So much has happened in the last few days…this is my first ALA and I am in love. At the booth we have had mega-unpacking/ stocking/ manual labour work days; met with swarms of people eager to get galleys; fielded constant questions from interested readers, and I've been high on it all. I am so excited to be here, and whenever Virginia asks if I am doing ok, I respond with a resounding YES! (She sometimes looks at me like I'm crazy i.e. today when we unloaded 4 palettes worth of books – FREE to all who stop by 1316 tomorrow!).
Annie Mazes, Virginia Stanley, Pat Parker, Mike Brennan, Kayleigh George, Maggie Oberrender
All day today I got to talk to librarians about books I really believe in and enjoy, and hopefully passed on this enthusiasm to others. We did our Book Buzz, and I wasn't nervous at all, just happy to be able to share information. I can't believe this is my job. Side note: Kayleigh George is fabulous – her voice, her presentation, her excellent Rebecca trivia which instigated some active group participation…love!
Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the great city of New Orleans. I have never eaten so much delicious food in my life, and I am a native New Yorker. The flavours here are amazing! The people are so friendly (taxi drivers offer their hand when exiting cabs – what???), and their architecture is beautiful.
So far, so awesome. If you are at ALA, please stop by booth 1316 and say hello. We would love to see you!
-Annie