In the summer of 2001 I was entering my sophomore year at Hofstra. I was 19 years old and working in the computer labs when The Princess Diaries, staring Anne Hathaway, was released. The previews looked funny so I decided to go see it. It was the first time I saw a movie on my own. I don’t know what got into me, I wanted to see it, so I went to see it. I thought it was cute and funny, I knew it was based on a book, and as I researched the book I happened across a Borders bookstore near the university.
I borrowed the family car and took a trip to Borders. The moment I stepped into the store I fell in love. Two levels of books so close to my school, what’s not to love? I found the Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (who quickly became a favourite author of mine) in the teens section, right next to the anime section, across the stairs from the religious section. For the next three years Border would be my home bookstore and those three sections would be the sections I visited every time.
From When God Whispers Your Name, to Azumanga Diaoh, the majority of the books I read through university were purchased at that Borders. Sometimes I’d blend in so well that people would ask me for recommendations and I’d tell them what to read and where they could find it.
When Borders announced that they were closing stores across the country, I was sad; my Borders was on the list. It was sad walking through it one last time, saying goodbye. Now, Borders is closing all their remaining stores and I’m not only sad to see the Penn Station store go – where would I indulge in my last minute book buying before the train comes? – I’m also sad to see so many people without jobs.
It makes me sad that so many people would be without access to a bookstore. It makes me sad that this privilege that I have – to go to the bookstore around the corner – will be restricted. I wish there was a way to solve the problems that Borders had and thus keep their doors open…
Today I say goodbye. Goodbye old friend, I’m sad to see you go. I met two women in a line at the BEA, they were Borders booksellers. I think of them now as I say goodbye. I hope the people who are without jobs find a way to ride out this rough patch…
I hope …
I woke up super early for this, but, see my badge? I’m legit!
Saw Ally Condie and got a copy of her upcoming book, Crossed. I liked 
After a few more lines, I stood in another rather long line for Scott Westerfeld. See the ipad on his desk? That’s geektastick!
Leviathan is one of my absolute FAVOURITE trilogies, so it was my honour to hold Goliath in my hands, months before it’s release date. This will probably be one of those books I get a signed copy of from Books of Wonder or something.
After a long morning, lunch was AMAZING. Putting chips in my pulled pork sandwich = awesome!
Apparently he’s got a book coming out ….
This is a working, steampunkesque, reading apparatus. This photo does not do it justice. I would like to have one of this … just for fun!
The ladies read from their upcoming books and then did a bit of Q&A. I found the story of who Magnus is based on to be quite fun. I also loved Lauren’s eyeshadow (though you can’t really see it in the photo below).
There were a lot of people so it took me an hour to get my books signed! It would have taken longer, but someone was kind and gave me an earlier number.
I really wanted to chat with Holly and tell her that I was the nerd who graphed her word count for Black Heart. But I realised until later that the best time to speak to an author is while they are signing, even though I feel as though I’m interrupting them if I do. It’s quite hard to just stand there and wait until they are done because once the book is returned to you it’s as though your turn is over and well, it’s just awkward. Take my word for it .
It also doesn’t help that I’m super shy when it comes to strangers. So much so that when Cassie asked me what character I liked best instead of saying Clary I said Cassie. Le Sigh. I THINK I played it off well enough, but I won’t be surprised if she thought I was strange.
They also gave us a sampling of the books to come. I can’t wait to read Wither, however, it’s on a to-read list for now. Maybe in a few weeks I’ll be able to start. I love dystopian stories, especially because of the sci-fi side that they can take on. It’s fun to see the future others are dreaming and their thoughts on governments having full control.
Eat. Read. Blog 