Speaking Volumes

Keeping you up-to-date on what's happening at your library. We invite you to join in the conversation!

JUNE 3, 2009

Another Obsessed Fan

I never understood the young women who hung out by alleys hoping to catch glimpses of famous stars or worse, got front row tickets so they could swoon and scream over a singer. Not that I haven’t gotten autographs or been excited to see some celebrity “live,” or that I can't tell you my favorite actor's birthday and credits, but there are levels of fandom.

Wait in line like that? Me? No way. I don’t write fan fiction. I don’t write fan letters. I don’t faithfully check websites or blogs. However …

Last Saturday, the SBL Librarians went to Book Expo America in New York. It was a long full day, which was tiring but fun. This was my first experience at BEA, and it was fun to see new books, authors, and hang out with people who like that sort of thing. But most exciting, I got to meet my favorite author!

I read a great deal of Young Adult fiction. I like it.

Several years ago, I discovered an author that was getting a fair amount of praise, but no one had heard of: Sarah Dessen. Now, 9 books later, she’s one of the most popular YA authors.

Saturday morning, along with what must have been easily fifty or seventy-five other fans, I did something I never thought I would. I stood in line for 40 minutes to meet Sarah Dessen.

Our exchange took all of a minute. I thanked her. We chatted. (Yes, I couldn’t resist, I did say, I love your work!) I received an autographed copy of her new book. New book! Pre-release, it’s not even out yet! (I read it cover to cover Sunday.)

Along for the Ride

I was thrilled. I have told everyone who would listen. Twice. At least.

So, I had to share this with you as well. Because after all, if you’re going to be an obsessed fan, who waits in line to see someone, who better than an author and where better to share than a library blog?

Check out Sarah Dessen’s books @ the Library!

Dreamland

The truth about forever (my personal fav)

Someone like you

Add a Comment

Enter your comment below, then click Submit.

Nickname: (displays with your comment)

Comment:

Enter the letters you see on the left:

-------------------------------------------------------

Comments

bas bleu said, on Jun. 6 at 8:21AM
I agree with you, Su. Sarah Dessen is a wonderful YA author. She is very popular with the girls at my high school. In fact, I first heard of her through a recommendation by one of the students in my study hall a few years ago. I have since read many of her books, and she is an author whose name appears on my school's summer reading list.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sarah said, on Jun. 7 at 11:23AM
Hi Su! Thanks for the kind words. I'm really glad you liked Along for the Ride. And I appreciate you waiting in my LONG line. all best wishes, Sarah Dessen

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

bas bleu said, on Jun. 8 at 5:28PM
Su, Sarah wrote a comment on your blog!! That is even better and more personal than an autographed copy of her new book! Are you going to print a copy and frame it?! (OMG, I sound like a middle-aged groupie...of authors rather than rock stars!)