4:00 and right off the bat got to work. After Debra showed off the crowns we would be using; and we printed quick copies of my, Party Princess menu for the cafe, we went to the West wing to start decorating. While most everyone was doing manual labor Brigitte and I were having a hard time trying to get my glue gun on so we could decorate my plastic shoes & swans for the tables. But right as soon as it started working, Erika called that she was outside and needed help carrying her books to the store.
So, Julie and I arrived about 4:30 and everyone else was already there.
We immediately started decorating. Lorena and Brigitte hot glued pretty flowers in plastic shoes and swans while Julie and I attempted to start with the tulle. (The main word being attempted)Everyone kept passing out table and exclaiming about how cute they looked while I burned my fingers. It was a failed attempt, which led us to start on the podium instead. We then realized we wouldn’t have enough to do the whole thing, so we used the blue to make a bow. When I finished the shoes and got the area cleaned up I went over to see how i could help, between my failed attempt and Stephanie's help we managed to create some sort of decent bow thing. Thanks Stephanie for helping!
We finished the bow, had some tulle hanging from the top, and decorated the signing table. That's was probably one of the worst idea we've had. I almost fell over from that footstool getting the tulle over the railing more than once. Getting the tulle to hang was difficult since I'm so short. I stretched and I still couldn't reachso we just tossed it over and hoped for the best. It also got hopelessly tangled.
The chairs were already set up, so we just put some of the paper crowns we got around on random ones.
By then it was already about 5:40 and we had to change. There was also an incident involving not being able to find the YAthenaeum bookmarks [which are still currently M.I.A. and not at the airport (those from Miami will get it)]. Though, I always carry some around and had a small stack in my camera bag.
Julie and I finally decided which dresses we were wearing, thanks to Brigitte and Lorena deciding for us. So while Brigitte and Lorena had to quickly go somewhere, Julie and I changed. Julie into my black dress, and me into Julie’s purple dress.Yes it does make perfect sense. Apparently no one in Coral Gables has a copy of the 6th Mediator book. I confess, we committed blasphemy, I was ashamed to wear my Books&Books shirt.
When we were finished, Lorena and Brigitte managed to return and changed themselves. This was more or less an episode of yelling back and forth across the stalls about god knows what.
At about 6:20, Meg walked in and Debra introduced her to us. Debra also warned her about my collection of her books. (But nobody could create a proper warning without it being an understatement)
Then, Meg went to give an interview with a girl from Times for Kids.
We were the greeting team while Lorena put our corsages on. This proved to be a more difficult task than it ought to have been, especially on myself.
A little while later, Debra called us in and Lorena gave her her corsage as an honorary member of the Royal Order of YAthenaeum.
Meg then started signing all my books. (Thanks so much Meg!) She signed every single one. At one point while she was finishing Erika's pile she asked "These are all Erika right?" I was in charge of putting Erika's books back after Meg signed them, since they quickly overwhelmed the table.
While she was signing, we had a short interview with her, which will have up soon enough.
After Meg finished signing all of mine, she signed the rest of ours. Then, she opened the card we made for her. (Thanks Emma for helping me make it!)
After that, we grabbed our cameras and it was time to start.
The room was full… Debra introduced us and then I introduced Meg. (I’m SO sorry for pronouncing your name wrong, Meg, if you’re reading this. I realized right after… I was just nervous and had for years thought it was pronounced that way and it grew into a habit I’m trying to break.)Erika just hangs around me too much, I grew to mispronouncing Meg's name and it's stuck to everyone around me. I'm such a bad influence.Why yes, you are. Aside from that, I think I’m getting slightly better with the introductions; I’m not a complete wreck up there anymore. Sure... If it makes you feel better, Erika.
Meg spoke and answered questions. She is amazing!Erika's on the verge of obsession here so don't mind her. Correction: She is obsessing. Ignore the excessive fangirling.
We then went to the other side and began post-it duty. Once we were done, we went and ate chocolate… Most of us anyway, I sat on a stool and moped about not being able to eat chocolate. But you stayed strong and we are all soo proud of you! :D
Eventually, when it was time for stock, I handed to Meg and Debra took away. Meg is an incredibly fast signer; I could barely keep up. I was at first in charge of moving them to the table but we also needed to put Autographed stickers on them so I called Brigitte over to haul them back and forth while I put the stickers on. Becky came eventually and helped me finish the job.We took a few group shots with our assigned book.I didn't know my tiara was tilted so far back. Afterwards, though Meg was probably exhausted, she agreed to do the time warp with us.
