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09:20 am
3/29/05

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writergrl
Ah, the perks of living in a writer-loving, writer-centric area: great readings, all the time. Case in point: in a few weeks, Jonathan Safran Foer is coming to the Bull's Head, the bookstore within the Student Stores here at UNC. I will be honest and say that I have not read either of his books, yet, but I've been reading about him and his new one everywhere. The year This Lullaby was nominated for a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, his first one, Everything is Illuminated, was up for best first novel. So I did see him, albeit from a distance, in the author greenrooom/lounge, where we were all corralled (so to speak) before our various panels and readings. Now THAT was an intimidating scene. It was kind of like walking into the middle school cafeteria for the first time, except everyone was incredibly cool and much smarter than you. I felt like the biggest loser on the planet, carrying my bagel to the end of a table and sitting alone while I watched Nicolas Sparks and George Plimpton and Carl Reiner and such go by. Jonathan Safran Foer was over on the other side of the patio, with Arthur Phillips (who actually won the prize) and Nicole Krauss (who wrote "A Man Walks Into A Room," which I also hear is great, but haven't yet read. I am so behind, can you tell? I mean, this was years ago! But I digress.) So that was my sighting. I think I'll try to get to the reading, so I can have another one. And, God, maybe finally read the book? Honestly.

The Bull's Head actually has a track record of getting really cool, big name authors. Chuck Palahniuk came a couple of years back, as did Dave Eggers, who was great. The signing line for Dave Eggers was so long I gave up any hope of standing in it, but one of my students, bless her heart, was at the very end. I told her that most likely, he would not get to her, as if he did he'd have to stay forever, but she was determined, and offered to get my book signed as well. And you know what? He stayed until every last person got their book signed. HOURS. The next day, she brought me my book. She'd told him it was for her instructor, so he wrote: To Sarah. Teach the children well. If not, flunk their lazy asses. Truly one of my favorite inscriptions of all time.

The first big name, though, that I remember coming was Ethan Hawke. This was for his first book, the very first semester I was teaching. On my way up to class, I passed one of my students, who informed my point-blank that she was skipping my class to go buy a book and get it signed. There in the stairwell, I said, "Do you see the irony in this? That you're skipping your WRITING class to go get a book signed by a writer?" She said she did. I told her fine, go, but be sure to tell Ethan Hawke what she was missing to see him. I have no idea if she did. But I just hope he would not approve. Maybe I should have just flunked her lazy ass. After all, Dave Eggers said it was okay.

Finally, Laurie Halse Anderson is in town this week, reading from HER new book, which I hear is great. Because I am drowing in school commitments, though, I can't make either of her gigs, but the good news is I hear that she and I are reading together in Austin, when I'm there next week for the Texas Library Association meeting. More info to come, when I have it.....

have a good day, everyone..

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On March 29th, 2005 02:34 pm (UTC), [info]spinnin__around commented:
Laurie Halse Anderson
I was at Barnes and Noble the other day and I managed to get a signed copy of the newest book by Laurie Halse Anderson. I missed the actual signing, but they still had a few signed copies sitting around. It was probably the most exciting thing that had happened to me all week.
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On March 29th, 2005 02:39 pm (UTC), [info]heatherbird commented:
You and Laurie Halse Anderson are my two favorite YA authors :)
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On March 29th, 2005 02:52 pm (UTC), [info]sweet_kitty_gal commented:
Wow, very Ironic indeed.
Love Chuck's comment! I wil remember that whilst teaching my drama kids.
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On March 29th, 2005 03:25 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
Books
You and Lurlene McDaniel are 2 of my favorite YA authors i just love your books cause they are so realistic!!! i would love to go to a book signing of yours or hers but rarely do any good authors come here lol well ttul

