It’s that most magical time of year again for book bloggers—BookExpo America starts today. After an absence of 3 years I’m heading back to BEA this year—mostly because they’re having it in Chicago which is a bit easier to get to from Seattle. Yes, the thought of being surrounded by authors, books, and publicists is exciting enough, but this year is even better. Why? Because the books are the least exciting part this go-round. With a move to the Midwest BEA is a lot more accessible for those of us who don’t live on the East Coast or in NYC so by the time you read this I’ll be meeting a whole slew of amazing women I’ve known online for the last two or three years! It will not only be two days of books, but two days of books, chatter, laughter, food, fun and cocktails. Can you say ‘freaked out, jittery kitten excited’? Because I AM!!!
I’m sure I’ll forget some names but here are just some of the talented women I’ll be seeing the next two days: Shannon at River City Reading, Kerry at Entomology of a Bookworm, Marisa at The Daily Dosage, April at The Steadfast Reader, Shaina at Shaina Reads, Katie at Words for Worms, Gayle at Everyday I Write the Book, and Ann at Books on the Table. Stop by their blogs, they all love books as much as I do.
While I’m roaming in a bookish posse, here are the upcoming releases I’d most like to find at the show. In some cases, not only will there be advance copies available, but the authors are also there to sign so I can go fangirl on my favorites (I’m looking at you Jessie Burton and Ann Patchett).
The Muse by Jessie Burton (July): Jessie’s debut, The Miniaturist was my favorite debut novel of 2014 so I’m very excited to see what she’s come up with now.
Sergio Y by Alexandre Vidal Porto (May)
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (September): I loved his last novel, Rules of Civility
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (September): she’s written so many beautiful things that I’m always interested to see what’s next.
Cruel Beautiful World by Caroline Leavitt (October): Another case of ‘loved her last book-itis’. Is This Tomorrow was thought-provoking and wonderful.
Faithful by Alice Hoffman (November): I don’t know how she can write so beautifully and so quickly, but she does. Her books are almost always favorites with me, especially The Dovekeepers, one of my top picks for 2012
Ugh! What fun! So jealous! Have fun for me, too! Maybe next year I can join in… 🙂
Counting down!!!! I forgot about Hoffman and Patchett! Good thing we have so many bookish people to remember.
Cruel Beautiful World sounds a little like The Girls. Will keep my eye on that one. And my FOMO is starting!!
Commonwealth would be at the top of my list!
I have seen so many bloggers this year talking about going to BEA – I’m sure it’s going to be a lot of fun! Enjoy!
I hope you have a fantastic time at BEA! Sadly I’m missing out this year, so we’ll have to meet face to face another time 🙂
I’m so jealous!!! I hope you have an amazing time with these other amazing women and get ALL THE BOOKS!! 🙂
Come on, just one selfie! April taking it doesn’t count! 😀
I can’t wait to hear about your time at BEA! Also, I didn’t realize Jessie Burton has a new novel coming out — very excited!
It was so good to see you!!!!