Welcome to part two of my recap! This will encompass days two and three, including the books, the authors, the bloggers, the celebrities, the fight with that dude, and my dead suitcase. Also, I really hope you are all fully aware of what the title of this post is in reference to? Please say yes so we can still be friends.
These two days consisted of a lot of the same things: Running back and forth between the autographing section and the publisher booths, and me frequently getting lost in China. And since I am not completely sure on which things happened on which days, why not just talk about them all?
The Authors
I met some really lovely authors, and the best part is, I met a large portion of the list I’d hoped to meet! Of course, I was a little nervous to take pictures the first day, for which I’d like to smack myself, but I do have some from the second half! Only when I had someone to take the picture though, mastering a selfie with a DSLR is something I haven’t quite accomplished.
I am going to try to ignore the fact that my hair looks like crazy people, and just focus on the lovely authors. Just… remember, it was super humid, okay?
Top row: Nicola Yoon and Everything, Everything; Katie McGarry and Nowhere But Here; Adi Alsaid and Never Always Sometimes
Bottom Row: Heather Demetrios and Blood Passage; Harlequin Teen Authors before the signing; Kim Liggett and Blood and Salt
This was so fabulous, and I think I was only a huge nerd about 80% of the time. Progress, people.
I also ran into the lovely Katelyn Detweiler, author of Immaculate, who was there not as an author, but I was so excited to meet her, and I was kind of proud of myself for walking up to her!
The Bloggers
Gosh, I met so many lovely bloggers, I wish I could talk about each and every one! Also, how did I miss getting a picture with Nori and/or Xander, I saw them literally everywhere! This is sadness. But these people I did get pictures with/of? Equally fabulous, and I am so glad I got to meet each and every one of them!
Top Row: Grace @ Books of Love; Octavia @ Read.Sleep.Repeat; Holly, Val, and I
Bottom Row: Holly and I with Danielle @ Love at First Page; the lovely blogger dinner organized by Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit (thank you SO much, it was so fun!); and Holly & Val at some restaurant (people my collage would not have been even without this picture, and that just isn’t okay).
It is so fabulous to meet the actual people behind the blogs you love and adore, and this trip was worth it just for that!
The Extras
Some pictures of the amazing Javits Center- I seriously love that place. It is so open that no matter how many people there were in some kind of mad dash, it never felt overwhelming. Also, the brightness made me happy, I felt at peace- no claustrophobia in this center! Chicago, you have your work cut out for you 😉
Also, you’ll note Ms. Julianne Moore! I got some kind of prime location right before she came out next to two guys who were very large and very clearly paparazzi. No one knew what was happening, it seemed, so I somehow got a bunch of awesome and up close pictures before everyone realized who she was. I didn’t talk to her, but that’s okay because I would have embarrassed myself.
A Few More Fun Facts!
- I got in a mild verbal altercation with some dude in line. A few bloggers came over to our spot in line to see what our plans were for the day and such, and this jerk behind me started yelling at them. They tried to explain that they were socializing, not line jumping, but this guy would not let up. SO, my usually very non-confrontational self just had to jump in. I told him that since we were sitting around in America, they were able to speak to whomever they pleased. He told me they had 5 minutes before he called security. I told him that it wasn’t his call how long people spoke to one another. He said a security guard was going to kick them out. I told him that when the security guard came over, I would also be addressing the fact that he was harassing young women. Our blogger friends left, but I got all his information, and was ready to write a scathing letter to his superior, until I googled (and found) him and found out that the newspaper he “worked” at as an editor on his badge had shut down… in 2008. So… yeah. Guess I can’t send that letter, maybe it is karma?
- I killed my suitcase. True story. Holly and Val laughed for about an hour while I tried to pack all my books to go home. I finally, finally got the case to close. Val and I took turns dragging it around Times Square to the bus station, and I somehow got it off the bus. When I picked it up to bring it up our steps… it just gave out. It served me well, and since I got it in Hawaii, I think a burial at sea is the only recourse.
- I actually asked for stuff. This is huge, because I don’t usually like to speak, especially when I feel I am inconveniencing people. But, as it turned out, it worked out in my favor! I got some amazing books, met a nice bunch of ladies at Spencer Hill Press, and was given the best gift of all time by this awesome woman at Quercus– a finished US copy of Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill! They weren’t even giving them away- I just gushed about the book, and she gave me a copy because I was a huge fan! Quercus lady, I love you!
THE BOOKS
Don’t lie, I know what you came here for! The books, all the books! And I have them! 62 of them, to be exact! But, I cannot possibly list and link to them all, as much as I want to. I am going to show you a picture of the lovelies, and if you have a question, ask away! And then, I will at least highlight a few favorites 😉
Aren’t they lovely? Without further ado, the books I bubble wrapped! (That is, the books I basically would have sobbed had they gotten lost!) They are in no particular order other than the order I saw them on my bookcase! Also, a few books I really needed, and am SO excited for, but they come out soon so I could have *possibly* functioned until they do.