The Brians (the DJs) started playing the song and this is what happened: (I was a fail.)
We then said goodbye to Meg and were ourselves exhausted from a great night; it's too bad Princess Mia had to miss it.
That's right! Meg Cabot will be at Books & Books tomorrow, February 7, at 7 pm.
Books & Books
265 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida
"Meg Cabot brings her internationally bestselling series to a royal conclusion in the tenth and final installment, Forever Princess(HarperTeen, $16.99. Mia is now a senior in high school, and her future -- and Genovia's -- hangs in the balance. Mia has some tough choices to make.
What's a Princess to do?
It's Mia's senior year, and things seem great. She aced her senior project, got accepted to her dream college(s), and has her birthday gala coming up . . . not to mention prom, graduation, and Genovia's first-ever elections.
What's not to love about her life? Well . . .
Her senior project? It's a romance novel she secretly wrote, and no one wants to publish it.
Prince Phillipe's campaign in the Genovian elections isn't going well, thanks to her totally loathsome cousin René, who decided to run against him.
Her boyfriend, J.P., is so sweet and seemingly perfect. But is he the one?
And her first love, Michael, is back from Japan . . . and back in her life.
With Genovia's and her own future hanging in the balance, Mia's got some decisions to make: Which college? Which guy? How can she choose? Especially when what she decides might determine not just the next four years, but . . . forever!"
Please join us to help make the last Princess Diaries event the best it can be! There will be a DJ and treats from Peterbrooke Chocolatier! Hope to see you all there!
To promote the release of a children's edition of Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson will be at The Temple Beth Am for an event hosted by Books & Books in collaboration with Florida Center for the Literary Arts and Arts for Learning.
Temple Beth Am auditorium 5950 SW 88th Street, Pinecrest "Greg Mortenson stumbled, lost and delirious, into a remote Himalayan village after a failed climb up K2. The villagers saved his life, and he vowed to return and build them a school. The remarkable story of his promise kept has touched millions. Books & Books is proud to welcome Mortenson and his remarkable story, Three Cups of Tea, as he reaches a whole new audience with two children’s adaptations.
In one of his very first appearances for the Jan. 22 publication of these two children’s editions, Mortenson creates a multi-generational, multi-media experience out of his phenomenal story. This will be a memorable evening for all ages.
Tickets are required, and available for free at every Books & Books location."
As always, we'll be there so hope you all stop by and say hello.
Brought to you by Erika. (With comments by Lorena in Red),(Julie in Green) (and Brigitte in yellow)
The day started at the Jr. Orange Bowl golf tournament, which my dad runs. We were all volunteering on holes doing the live scoring. (Asking players for the scores of their past few holes).Blegh, nasty farmer's tan is what we ended up with. (I've always had a farmer's tan so no complaining!)
Lorena and Brigitte stopped around 2 and started getting ready. A damn good thing too since Brigitte is notoriously known for ridiculously long showers. When you have gorgeous hair like mine, you have to pamper it. Julie and I started about 3. (Because WE work as hard as possible. Cough...Cough...)
So, we took showers, you know for all the prestige of the Biltmore, you'd think they could spring for a lock on their showers, (seriously)got into our purple dresses, blow dried/curled/did nothing our hair, and then attempted to walk in high heels across from the pro shop to the tournament office. Yeah, I've made a vow to only wear flats to signings from now on. Seriously, no more limping around everywhere even if heels do look nicer than flats. Once there everyone was repeatedly saying how beautiful we looked, so embarrassing, and in front of the golfers who happened to be GUYS, and we put on our which hats. Though we had a bit of a dilemma since I made one hat much too small and it didn't fit anyone.
Since my mom was alone at the scoring table, I went over and helped her. Players came in and were probably wondering why in the world we were wearing dresses.
We went outside by the fountain, my dad attempted to take pictures, but my camera wasn’t cooperating, so that failed. We went back, took everything we could and walked to the parking lot. We were carrying a ton of stuff and had no idea where my mom had parked. Who sends someone to a car, when that said person wasn't there when the other person parked it? Back and forth, back and forth, was it 4th row from the front or from the back? So in heels we were wandering around the parking lot… Then, we eventually found the car, put everything in it, started walking back, but my mom met us halfway. All throughout our escape there were some golfers putting away their clubs, we must have passed them by at least 4 times.
After getting in the car, there was some scoring emergency, so my dad called and we waited in the car as they discussed what it was. One of the golfers previouslty mentioned was sitting in a bench near the car and kept looking at us quizzicaly. Eventually at about 4:30 we left the area and began driving to Bal Harbour.
