Jean Auel book signing

So just recently, the final book in Jean Auel's Earth's Children series was released. I was stoked when I saw that there would be a book signing at Powell's in downtown Portland. Never having been to a signing, or even to Powell's, I asked a book buddy of mine how they went. He said to get there very early and try to sit at the front, because they would do the signing in order of seating... Front row, second row, third, and so on. So, I got there super early (like 2 hrs early) because I figured it would be packed. It is Jean Auel after all. I had already preordered a signed copy of her new book for my mom, but wanted to get Clan of the Cave Bear signed for her birthday as well.

So, get there super early, and there was a bunch of folks ahead of me, but only 30 or so. Powell's hadn't set up chairs yet, so folks were ranged on benches and the floor, waiting. They finally got the chairs out and I snagged a second row seat. Sweet! Eventually, all chairs were filled and people were packed in at the back, standing. I think there was around 300 before Mrs Auel started speaking. She didn't do a reading, instead talking about the research that went into the books, and how she got started writing Clan of the Cave Bear. She was very amusing, and her journey towards the final book was fascinating.

After she'd said her bit, she answered questions, and it was time for signing. Did the stupid Powell's employees get up and make an announcement about proceeding? Nope. They just said it was time for signing. It was a free for all. I got pinned between a chick that was trying to put together her phone (which she had just dropped) and a huge hippie that reeked of BO and patchouli and was munching on a granola bar with her mouth open. So not joking. Needless to say, after all my careful planning, I ended up at the end of the line. No kidding, like 5 people from the end. I waited in line for nearly 2 hours (and the stinky dreadlocked hippie was next to me... I was tempted to tell her that you CAN wash dreads. It won't hurt them. Yuck.) Didn't get home until nearly 11pm.

Anyhoo, I did manage to have Jean sign the book wishing my mom a happy birthday. Can't wait to surprise her with it. The ordeal was totally worth it for that, though I doubt I'll ever go to another book signing at Powell's. Not if they're all that poorly organized.

On a happier note, one of my vendors brought me some homemade strawberry jam this morning. Yum! My vendors are the coolest!

I love a good book

I confess to being a book geek. It is a sickness I embrace. I have many many books. I will read nearly anything, but mostly enjoy fiction, books that allow me to escape for a couple hours. I will also read books repeatedly over the years, which some people won't do. I never understood that. To me, it's no different than watching a favorite movie. Some of my favorite authors include Jean Auel, Willa Cather, Philippa Gregory, Ernest Thompson Seton, James Oliver Curwood, Conn Iggulden, Stephen King and Larry McMurtry. I still enjoy young adult and children's books. I've always loved Willard Price's Adventure Series, and still enjoy Marguerite Henry, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Walt Morey, etc. I've tried a few newer authors, and it seems that a lot of the books geared toward younger readers nowadays are a bit mindless, and many are overly simple. I did come across some excellent books recently, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I tried them out after watching the recent movie that was loosely based on the first book (as usual, book is much better).

The reason I like this series so much, aside from the fun story, is that they are actually teaching the reader something in addition to just being a good read. They teach a generation of young readers about the Greek myths, heroes, and gods. The reader is learning right along with the main character, a young boy named Percy who learns that he is a demigod and a son of Poseidon. I didn't learn about the Greek myths in school, and doubt students nowadays do either. I learned about them through books I read on my own because I found them interesting (still love The Odyssey). Is knowing about Zeus, Charon, or the Titans essential knowledge? Not necessarily. Learning about these characters, though, may encourage young readers to delve deeper, read more, learn more. Books like these give new life to old stories. Reading helps to expand your vocabulary and boost creativity. (I wonder how many young readers of this series have had to look up the meaning of "greave" or "caltrop"). Exposure to literature new and classical helps one understand different viewpoints, ways of living, ways of thinking. And, of course, reading is excellent, relatively inexpensive entertainment. Can't beat that!

I used to get in trouble for reading by flashlight, under the covers, after bedtime. My mother was also caught at this as a child. I hope that when I have children of my own, I catch them doing the same. There are far worse things than getting caught with a good book.

Here's to hoping that you are never caught without a good book on hand...

From every book invisible threads reach out to other books; and as the mind comes to use and control those threads the whole panorama of the world's life, past and present, becomes constantly more varied and interesting, while at the same time the mind's own powers of reflection and judgment are exercised and strengthened.  ~Helen E. Haines