Happy Friday Everyone!
A few weeks ago I got to go to Bookcon in NYC with my mom. For those of you that might not know, it’s basically just a big old book convention for YA readers and authors held over the weekend at the Jacob Javits Center. It’s an annual thing and this was my third time getting to attend!
Although this was not my first rodeo, one of the first things I love about Bookcon is that every year is completely different and unexpected in the most wonderful way. They bring different authors, switch up the panels, and have plenty to look at on the showfloor.
I think the key for this year’s success was not really having a plan whatsoever. All I knew is that John Green’s panel was at 5pm (and when we had tickets for autographings) but the rest of the day basically looked like a blank slate. This is important because it puts so much less pressure on what you want to do in the event it doesn’t work out, which spoiler alert, is likely.
So anyways, here’s a little recap of the day’s events. Enjoy!
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Leave for bus at like literally 6am. Normally we’ve stayed over the night before so that we just walk to the Javits Center in the morning but this actually worked out really well this year! And of course on the way, I had to take over the aux cord and play all of the tunes for my mom. Naturally, the next step is to board the bus. I’m really on a Broadway kick right now, so I asked Stephanie all of her opinions on this season’s shows before getting the friendly reminder to keep the noise down for the rest of the ride. In case you all were wondering, Beetlejuice is the hot show this year in my humble opinion.
After we arrived to the city, we took a pit stop for a donut at Dunkin because, duh. Does that even need an explanation? We then set out to the Javits Center and tried to decide what to do first. It was between a Cassie Clare panel on the mainstage or a Pride panel hosted by David Levithan. We actually ended up in some mystery line for some Shadowhunter swag. The best part is that we still had time to hit the Pride panel just in time. It was awesome to spend the first day of Pride month supporting new and upcoming LGBTQ+ authors to say the least. Although they were writing books more for middle grade readers, learning more and hearing their responses to the asked questions is always fun.
After the Pride panel, we walked around a bit and ended up at the E.L. James panel. I evidently don’t know that much about the Fifty Shades author because I was surprised to hear her British accent. Her panel got cut a little short on our part because we had tickets to an autographing by Neil Patrick Harris that we needed to get in line for. Although I love myself some NPH, my mom REALLY likes him. So of course I had to ask her what she would say to him once she gets up there.. her unsurprising (and anticlimactic) answer was something along the lines of ‘Hi’ and ‘Thank you’ before taking her autographed book and walking away. Classic Stephanie. Jokes aside, NPH was so sweet and we have pictures to prove it.
After our first autographing, we took a quick lunch break. Chicken fingers all the way.
We then had another autographing by both Melissa de la Cruz and Rachel Hawkins. I had my mom hold down our spots while I powerwalked to the other side of the building. There was a booth dedicated to Thinking of You Week and if you went, you could pick any of the cards and mail them to a friend totally free of charge. Although this week actually happens in September, I thought it was really cute and had to send some of my favorite people a card. Once I reunited with my mom, it was actually perfect timing to get my books signed. Both authors were so sweet. I hadn’t met either of them yet and I just think it’s awesome when you get to see them face-to-face and have even just a small chat. It’s not a total surprise, but they’re just so normal and cool and an amazing opportunity to tell them how much their books have brought joy into your life.
We then walked more of the showfloor to see what other swag we could pick up and had an impromptu photoshoot. I mean, you can only look so chic with a backpack and frizzed out hair, right?
Then, it was about time for our final autographing. My mom had a ticket to James Murray’s autographing. The time was around 4:30pm, which is pretty close to the 5pm John Green panel that was a must. I was lowkey getting nervous so I went downstairs to see if the room had filled up yet, and to say it was basically packed was an understatement. I panicked and told my mom that I would save us seats while she gets her book signed. So she got to meet Murr from Impractical Jokers and I’m jealous 100%. She said he gave everyone a high five when he first got there and I can only imagine he was nothing but personable.
My mom then got to the mainstage for John Green’s panel. He was accompanied by the cast for Looking for Alaska premiering on Hulu in a few months. We got to see a few sneak peeks of the show and then listen to a question and answer panel. I mean, for anyone who loves John Green, you literally couldn’t end the day any better. Although Looking for Alaska was by no means one of my favorite books by him (I know, unpopular opinion) I still look forward to seeing the show when it comes out!
And that basically ended Bookcon 2019! It flew by this year and was such a good time. I’m so happy I got to go and enjoy it with my mom like usual and hope we can continue to do so in the future. Have any of you been to Bookcon? If so, what are some of your favorite things/memories? Or are there other conventions you think are better? You know I’ll be hitting up Dragcon in September for sure (: Let me know in the comments!
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In the spirit of books, I also wanted to give a little updated summer ‘To be Read’ list. Of course I know it’s ambitious and sometimes I get sidetracked (so it’s probable that it will not get accomplished in its entirety) but I wanted to lay them out here!
1. Heir of Fire – Sarah J. Maas
I’m going to also add Queen of Shadows and Empire of Storms as they are the next two books in the series that I have sitting on my shelf. Yes, I know there are more but these are just what I have currently. Do any of you have an opinion on this series? I read A Court of Thorns and Roses last summer and was head over heels obsessed but can’t seem to get as into this series. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great but I was just wondering if anyone else was in the same boat?
2. Again, But Better – Christine Riccio
I’ve been watching Christine as a BookTuber for years. There is nothing I love more than finishing a book and seeing if she has a review up on her channel. That being said, I’m really excited to read her debut novel. I’m sure it’s going to be amazing, and cute, and the exact thing I want to read this summer.
3. Warcross – Marie Lu
I know literally nothing about this except that I love Marie Lu and that’s enough to make me want to start reading. I’m excited to see what this book has in store. Also, as per a very large banner at Bookcon, she has a book based of the Legend series coming out somewhat soon. I’m pumped, but I digress.
4. Alex and Eliza – Melissa de la Cruz
Okay it is NO secret that I love Hamilton. I type this blog post as I wear a Hamilton sweatshirt I got from my first time seeing the show. I got to meet Melissa at Bookcon and she signed this book for me so I’m excited to get a little love story with people I already hold near and dear to my heart.
5. Since You’ve Been Gone – Morgan Matson
Funny thing about this book is that I’ve had it on my shelf for probably a minimum of like 3 years now. I’ve heard nothing but good things so I’m eager to see if I can FINALLY check this one off my list. Fingers crossed.
6. Broken Throne – Victoria Aveyard
I had NO clue this book was even ever going to exist. So you can imagine I screamed for joy when I stumbled across it on it’s release date. I love the Red Queen series and I’m beyond thrilled to see what this book has in store for some of my favorite characters. Are there any lowkey Maven fans out there? Because that’s 10/10 me, just saying.
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Let me know if any of these books are on your TBR lists or if you’ve read them already? Also if any of you have recommendations, please feel free to leave them in the comments below! I love talking about books and hearing other people’s points of view so it would be so appreciated (: and..
Until next time,
xx.Britani Skye
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