- Illuminae by Aime Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
- The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
- Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett
- I Crawl Through It by A.S. King
- Passenger by Alexandra Bracken (thanks, Val!!)
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- The White Rose by Amy Ewing
- Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson
- Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman
- A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston (Thanks again, Val!)
YAY, SECOND RECAP. I’VE BEEN COUNTING DOWN SINCE YOUR LAST RECAP. Just kidding. Kind of.
Aw, the authors look so nice! And omg, my hair would look terrible due to the humidity too. 🙁 It’s totally ignorable.
Oh my goodness, you, Holly and Val look freaking adorable.<3 I love these pictures! And Danielle, aw.
Ah, no picture with Nori or Xander. It's okay! There were lots of people.That dinner looks fun! Aw, look at all the bloggers. That's just so precious.
Oh my gosh, that guy in line should have freaking chilled and kept quiet. I can't believe he was going to call security, are you freaking kidding me? Wow. About his badge. Ugh. That's such perfect timing about your suitcase, hahaha, you had to have had a ton of books in there. And I know you did. 🙂
YAY. YOU ASKED FOR STUFF. YOU GOT OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND ASKED. Next year you'll be a pro and have business cards and be handing them out left and right, right? 😉
Your books, they make me drool. <3 Haha, I love how you got the most out of Holly and Val. That's hilarious.
Aww yay! I am glad you enjoy the recap 😉 Dude, my hair was a disaster and a half. AND I had it up! Imagine the horror if it’d been down. Another point for Chicago!
I am SO getting a picture with Nori at her summer event. Maybe I’ll make her play pretend and wear a BEA badge 😉
DUDE I handed out a ton of my business cards! ONE TO A PUBLISHER even! It was amazing! As for the books… I got almost as many as Holly and Val COMBINED. That is bad!
And that guy…. I am still mad just thinking about him! GR.
HAHAHAHAHA I AM LAUGHING. 😛 Yes, let’s totally play dress up and bring our badges.
HOW DARE YOU POST THAT ONE PICTURE OMG. WHY AM I NOT SMILING.
Also I am so upset I didn’t get more pictures with people too! ESPECIALLY NORI!
OMG the suitcase fell apart? HAHAHAHAHAHAH.
DUDE. The picture is fine. Also, yes it did. The handle snapped right off, and there is a hole in the bottom bwhahah.
I vow to take ALL the pictures in Chicago! So you and your smile had better be ready 😉
I KNOWWWWW WE ALL NEED PICTURES TOGETHER!!!
WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH. So many books. *much jealuosy*
Ooh, you met Kim Liggett! She’s worked with an online friend of mine, so I have so much anticipation for Blood and Salt. Hope to see your review on the blog sometime! And you totally were awesome when dealing with that jerk. And ohhh, so sorry to hear about your suitcase — but it was a worthy sacrifice for books. *nods*
Oooh I will definitely post a review! She was so, so sweet! I was so glad I was able to meet her. And thank you! I was kind of shocked that I said something to him, but my blood was boiling!
Ooooh Passenger. I love The Darkest Minds! And that guy was beyond rude. Glad you had such an amazing time!
I am pretty excited for Passenger too 😀 And RIGHT?! That guy sucks!
When I read about events like this I wish I lived in the US. I was NYC last year and I dragged two suitcases…one of them with 50 books in it. I don’t know till this day how I did it. Brought all them books back two Europe because it was honestly cheaper for me to get them there and carry them over than to just order them here. Anyways, I’m getting off topic. I know the pain of dragging yourself to Port Authority with a very heavy suitcase. Go you!
Oh my goodness! You brought 50 books back to EUROPE!? HOW!? That is awful that it is so expensive otherwise, I don’t understand why it is. So unfair 🙁
My airline allowed 2 suitcases. I barely made the wight limit but it was a success overall. I live in Macedonia where literally only a handful of bookstores sell English books (the books I wanna read), Amazon’s shipping costs about as much as the book itself and I can rarely afford that. So I hit the used bookstores while I was in the States. Anyways, very long story 😀
So glad you told that guy who’s boss (since he apparently doesn’t have one anymore.) Jerk. Again looks like an amazing time!! Authors, and bloggers and books- Oh my! Looking forward to part 3!
BWHAHA I love that! You are right, he does not 😉 And thank you so much!!
My jealousy is directly proportional to that pile of books. I’m happy you had such a great time though. You were such a boss with that guy, too. 😀
Awww I know, I was right there with you last year 🙁 Thank you so much, I really did! And THANKS! I was kind of shocked that I said something, but it was a good thing 😀
The nerve of some people! And way to go Shannon on putting him in his place! 🙂
Oh my gosh, at the gorgeousness *stares and pets screen* NEXT YEAR, I’m going! I will make it happen!