Lorena and Brigitte fell asleep in the car. Long car ride, what else did you expect?I wasn't sleeping! I was merely resting with my eyes closed.Yeah but imagine being me stuck in the corner watching you two sleep. And you, Julie, as I recall were reading a book, not staring at us.I wrote my introduction in my i-pod for Sarah.
Eventually as we were getting close, Julie woke them up. Then, we saw there was a toll and all of our coins were in the trunk. Luckily my mom got behind someone else who didn’t have exact change and was able to get out and get her and Lorena’s bag. We managed to find a dollar and made it inside Bal Harbour. My mom decided to call 2 minutes after we escaped the toll and I was trying to explain what had happened without laughing. She failed.Then, we got to the parking garage, but weren’t exactly sure where the Books & Books was inside, so I called Debra. She told us, so we parked where we needed to and headed on in. That walk to the store must have been the most agonizing walk of my life. So, so true.With 1 being "Skipping through a meadow with puppies and butterflies" and 10 being "the Trail of Tears", I'd give it a 9.
It was now about 5:10, and it was supposed to have started at 5:00, but Debra said Sarah had just gotten there so we weren’t too bad.
We found the Books & Books and made a grand/exhausted entrance. Sarah saw us and immediately said how great our dresses and hats were. We gave her her hat as well as the baby one we made (which she adored) and she hugged us all. It was my first time meeting her and I was surprised at how nice she was! She was also so surprised that we had known it was her birthday in a few days (Thanks to facebook) and was overall delighted. Apparently it was the first time she had ever had cake at an event. Gee, I wonder why...
Debra brought us to the back, going through the front of all the seated fans (The seats were practically full!), and we put down all our stuff.
Then, we made our proper entrance with Sarah. Debra introduced us all and then I stumbled through my introduction of Sarah. Hey, least it was better than my Nerfighter lingo intro at John's event. Yeah it was better than that... They were both alright, all things considered.Sarah began saying how great we were and began reading from Parties & Potions. We stood in the back and Lorena began filming. Haha! The memory card kept getting filled so I spent a good 5 minutes deleating all the videos from past events to make room. She then began taking questions, by which point our feet were killing us and we sat down.
Afterwards, we brought out her cake and began singing Happy Birthday to Sarah, then there was signing. Everyone had kind of bunched around her table, so we only got to do post-its for the second half of the line. I tried to give out bookmarks to whomever wasn't crowded around the table, which weren't that many people. Me too.
Once most people were gone, Sarah began signing stock while we talked to her (taking a few breaks for cake).
Then, she signed Debra and my own books. We took a few pictures with her and she thanked us all again repeatedly. More hugs!
We raided the ARC stacks, talked to Debra, then went to eat.
In honor of the release of Parties & Potions by Sarah Mlynowski today, we have a special post.
A Short Q&A With Sarah herself!:
Who pwns everything? I’ll admit I had no idea what this meant until you guys kindly explained it to me. (Apparently I am now on the wrong side of thirty.) Anyway, the answer is Lauren Myracle! She writes awesome books, she’s a terrific mom, she’s the most kind-hearted and generous person I’ve ever met, she loves to buy her friends gifts, and she manages to keep a seriously funny blog (that often include video of her superimposing John Green’s face over inappropriate images.) If someone suddenly threw a wad of twenty thousand dollars at you, how would you respond? By saying thank you. And possibly curtseying. It seems curtsey appropriate. If 'they' decided to make a movie of your life, which actress would you want to play you? Rachel McAdams. Because she’s Canadian like me! Who else is Canadian? Wayne Gretsky, Alex Trebec and the Barenaked Ladies. Fine, they can be in my movie too.
What's the most random question you can think of? Answer it. Do you have any weird allergies?Why yes. My teeth get itchy when I eat pineapple.
Can you do the Time Warp again? Obviously. Which character in the Magic in Manhattan series is the most like you? (Or what parts of the characters if it's a mix?) I’d love to say that I’m a mix of Miri and Rachel, but I’m all Rachel all the time. I should probably be embarrassed about that, eh? (Us Canadians say ‘eh’ instead of ‘huh’. If you already knew that, then you too might be eligible to be in my movie!)
Erika's Parties & Potions review:
Parties & Potions is the fourth book in the Magic in Manhattan series and one you don’t want to miss. The entire series is about a girl named Rachel who finds out her sister, Miri, is a witch in the first book. Her mother was a witch, but turned away from the witch community and never even told her ex-husband about it. Through the entire series magical spells and occurrances showed their consequences.
