Quick notes about the BookExpo America adventure, Monday’s update:
Took Amtrak from Boston to New York and learned the value of the quiet car.
Met Candace from Beth Fish Reads and walked to our hotel (this was “a walk in the park.” Stay tuned for the Tuesday update when we took a true walk in the Park; our path was reminiscent of Billy’s travels in those old The Family Circus comics).
Walked over to the Javits center to pick up our show badges and get tickets to see Barbra Streisand’s Keynote Opening address (things don’t always go as planned; more in the Tuesday update).
Apparently there was a contingent of pigeons attending the conference this year; I’m not sure if they were exhibiting in a booth, or just walking (flying?) the show floor.
Candace and I braved public transportation to head down to Greenwich Village for some bookstore exploration. I’ll feature these in upcoming Spotlight on Bookstores posts:
- McNally Jackson – a large general-interest bookstore and cafe with creative displays and decor. I bought a fun little book, I Remember, by Robert Brainerd.
- HousingWorks – we met Swapna from S. Krisha’s Books at this second-hand bookstore, cafe, and performance center. All their profits go to the HousingWorks program, which addresses issued related to homelessness and AIDS.
- Bonnie Slotnick Cookbook – a wonderful little space with a delightful and enthusiastic proprietor. Bonnie can put her hand on any type of cooking, baking, or other food-related book that you vaguely describe. She also carries vintage linen and food memorabilia. Nostalgia hit and I purchased the Betty Crocker kids cookbook that we had on the shelf when I was a kid.
From Bonnie Slotnick we walked a few blocks to meet Nicole from Linus’s Blanket. We ate at Agave, an interesting Mexican restaurant with unusual (to me) menu items such as grilled corn cobs with lime butter, and the freshest meals. Oh, they also serve margaritas, but we’ve all agreed that what happens at Agave stays at Agave!
Sounds like wonderful fun. Can’t wait for photos Dawn.
Sounds just delightful! I am sure you all have had a wonderful time.
Sounds like a lot of fun. Much as I’m jealous of everyone going to BEA, I’m even more jealous of everyone getting to meet up and all of the other fun stuff you’re working in!
What I wouldn’t give to be hanging with you guys! You needed Rebecca there at Agave, as she is the one that was needing a margarita! I can’t wait for more updates! You need to give your friends up there some hell, because this is the first real update I have seen so far!
Can’t wait to hear all the details on your bookstore finds, especially the cookbook one. Hope you’re having a wonderful time.
I must agree with Sandy’s comment. This is the first update I’ve seen on BEA. Maybe everyone assumes the others are updating.
Yup, I’m a big fan of the quiet car, Dawn!!
I could never manage BEA because of my chronic illness, but I’m having a blast reading blogger’s updates on it and living vicariously through all of you!
It sounds like so much fun! Beside all the book fun, I love NYC (in small doses) – glad to hear you had a good meal. There are so many awesome little restaurants in NY!
Enjoy the rest of your stay – can’t wait to hear all about it!
Sue
Let’s just say that a new word was invented that night: Twinking (friends don’t let friends drink and tweet).
It was great to finally meet you! I heard stories from the famed Agave trip. Glad your first day at BEA was one that you enjoyed
Sounds like a fun first day!
Isn’t it amazing what we all were able to pack into a few short days? Glad you had a great time, though I wish I would’ve had more time to chat with you.