Aw thanks!! ANd YAYYYYY! I really hope you do (and I do too!), it will be so fun!!
Wow. That is a lot of books. Also, it’s great that you stood up to that guy in line. Some people are jerks.
I’m looking forward to your next recap post.
Aww thank you so much 😀
I am SO jealous about Passenger! That is the one book that I saw pictures of people getting and I wanted to jump on a plane and go to BEA just for that! 🙂
Glad you stood up for yourself (and friends) in line. Some people just don’t get it. Sad but true.
Awwww I know, but if it helps, it isn’t copyedited, whatever that means? So maybe the version you get will be even better! And thank you- I couldn’t believe I said something, but I just could NOT let this guy be so mean- one of the girls was 15! I felt like a mama bear 😉
Good mama!!
I’m trying to contain all of my jealous feelings about those stacks of books right now. LOL Sounds like you had a great time and good for you for standing up to that jerk! Some people just want to make everyone else as miserable as they are. Also, sorry about your suitcase. I’ve had something similar happen with a beach bag; books all over the parking lot…..
Aw I know, I almost felt bad posting them, because I know what it is like- last year I was so sad (even though I was happy for everyone who went!) because I couldn’t go. Oh my goodness, that is awful about the books in the parking lot! I was lucky because even though it broke, the books were still able to be carried up the steps in it!
HOW DID ALL THOSE BOOKS END UP IN YOUR SUITCASE? I DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU DID IT because I was watching and there was no way you shoved all of those in LIKE HOW.
How was that mean dude attending BEA if his company went bankrupt? Did he just decide to keep using the company name to attend BEA?
AND THAT PHOTO OF US IN THE CORNER HAHAHH
BWAHAHHA right?! It was like magic- one minute they were all over the floor and the bed and I was panicking and the next…. suitcases zipped, voila!
And RIGHT!? He was totally using the NON EXISTENT company to go to BEA! I sent you his Twitter link, right? That guy. GRRR
Lovely recaps, lady! I LOVE OUR PICTURE. AND I LOVE HOW WE MET – IT WAS A MEET CUTE. <3
Anyway, the withdrawal is real for me too. TAKE ME BACK. D:
I know, it is adorable, YAYYY! And thank you! I am glad we got to meet too, it was so nice! And seriously, can we just go back? Or we can all just meet at the bar somewhere and talk about books and life and whatever else, that would work too 😉
I…totally didn’t get the reference, sorry! So glad it didn’t turn out as scary as you thought it would be and enjoyed it! (Although sounds super busy, so not knowing what was what on what day is totally expected) and yay for meeting the authors you wanted to meet (and you and your hair look fine, shhhh.) BUT HEATHER DEMETRIOS!!!!!!!!!!!
But I imagine, after all the lovely books, meeting authors and bloggers is the best thing about it (actually, I’m putting that before all the pretty books- so it is the best thing).
Wow, that guy was rude, yikes. I don’t get how people can be so rude like that, . BUT GO YOU, GO YOU. HaHA, LOVE the gif!
Oh my God, haha! Poor suitcase, RIP.
Seriously, I’m still super jealous of Only Ever Yours, so preeeeeeeetty, And okay, if I’m totally honest, totally jealous over Blood and Salt and Illuminae too!
DUUUUDE. Google “SNL Cowbell Sketch” please. Do it for me, okay? It was definitely busy, but SO WORTH IT!
And yes- meeting the people WAS even better than the books. Which must mean that the people are pretty damn great 😉
Um, the Only Ever Yours thing was such an amazing fluke! And the US cover is SO PERFECT. I cannot tell you how happy I was, I thanked that Quercus woman like, a million times, and then literally skipped away hugging the book (which is totally appropriate, right?)
And I bet there will be Illuminae giveaways, they were handing those out like candy by the end- someone had even abandoned one on a table! I *almost* grabbed it to give away, but MAN, they are heavy, and in retrospect, I am SO glad I didn’t, I never would have been able to get it home!
Thanks for the recap Shannon! My gosh it sounds like you had an amazing time! Gosh that book porn looks incredible, so many awesome books and author signings! Definitely keen on Illuminae so much <3
Aw thank you so much! It was really fantastic! And Illuminae is so beautiful. Even the ARC, I cannot even imagine how gorgeous the finished copy will be!
Great recaps! I’m pretty jealous right now since I don’t think I’ll go to BEA. It’s million miles away from my country 🙁 Anyway, THOSE BOOKS! Some (or most?) of my tbr books are on those pile! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts about it 🙂
Aw thanks!! Ugh, it is so awful when you live so far away, and I am sure the flight prices are obscene 🙁 I hope you do get to read a lot of the books though, that will help 😀
Ahhh, so many amazing books. I think it’s great that your suitcase waited until you were home to give out and die.
