Book geeks like myself are drawn to the physicality of books. Most of us have huge collections of novels that we have read or that we’re going to read, and both sides of these lists are always growing. However, if book lovers like collecting books (and reading them), then imagine how great their desire is to collect the holy grail of a book lover’s world – the signature of their favorite author, especially a personalized one.
Like every other book geek, the idea of collecting author autographs is appealing to me. Now that most of the book blogging community is down in NYC for Book Expo America (BEA) getting all of their new ARCs signed, it seems like a fitting time to talk about my experience with book signings. It just so happens that up to this precise moment, I only have one signed copy of a book in my possession. So what is my single, signed book and who wrote it? David Sedaris‘ latest book When You Are Engulfed In Flames, and now for the story, because in true form, there definitely is a story here.
Back in the summer of 2008, I glanced in a local paper and noticed that one of my favorite writers would be making his way to my city while on tour for his latest book. No matter what, I knew I had to go to this reading, just so I could sit back and laugh over and over again. Being a DavidSedaris reading and book signing, I wasn’t disappointed at all in the laughter that the reading induced. Those who know me, however, know that I’m pretty shy under normal circumstances, so when meeting someone who I admired as much as him (especially two years ago), it wasn’t pretty. I waited in line for about an hour, and the whole time I was thinking, “What can I say to him?” I wanted to seem smart, funny and entertaining, and it was a lot of pressure…too much really.
(First bit of advice to would-be BEA attendees, don’t try to impress, just be yourself and the great parts about you will come shining through – if only I’d thought of this two years ago!?!)
I’m sure you can imagine that the more I pressured myself to say something witty, the less likely it was going to become a reality. However, I kept trying, thinking, and of course, waiting. Perhaps I should have been reading from my new, soon-to-be signed copy of WhenYouAreEngulfedInFlames because you see, I hadn’t actually read this collection of personal essays yet – only four of his older books. Perhaps that would have sparked some ideas about what I could or should say. Instead, I read from another new book I picked up and decided I wanted while waiting in the line. When it was finally my turn to get my book signed, I still hadn’t thought of anything really great to say, so David took the lead asking me about the other book I had in my hand. My answer was so hesitant (and we were in Montreal afterall), so the FUNNIEST thing happened, David mistook me for a Francophone, which really only matters because I’m so definitively not. This wouldn’t be so bad except for two things:
1. My mother tongue IS English
2. I have an M.A. in English Literature
Didn’t I tell you that it was funny in a David Sedaris type of way? Check out his books, and in the meantime, check out this picture of the inscription or rather drawing that he left in my copy:
Thanks for checking out my first Armchair BEA post, and remember that there’s more to come as the week progresses. Let me know what you think about this absurd situation – I’m actually dying for someone to laugh at me.
Melissa has always been a voracious reader of fiction and has an M.A. in English Literature to prove it. Like many other adults, she got caught up in the young adult crossover fiction phenomenon. Now, one of her great joys comes from sharing her love of YA lit on this popular review site. Come with expectations of intellect, magic, and honest reviews, and you won’t be disappointed.
