Only a day after I arrived in Los Angeles, I set out immediately for my first book event in the west coast: YALLWEST’s preview night, Fierce Friday, sponsored by—you guessed it—Fierce Reads! The event was held at the Santa Monica Public Library (Main Branch) and US libraries forever make me jealous because we don’t have anything like them in the Philippines.
Anyway, I arrived at the library, feeling anxious because I was alone. Thankfully, Abbie, a fellow Filipino reader traveling through the States, recognized me. We stuck by each other’s side through most of Fierce Friday.
First of all, I love how organized everything was during registration, especially with getting the numbered signing wristbands. Unfortunately we were only allowed wristbands for two authors, and I chose wisely: Angie Thomas and Tomi Adeyemi.
I got a good number for Angie so I met her pretty soon, and oh my gosh she’s amazing!!!!!! I showed her the THUG feature we did (Well JM really!!) for Stay Bookish Zine’s debut issue and her reaction was priceless. I also babbled a lot about how much I love The Hate U Give and can’t wait for the movie and Angie was just so awesome even though I was fangirling so terribly.
Since our first signings went by quick, Abbie and I lined up for Aminah Mae Safi’s ARC signing of Not The Girls You’re Looking For. Because we didn’t have wristbands we weren’t guaranteed an ARC and we almost made it! But alas. Still, it was wonderful to say hi to Aminah, who was incredibly sweet and whose DVpit success is a huge inspiration for my writer self.
While waiting for the next signings, Abbie and I had fun at the photobooth. We also took pictures by the cute READ balloons!
Just as Abbie had to go to Dhonielle’s signing while I had to go to Tomi’s, we both realized the two were signing beside each other and witnessed the two authors’ fabulous friendship before our eyes.
Posed photos weren’t allowed with Tomi but I was still excited to get my book signed. I told her how much her resources for writers helped my own writing process and how excited I am to read Children of Blood and Bone.
Again I was done in good time, so I ran to Gayle Forman’s signing. I got a copy of I Have Lost My Way (which I have now read and oh my god it’s such a great book!!!!!) and Gayle signed it for me. I mentioned we had met, back when she did a book signing in the Philippines, and Gayle was so happy and reminisced how much of an amazing time she had back then. I could tell she really loves her Filipino readers, and I was proud to be one.
Finally, the signings were over. Abbie and I checked out the ongoing silent disco and trivia game.
The night came to an end as Abbie and I grabbed some free books. Here are my final acquisitions for Fierce Friday:
Signed: The Hate U Give, Children of Blood and Bone, I Have Lost My Way
Fierce Friday freebies: The Game Can’t Love You Back, The Mystery of Hollow Places
3 Responses
It seems like you had an amazing time, the authors all seems very nice! I’m always jealous with US libraries too, they are just sooo complete and pretty!
Oh, Hazel, I’ve read your post probably 4 times now and it still brings me so much joy to see how much fun you’ve had at YALLWEST! When you’re back, you have to tell me(us) all about meeting Tomi Adeyemi and Dhonielle Clayton and I just know how long this catch-up session is going to be. :) Great post and missing you as always!
It looks like you had such a great time! I loved how organised they were with the signings and omg meeting these authors would’ve been a dream come true! Thanks for your recap Hazel :)