I know, it was like the suitcase knew how much the books meant to me, and wanted to give me one last adventure. So sad, I shall miss her (she was pretty and green with flowers, from Hawaii).
YOUR BOOKS OMG. IDK if I’m feeling giddy over your stack or anxiety. IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL AND IT”S SO LARGE!
That’s a sign that you had a great time. I’m so glad you stood up for yourself – that guy was a jerk. you can’t talk to ANYONE like that – even if they’re line jumping. I’ve always thought you need to be kind even if the other person is. I would’ve just called security if there was line jumping but that wasn’t even the case.
Regardless, SO GLAD YOU HAD THE FUNNNNNN
RIGHT!? I feel the same way hahha. They’re beautiful but… so many! The good news is, I don’t have to read them all right now!
And I totally agree with you- he was in the wrong. There’s a nice way to say things, and then there is the ridiculous and mean way, and he chose the latter, sadly. And thank you!! It was definitely amazing and tons of fun 😀
SO MANY GOOD, GOOD, GOOD BOOKS!!! You guys are so lucky to have them! I bet it was hard work, too, considering you all had to line up, pay so much for hotels and other costs, and maybe even fight tooth and nail for a galley 😉 And boo to that rude guy! SERIOUSLY. If I were there, I wouldn’t have hesitated to dare him to get the authorities, and then would have laughed as they glare at him for calling them for something so petty. I mean he sure is such onion-skinned to feel so offended about a bunch of women talking to each other!
Aww thank you! It really was a lot of work, and money, for sure! Val figured it out, and based on the amount of books she got versus how much she paid, it was about $14/book. But mine would have been about half that hahah.
And the guy made me soooo mad! He was older too, maybe 40? And was with a woman (definitely not a spouse or partner, just a friend) who was trying to get him to shut up! The thing was, I knew I could ignore him, but he was upsetting the others, especially since some of them are young- I think Nikki is only 15 or 16, and that is just NOT okay for this older dude to be literally YELLING at them!
BEA was awesome. It was so awesome to meet you in person. I think there were amazing book bloggers.
Grace @ Books of Love
I totally agree with you!! We are a fabulous group (even though I am clearly biased 😉 ) So happy I got to meet you, especially when I was not freaking out hahah 😀
OMGGG SOOO MANY BOOKS!! SOOOO LUCKY xD. The BEA sounded like it was really amazing, you met so many authors as well. I’m glad you had a fantastic time there 🙂 Thank you for the fun recap, have fun reading all those beauties <3
Aww thank you!! It really was wonderful 😀 And I am glad you enjoyed my silly recaps 😉
OMG! Drools over all of the books! How did you carry them all?! Your hair looks fine. You should see me in humidity. I get my hair patted down by air port security. That is so awesome meeting so many authors and bloggers! I’m sorry to hear about the rude guy. I hope you didn’t let him spoil anything for you. Good job asking for stuff!
Ohhh carrying the books was an adventure. And not a good one. It was horrible, my suitcases were so heavy and full I couldn’t even DRAG THEM. It was bad. And thank you 😀 The jerky guy didn’t spoil anything, in fact, I think he helped me realize how awesome everyone else was even more! Plus, looking him up gave me something to do when I was going through BEA withdrawal 😉
Oh my, what a time! I think you did a good job with that guy in the line – if they were just talking, then there really is nothing wrong with that at all. And when it comes to BEA it does look like a lovely center as well! Meeting all those authors and bloggers must’ve been a dream come true 😉 You should feel proud of yourself for speaking up and asking for books as well, because sometimes being loud is hard. And you did get all those lovely reads ready for you to break into in the future!
Oh my gosh, I wish I had seen this argument with the random dude in line! I’m a sucker for these kinds of things, one time my mom got into an argument with a worker at Walmart who wouldn’t let her return a book and I was just cackling the whole time. Good for you though, sounds like he more than deserved it, what a jerk.
Also, taking pictures and being a nerd only 80% of the time is definite progress! I never take pictures of myself with authors or anything, I once met this band at a concert and was too nervous to take a picture with them even after my brother did it. Also, I’m a stuttering nerd the whole time I talk to an author, every time in my slightly limited experience. I still can’t even think of the time I met Maggie Stiefvater without my whole face turning red in embarrassment. True story.
I have a question about the books, how did you carry them as you got them!? That’s a lot of books to be carrying around even if you got them over the span of two days!? =)
Your recaps are so fun! It’s crazy we were both at BEA and never saw each other! I, too, am very excited for Vengeance Road and A Thousand Nights.