jess

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On March 29th, 2005 03:45 pm (UTC), [info]creekfreak05 commented:
The Truth About Forever
I bought your last book the day it came out. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I was certain that this would be your best yet and i was correct in assuming so. I think that The Truth About Forever would make a really great screenplay. What are your thoughts on this? Also, when is your next book coming out?
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On March 29th, 2005 03:56 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) replied:
Traveling Stars
Lucky! To live in an area swarming with readings by authors. Somehow, the only remotely famous person I know of coming to my neck of the woods (St. Louis) isn't even an author, or really famous for anything for that matter, is Nikki Hilton. She's coming to the mall a week from Friday to sign autographs and promote her new clothing line. Sadly, I will miss the occassion to be in my University's production of Little Women.
~Kristin
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On March 30th, 2005 01:38 am (UTC), [info]acting_girl_89 replied:
Re: The Truth About Forever
I definetly agree about the truth about forever being the best book of yours. Mainly because i read it while my boyfriend was at smart camp and he told me we should take a break also. BUt i def would LOVE to see that made into a movie!!! and yea, are you currently writing another book?
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On March 29th, 2005 04:50 pm (UTC), [info]cdog61 commented:
NEED HELP PLEASE
Dear Sarah,
I am really big fan , I attended your signing for How To Deal at the NCSU book fair. Does the Bull's head have a calendar of upcoming signs ? Is it only available to UNC Students. Thanks for your help,
Cameron Redfern
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On March 29th, 2005 04:53 pm (UTC), [info]babymichie05 commented:
I was at Barnes and Noble yesterday and I saw her new book...Oh and never buy movies from them they are expensive! I bought Passion for my bf and Final Cut for my mom...at Best Buy because the Passion was $30 and Final Cut was $27 at B&N!

But I can't wait to go to B&N and see your new book (Which I'll buy,I hardly buy hard covers)

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On March 29th, 2005 05:00 pm (UTC), [info]roses_are_red02 commented:
Austin???
What what what? You're going to be here in Austin next week? When? Where? Will it be open to the public?

You AND Laurie Halse Anderson. I love her stuff too, but not nearly as much as yours. Wow.

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On March 29th, 2005 05:20 pm (UTC), [info]birdonawire commented:
i love austin. if you get bored you can always call my grandfather and go hang out with him and claire at their lovely home.

my mom is also planning on being in austin sometime in the next short while, so you should drop her a line and she if you'll cross paths.

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On March 29th, 2005 05:44 pm (UTC), [info]bgliterary commented:
Just in case you didn't know, we've dragged Laurie kicking and screaming (OK, not really) onto LJ...[info]halseanderson.

Wish you were going to TLA next year, as Libba's been invited then, and I'm hoping to go with her. Austin's wonderful, especially if you love to eat. You'll have a blast!

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On March 29th, 2005 06:15 pm (UTC), [info]harlemirage commented:
Laurie Halse Anderson
Oh Sara, Laurie Halse Anderson is a wonderful author. Her book, Speak, was really really good. And I wish I could say something else, like, her book was very well written with sharp wit and teenage related humor but I just did so... whatever. you will totally fit in. it's a group of great writers isn't it? ; )
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On March 29th, 2005 06:21 pm (UTC), [info]lizie_muffy commented:
Yesterday I went to Barnes and Nobles to pick up The Grapes of Wrath which I'm starting to read in class next week(I have off this week).

While I was there I saw a big display for Laurie Halse Anderson's new book, Prom (which I've already read twice), and there was also a table full of new YA books.

There were so many I really wanted to read, but I only had money for the school book at the moment. While waiting for my mom to finish up at Kinko's, I found The Truth About Forever, and sat down to read.

(My friend from camp borrowed almost 20 of my books in the beginning of this past summer, and we haven't gotten together yet for her to return them. The Truth About Forever is one of those books, which I have been wanting to reread for months).

So, I sat down and read pretty much the whole book. I'm a fast reader, so I'm not sure how long it took me, but it was so nice to do.

You're my favorite author, and The Truth About Forever is definitely my favorite book.

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On March 29th, 2005 06:50 pm (UTC), [info]jourgy commented:
"To Sarah. Teach the children well. If not, flunk their lazy asses."

Ha! That is awesome.

