In My Mailbox {51}: ATBF Edition!

I had an AMAZING time meeting authors, catching up with fellow bloggers, and seeing familiar faces at the Austin Teen Book Fest last weekend.  The event itself was such a treat for a book lover like myself.  I got the opportunity to talk with the authors individually & express my love for their books (some a little more than others! hehe). 

I made the trek to Austin with my local blogger buddies Sarah & Lena, where we met up with another fave blogger of mine - Jess!  The adventure began Friday night where we had the opportunity to see Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist on the big screen with David Levithan.  After wards he held a Q&A for the few of us that attended.  This was my first time to meet this amazing dude, and let me just say.. he rocks my world!  Loved hearing his thoughts on how his book got turned in to a movie.. and of course, how he felt about the end result :-)

The next morning we got up bright & early to attend the fest!  Austin put on a great show of YA authors - Scott Westerfeld, Maureen Johnson, Stephanie Perkins, Jenny Han, Andrea Cremer, Tera Lynn Childs, Simone Elkeles, & David Levithan to name a few.  I ran in to quite a few bloggers at the different panels - Katie from Mundie Moms, Jen from I Read Banned Books, Kristin from Kristin Creative, Jen D. from J.D. Nichols Writes, Britney from I Eat Words, Meredith from Mint Tea & A Good Book, Willa from Willa's Ramblings, Stacy from Girls in the Stacks, Brittany & Amy from The YA Sisterhood + so many more!!!!

I think it's safe to say my highlight of the event was meeting Jenny Han, herself.  If you know me (or have ever been to this blog before) then you know about my undying love for Jenny's Summer series.  These books are MY FAVORITES.  I will admit it, I was a complete & total fangirl during this moment.  STARSTRUCK!  My heart was racing, I couldn't stop smiling, and I honestly have no idea what I said to this poor woman - hahaha.  She was so unbelievably sweet & I hope I did not scare the crap out of her (too much lol).  She even gave me a I Heart Conrad button :-) This woman totally understood & embraced my adoration for her books.  So much love for you Jenny Han. SO MUCH. Thank you for making this book blogger's dream come true!

The event rounded out with author signings, and more blogger friend meet-ups.  By the end of the day I was totally exhausted.  Even my brain hurt!  Thank you Austin for putting on such an amazing event!  Huge thanks to Lena & Sarah for making me laugh the entire weekend.  I heart you girls SO MUCH. At the end of the event, after the signing lines had dwindled down and the tables and chairs began to be put away, I looked around the event hall... and all I saw were authors and other book bloggers.  It was like being home :-)

As promised, here is my loot that I got signed at the Austin Teen Book Fest last weekend.  Some of these books I had already owned, while others I purchased there at the fest. Each are signed, but I took pics of a few of my faves :-)

Books Mentioned:

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn
Every You, Every Me by David Levithan
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan & Rachel Cohn
Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Vanish: A Firelight Novel by Sophie Jordan
The Name of the Star (Shades of London) by Maureen Johnson

What's in YOUR mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

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