Sunday, December 5, 2010

J'adore Anna!

So on Thursday, I did something wicked awesome.

I went to a bookstore.

Oh, that's not such a big deal, you say?

WELL STEPHANIE PERKINS WAS THERE, I SAY.

I just won the internet.

Click to embiggen, but it's a bit blurry. But lookit me being artsy and getting the bookstore sign in the photo!

For those of who you haven't heard, Stephanie Perkins is the author of ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, a book so good that I have no qualms at all in saying that it is the best contemporary YA novel I've read ALL YEAR, possibly EVER.  (Rave review: here.)

Also: she has blue hair.

I rest my case.

If you ever get a chance to see Stephanie in person, DO. Her hair is more awesome in person. And also--she's just so great. The event was pure fun. Here's how much fun: the chocolate croissants were the LEAST cool thing about the event (which means that everything after it was so mind-boggingly cool, there's not really a term for it).

Stephanie introduced herself and the book, and entertained questions from the audience (did you know that Stephanie started writing her book based on a dream? That it started as a NaNo book? That she'd never been to France when she wrote it?). But the part I loved the best?

Stephanie reading her first chapter.

A single room can barely contain this much awesome.
Also: I have no idea why "BOOKS" is backwards on the shelf.
It bothered me all night long.

There's something magical about an author reading her own work. But Stephanie made it so much cooler. It was the way she slowed down her speech in all the right times, and the tone of her voice when she spoke about Anna's father (the entire room started laughing), and how she leaned into the mic for emphasis.

So. Wonderful.

I must now figure out how to coerce Stephanie into reading the entire book aloud and recording it for me...

So! If you've not read ANNA yet, DO IT NOW, RAWR! If you live in or near Salisbury, NC, you've not missed your chance to see Stephanie and ANNA in person.

I am cool by association.
[PS: I stole this pic from Stephanie! Her adorbs hubs was the official photographer.]

---
On a different note: THANK YOU ALL for sharing your congrats about my book trailer! I'm in love with it an obsessively watch it. As soon as I polish up the last draft of AtU Book 2 and send to me editor, I plan on thanking you all individually :)

Also: EPIC CONTEST OF EPICNESS is coming ...SOON!

13 comments:

Jessica said...

I AM OFFICIALLY JEALOUS! Sounds like an awesome time with Stephanie. You guys look great in the photo, too!!

Colene Murphy said...

Awesome! This book is blowing things up! I can't wait to read it! Congrats on getting to meet her!!! Ahh!!

lotusgirl said...

I'm actually reading this right now. It's so fun. I'm loving all the Paris stuff. Of course, you knew that would be right down my alley, n'est-ce pas? I've been reading Stephanie's blog for years. I love her enthusiasm and humor and her great recommendations. She's fabulous. I hope I'll be able to go to the signing in Salisbury.

Lynsey Newton said...

Awww wish I I could have been there if I didn't live so far away! Sounds like a fantastic evening and I cannot wait to start reading Anna. Lots of snow and no mail for three days now. Now that the snow has gone, I'm hoping it comes today!

And don't get me started on how much I want to read ATU 2.... ;)

Unknown said...

Hi Beth :)
Looks like a great event. Thank you for sharing. I love the picture of the two of you!
All the best,
RKCharron

Misha Gerrick said...

Looks like a lot of fun. I'm so jealous. :-)

Blue hair is awesome.

Myrna Foster said...

Um, yeah, more jealousy in Nevada ;)

Natalie Aguirre said...

I just won the book and can't wait to read it. That's cool you got to meet her.

Pam Harris said...

Okay, I've heard too many great things about this book to NOT read it. Adding it in my pile now. :)

Alix said...

OOOOhhhh I am SO jealous! I wish I could have made it but it is just too far from DC! I ADORE Anna too one of my favourite books of 2010!

Speaking of events I keep checking your news button, hoping to see where you'll be visiting :)

Stephanie Perkins said...

"I have no idea why 'BOOKS' is backwards on the shelf."

OHMYGOSH, I KNOW. My eyes are always glued to it at readings!!

Thank you for this wonderful, wonderful, wonderful post. I'm glowing!!! It was such an amazing surprise to see you there, and I can't wait to go to YOUR signing next month!

Elana Johnson said...

Dude! Jealousy abounds here.

Steff said...

Just found out there is a ATU number 2!!!
Yeaaaaahhhh......!!!!