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On March 29th, 2005 07:43 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
I saw Dave Eggers in Pittsburgh about 4 years ago and he was great about signing and even took time to draw pictures and use stamps and glitter. It was the best author signing I've been to. I tried to read Everything is Illuminated and didn't get too far, but I should try again. Sarah Vowell and David Sedaris are going to be in Raleigh on April 7th if you like them. It is on www.mcsweeneys.net.

susan in SC

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On March 29th, 2005 10:22 pm (UTC), [info]abbydarling commented:
Ahhh, I loved Everything is Illuminated and Anderson's new book Prom is really good, too! I highly recommend both of them!
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On March 29th, 2005 11:30 pm (UTC), [info]maybememoxie replied:
Your icon is very cool!!!
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On March 30th, 2005 12:37 am (UTC), [info]abbydarling replied:
Thanks!
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On March 29th, 2005 10:33 pm (UTC), [info]lil_rawker commented:
:|
sheeshers! all this talk about writers and writing classes makes me feel small and inferior in my attempts to be a writer when i grow up! so many people have the same dream as me! oh well.
i liked this entry, it made me feel like i was with you, and i know exactly how you felt! its like trying to make friends with the really popular people. :| like reliving school all over again. the social ladder part of it anyways.
I really like Anderson, she's an AWESOME author. she makes me laugh.you are incredibly lucky to be able to read with her! and she is lucky to be able to read with you. haha. anyways, happy reading!

-nicole in CANA-DA!

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On March 29th, 2005 11:23 pm (UTC), [info]voguegeisha commented:
Oh man, I loved Everything is Illuminated. It was kind of confusing the first time I read it, but the second time.. ahh *drools*
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On March 29th, 2005 11:27 pm (UTC), [info]markfrye270blr commented:
Chuck Palahniuk
One of my students (I'm a librarian at Myrtle Beach High) let me borrow "Lullaby," which was friggin' incredible! It was the only book of his I read but I'm a fan now.

I want to recommend Brad Land's book "Goat" to you. My mom got me a signed copy of it when he was in Wilmington. He's an incredibly nice guy, actually responding to my e-mails for tips on my writing.

My students think you're a fantastic author, btw. When I recommend your work to someone I always tell them that the best part of your books is that they are all different, no cliched formulas here.

Keep up the fantastic work!

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On March 29th, 2005 11:38 pm (UTC), [info]kitkat882007 commented:
ahh your comming to Austin! Anyone know more information on that? I would LOVE to go!
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On March 29th, 2005 11:47 pm (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
LHA
Yuppers, Laurie Halse Anderson is in Lititz April 11th, and I'm going to be there. YES! And her new book, Prom, is phenomenal. Speak-awesome even.
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On March 30th, 2005 06:25 am (UTC), [info]vanderhall commented:
*sigh* I never hear of people coming here. Amanda Ward came to my school a while back and taught us a bit, but that's it. it was cool though - really helped me out.

but I rarely see people coming to do signings and I live in a pretty big city! *another sigh, this one more distressed* I wish we had people come. just to be in that pressence would be amazing. the only person who I have been close to like that is Jean Auel's granddaughter, who I went to school with. whatever. maybe YOU should come to Portland! *nudge, nudge* it's a lovely city, even if it does rain a lot! hehehe

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On March 30th, 2005 03:21 pm (UTC), [info]iamfragile commented:
Its interesting to hear you talk about these writers. I mean if I would have been there I think I would have been saying "wow, theres Sarah Dessen" I guess everyone gets "star struck" so to speak.

Laurie Halse Anderson is amazing I wish I could go to Austin to see both of you.

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On March 30th, 2005 11:00 pm (UTC), [info]t__cizzle commented:
oh cool!!

I read SPEAk by Laurie Halse Anderson and i want to get Prom. no authors ever come here! only Ann Brashares that waqs cool but i wish more came!!

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On March 31st, 2005 02:27 am (UTC), (Anonymous) commented:
ha!
That is a very... informative inscription.
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On March 31st, 2005 04:52 am (UTC), [info]gwinevere_rain commented:
Ethan
*Ahem* Is anyone going to say ... Oh My God Ethan Hawke. The Ethan Hawke - currently single since uma and him went splitsville - who starred in one of the most romanic movies Great Expectations ... argh! I mean really, I am a writer, read books like they are oxygen (required to live) and still ... Ethan Hawke. I'd just stand there and look at him sign my name in a book then go DIE with a smile on my face.
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