In the fourth book, Rachel has finally gotten her own powers and her sister is begging her to attend witch school with her in order to have their own Samsorta. A Samsorta is basically a witch coming out party for girls and takes place on Halloween. So, the entire book is them getting ready for this event as well as everything that happens in the meantime. There are guys, Simsortas (the boy version of a Samsorta) on the top of Eiffel Tower, and skiing on school nights. It’s an extremely enjoyable book that you won’t want to miss. If you’re already a fan of Rachel, then you definitely need to continue reading about her life with this book. And if you’re not already a fan and are up for an entertaining series, you should read them and become a fan. They’ll be times when you’ll want scream at Rachel and other times when you want to hug her and Miri both. Sarah’s writing is humorous as well as serious in all the right parts. It’s a book most will have a pleasure reading.
Here's the winning Kirkus Review teen book award video by Ben Cox for Parties & Potions:
And on top of that Sarah will be at the Books & Books in Bal Harbour in less than a week for the official launch party for Parties & Potions!
We're also encouraging if everyone could wear formal clothes as in a real Samsorta. However, this is by no means required, so just as long as you come is great to us.
Brought to you by Brigitte. With comments by Lorena in Red, Erika in Blue, and Julie in green.
I am saddened to say that Lemony Snicket did not come to Books & Books but instead sent a representative,Daniel Handler, that just so happened to be dressed like him, as tall as him and look exactly like him. We suspect foul play.
I arrived after an open house at a high school just before Erika did and I found Emily and we talked a little until Erika came...
I arrived and found Julie with Emily. We stood out in the front and talked. Emily then told us that we should get our books signed now, so we bought them (since Julie forgot hers at home...), which is when we saw Lorena and Brigitte arrive...
When we arrived, Erika and Julie before us for once, (No, we got there before you once remember that time and we were at Books & Books and there was that author...) Lorena and I ran into Emily along with a huge crowd of Handler fans. Putting our stuff down behind the counter we headed off to the back room to meet Handler... except that he wasn't there. The first author to wander on his own, which is great, but we never knew where he was. We found him in the west wing, where his event was going to take place, and we talked with him and his representative for a while. We headed to the back room when people started to come in and he signed our books.
A requirement for each and every event is the passing out of YAthenaeum bookmarks to the sometimes unwilling multitude. We split up, Lorena and I took the children's section which was bursting with kids and parents. Small children get frightening in the masses. After a while, Erika and Julie appeared and told us that we were going to take the picture before the event instead of during/after. (This was after going around the store not knowing where they were and found them drowning in kids.)(So many little kids!!!) The hunt for Handler began. Much confusion ensued with comments like "I think he went to the bathroom." and "I think he went this way.". We ended up not finding him, he found us. We took the pictures. We couldn't take it outside the backroom, due to the um...crowd, and the backroom, despite the amazing scenery it would set for the picture, didn't seem adequate. So we ended up going to the parking lot to take the picture. Which seemed to fit the mood of the signing... We were lumps of coal, hence the black/burglar look.
Then started on the enjoyable task of post-it duty. -cue happy music-. The fans were separated into groups by letters so we did A first. (To get a head start for later)(Which was a VERY good and helpful idea)
Handler entertained everyone, even though there were lots of different age groups, with his sarcasm and getting people to leave so that Group A could get there books signed and talk to him was hard. Some of his remarks included how he looked like Lemony, we were the first bookstore to grade readers, and how unfortunate it was to all be cramped into a room by people dressed in black. I wouldn't have willingly left, honestly. We then went through and finished the A's we had missed and I went around with the embosser and embossed every book... Every time someone was taking a picture of him signing a book for one of the kids, he would ask who it was taking the picture and if they were a good mom or dad. Then, he would say "I know your lying". Though he had a few other hilarious comments that he would say as well. We were all starving so we sat down and ordered something at the Cafe, but we had to get up while waiting/eating to complete post-it duty to the other groups. I went every time to emboss the books, which somehow my hand didn't hurt even after all of the embossing. This went on for a while of; "ok you leave, no I'll go, ok you go, I'll protect your food", and arguing over who ate the banana cake. After we finished eating, we hung out with Handler and the last of the fans waiting in line. He topped off his signing with a few snazzy remarks and went off to eat lunch, leaving us to comb through the children's section. Our parents were already there, so we left, but then my mom heard he had written a book called The Latke that Wouldn't Stop Screaming, so Julie and I had to go, buy it, and then interrupted their lunch and had Daniel sign it.
