So I am a recent New York transplant. I moved to the east coast from the Southern California suburbs. There are so many things I’ve loved about New York so far: restaurants open past nine; cupcakes; being able to get everywhere on the subway; Central Park; weekend brunches; more cupcakes. But the thing I love most is the dedication this city has to books.
Yesterday, a group of people (including Suzie Townsend, Mer Barnes, and the awesome FP/NC interns) and I went to a sprawling, panel-packed, outdoor event called the Brooklyn Book Festival. In the rain. “Too bad about the weather,” I thought on the way over. “I bet a lot of people will stay home.”
Ha.
I had only heard stories about the BBF. I knew it was a big festival, and a much-anticipated one. But I could not have imagined just how awesome it would be.
After wandering through the various booths,
I went with literary agent Roseanne Wells to a panel on the food movement in Brooklyn called "Brooklyn's Cookin'"; it featured several very talented chefs with new cookbooks out, and with restaurants in Brooklyn that I now need to eat at.
From left to right, we have Frank Falcinelli (The Frankies Spuntino), Ramin Ganeshram (Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad and Tobego), Amy Besa (Memories from Philippine Kitchens), and Frank Castronovo (also of The Frankies Spuntino).
Following that was another panel, this time a YA (a favorite genre for both Rosie and I) called "Happily Ever After?" that focused on characters who are forced to relive their pasts and come to terms with haunting memories after committing terrible acts.
After more book browsing, and after popping into a few more panels, we called it a day.
But not before a snagged a book for you lovely readers.
Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins is up for grabs today! Just leave a comment on this post by the end of the day Wednesday, and we’ll have the winner up on Thursday.
If you don’t win this one, no worries! I’ll be sure to bring back more books next year. Can’t wait!
-Sara
8 comments:
Man, Lauren Oliver? I'd LOVE to meet her. Reading Before I Fall right now and it is incredible. (Yes, a dude who reads YA chick lit. So what?) Shepard's books are on my to read list. Haven't heard of Han's book. Will have to Google it.
I didn't know about the Brooklyn Book Festival. I used to live in New York, but now I'm in Massachusetts. Maybe I'll try to time it to visit next year.
This past May, I took a workshop with Mitali Perkins at NESCBWI. I'm interested in reading her book. It's nice of you to offer one!
Bamboo People sounds interesting! I don't know much about Burma's political history, but I'm sure reading this book would encourage me to learn more. Looks like BBF was a fabulous event (thanks for the post and pictures).
That sounds like a wonderful event. I'm glad the weather didn't keep people away.
I read Bamboo People as soon as it came out. It was fantastic.
Is there anything better than people who love books?
Sounds like a great festival!
This sounds like so much fun. I'd love to go to New York. Living there, I don't know, but definitely for a visit! The book sounds great!
Thanks for sharing the day in pictures for those of us who couldn't attend (me due to location).
Christi Corbett
Aw! Thanks for sharing BAMBOO PEOPLE. So encouraging! I had such a great time at the Festival.
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