This weekend I had attended Bookcon in New York for the first time, and it was one of the greatest experiences I have encountered throughout my life. Everything about Bookcon made me extremely happy. I had received over 80 free books with the exception of two that were pre-signed. With this being stated, I will begin to recap the two day event.
SATURDAY
Idiotically, I had not decided to book the hotel for the day prior to the event, so I had to wake up at 3:00 in the morning to start my two hour journey. Another idiotic thing I had done was bring every book from any author I might have wanted an autograph from. When we arrived at the Javits Center it was approximately 8:30 am and the place was extremely crowded. Luckily, I was an VIP and had the opportunity to wait in a separate line where you did not need to worry about receiving wristbands. Also, another perk I had gained was the ability to enter the show floor twenty minutes prior to the general admission payers. This advantage helped me receive free offers before they ran out. One amazing thing I had retrieved was an awesome swag bag by Sophie Davis, who was giving them out to bloggers at the event. I had also been one of the first in line for Nicola Yoon's signing for her upcoming novel Everything, Everything. Nicola Yoon was an incredibly nice person and cared so much for her fans. After that, I got a few more freebies and then I made my way to the Mindy panel. Mindy and B.J were extremely charismatic and hilarious. Afterwards, Mindy signed about ten books for her fans, despite what her manager/publicist/whatever the person with her was saying, and then gave all her fans that attended the panel free Mindy pins (you can see them on my Instagram, @marissa.nicole.reads).
Afterwards, I tried to get in line for the Gayle Forman signing, but it was already full. This made me irritated because you were still able to purchase books to get into her signing, but you couldn't get in line. This caused many people to buy her book, not realizing they could not get it signed. I am aware that this is not Bookcon's fault, but the publishers for Gayle Forman and Sarah Dessen since they were the people who decided when max capacity was. I had also learned at this time that Leigh Bardugo's signing had reached max capacity two hours prior to her signing! After this heartbreaking news, I developed a Screw-The-Schedule attitude and started attacking the freebies at booths for the majority of the event. I had decided to only go to autograph sessions and panels in 1C if it was an absolute necessity.
As we approached the later part of the day, I made it an obligation to line up for Ellen Hopkins signing an hour and a half early, while my mom bought Joey Graceffa's book and went to Jesse Andrew's signing. While waiting for Ellen, I mingled with other bookish people who were extremely funny and friendly. Once I finally met Ellen I freaked out! She was so sweet and pretended not to be weirded out about my obsessiveness!
For our final event of the night, my mom and I attended the Paper Towns panel, which featured John Green and Nat Wolf. The panel was hilarious, despite massive number of screaming girls who freaked out at everything they said, LOL! Everyone at that panel seemed genuine and down-to-earth. Plus, we got to see the new trailer before anyone else!
With six completely full tote bags, my mom and I painfully walked back to our hotel! My shoulders still burn from trying to take them back!
SUNDAY
My mom and I were a little more relaxed about when we would arrive at Bookcon on Sunday, mostly because we realized we only needed to be there by nine to make sure we would get in early. We also made sure to not bring any books because most signings gave you free copies. Once we were allowed into the show floor, my mom went straight to Khloe Kardashian's signing for my friend, Megan, and I went to the Penguin Reads red carpet event. Bizarrely, my mom was the first in line for Khloe and I think that was the highlight of her trip. Not Khloe, but being first inline for the event. Anyway, I did manage to be one of the first thirty people for the Penguin Reads event. At the red carpet author signing event, I had received a First In Line tote, I Read _____ Before You Did buttons, a First In Line sharpie, a signed We Were Liars by E. Lockhart book, an ARC of Another Day by David Levithan, and another ARC but I forgot what it was. WHOOPS! E. Lochart was incredibly sweet, she was so grateful and genuine to her fans!
Crazily, I happened to walk by the Lets Get Lost by Adi Alsaid signing and decided to hop in line. Thankfully I did, because he was an absolute sweetheart! He talked to me and asked me how my Bookcon was going. He is definitely one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to read his new book!
Later, I had the incredible opportunity to meet one of my favorite YouTubers, Joey Graceffa. Although I hated hearing many girls say, "I'm only at this event for Joey!", they event was well worth the wait. Joey was just like who he is in his videos. I was relieved that he did not turn out to be arrogant like some YouTubers or celebrities are off screens.
The rest of the day, I walked around booths and collected freebies that booths were practically putting in your hand. Once it was time to go, a great sadness overcame me. This event I have been planning for over three months. I met so many amazing people during this journey to Bookcon. Every person I met, whether author or a fellow Bookconer, have a special place in my heart. This event was everything I hoped it would be and more! I enjoyed this amazing event and everything that came from it. I would like to say thanks to anyone who had met with me during the event and the amazing people who made Bookcon what it is. See you next year in Chicago, Bookcon! And maybe hi to BEA!