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The Loopy Librarian

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You are here: Home / Atlanta / AJC Decatur Book Festival Debriefing

AJC Decatur Book Festival Debriefing

September 14, 2015 by Allie

Me with the AJC Decatur Book Festival official mascot Bookzilla
Me with the AJC Decatur Book Festival official mascot Bookzilla

The AJC Decatur Book Festival celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. I moved nearby 8 years ago. Coincidence? I think not. Some people count the days until Christmas or their birthday, but I count the days until the largest independent book festival in the nation. Held as it is in my backyard, I have attended every year since moving to the Atlanta area, and I’ve learned a few things along the way.

Always carry water and an umbrella. Wear sensible shoes and comfortable clothes. If you’re prone to book buying, invest in a backpack. Print the schedule and the map and plan ahead. I save cash from each pay for at least six months prior to the event. I use this cash rather than a credit card to purchase books. Saves me a great deal of financial pain. This year I also made sure to catch up on my reading of the authors whose presentations I would be attending. Because I did so, I was rewarded with a richer experience when the authors discussed their books and when I met them for a signature.

Greg Iles signing The Bone Tree
Greg Iles signing The Bone Tree

I read [simpleazon-link asin=”0062311085″ locale=”us”]Natchez Burning: A Novel (Penn Cage)[/simpleazon-link] and [simpleazon-link asin=”0062311115″ locale=”us”]The Bone Tree (Penn Cage)[/simpleazon-link] prior to meeting Greg Iles. I happened to have reviewed an ARC of The Bone Tree and was able to get that signed by the author. He and journalist Stanley Nelson presented a fascinating panel discussion entitled Bringing Civil Rights Cold Cases to Life in Fact and Fiction. Next, I attended Ron Rash’s interview as he discussed his latest work [simpleazon-link asin=”0062349317″ locale=”us”]Above the Waterfall: A Novel[/simpleazon-link]. Much to my astonishment and glee, he remembered my Loopy Librarian moniker because his brother had mentioned my positive review of his book.

Lunch with friends at The Raging Burrito
Lunch with friends at The Raging Burrito

After a refreshing and fulfilling lunch with friends at the Raging Burrito, I enjoyed a short story reading by Pulitzer Prize Winning author Adam Johnson from his new book [simpleazon-link asin=”0812997476″ locale=”us”]Fortune Smiles: Stories[/simpleazon-link]. He was also incredibly gracious and engaging during his signing. I ended the first day in a lighthearted session entitled Queens of Romance which featured Meg Cabot, Robyn Carr and Kristan Higgins.

Libba Bray signs Lair of Dreams
Libba Bray signs Lair of Dreams

Day two was equally entertaining. Libba Bray discussed the second book in her Diviners series, [simpleazon-link asin=”0316126047″ locale=”us”]Lair of Dreams: A Diviners Novel (The Diviners)[/simpleazon-link]. She was witty and lively as always. Later in the day during a session entitled Small Towns, Big Murders I was introduced to a new thriller writer (new to me that is) named Michael Koryta. Turns out he’s a Ron Rash fan. Go figure. I bought his book [simpleazon-link asin=”0316122572″ locale=”us”]Those Who Wish Me Dead[/simpleazon-link] and met him in the signing line.

With all that planning on my part, one may think I’m not flexible at the festival. Not so. I factor in “must” sees with “maybe” sees and follow that up with “well as long as I’m here” sees. For this reason, I found myself at the children’s stage at the end of the last day. I was familiar with several of the authors from my days as a children’s librarian. While browsing the books for sale there, I noticed [simpleazon-link asin=”1891830430″ locale=”us”]Blankets[/simpleazon-link], the graphic novel memoir by Craig Thompson. The first and one of very few graphic novels that I have read and which made an indelible impression on me. He was there to present on his latest graphic novel which is for children. I pooled the last of my cash with my husband’s and with much excitement purchased my last book at the festival. I was the first in line for a signature. I may have pushed a few children out of the way. Don’t judge me. He actually placed a chair across from himself on the same side of the table, so that he could chat with his fans. I may have gushed a little.

Craig Thompson signs Blankets
Craig Thompson signs Blankets

If you ever have the opportunity to attend the AJC Decatur Book Festival, I highly recommend that you do. It falls every year on Labor Day Weekend, so start planning now. Bring a friend or two and soak it all in. It’s the closest thing to Nirvana that this bibliophile has ever experienced. #BookNerdsRule

Filed Under: Atlanta, Decatur, FYI Tagged With: authors, books, Local, reading

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