More on it later, I'll update this post when I get a chance.
Later:
Really freaking cool getting to meet Pierce Brown.
I stumbled upon his first book in this trilogy while listening to Kidd Kraddick in the Morning. J-Si was obsessed with the book, which already made me curious. They had Pierce on their radio show, and hearing the interview made me want to read it. He seemed like a cool guy, seemed worth a look.
I bought the book and read it.
I was far from disappointed.
The second book came out last year, and I pre-ordered a signed copy. (*squeal*)
The third book just came out (which I also pre-ordered signed.)
My friend Kristin that I've grown up with found the book through an instagram post near-ish the same time I did. She read it and also fell in love, finding herself at the bookstore when it opened the days the second and third installments were released.
She looked online and found that Pierce was coming to Austin for a Reading and Signing.
She text me, I agreed.
Let's go.
Turns out it was my last Sunday without Swan Lake rehearsal, so I had the entire day free.
We drove up to Austin, got there early, checked out the bookstore, then meandered around town for a bit. Getting back earlier than intended, we went back to the bookstore to look around. Turns out the Austinites that were in the know were already there and the seats were filling up. We went out to the car to get our books (which were our tickets to the signings) and got some seats before they filled up.
We read as we waited, and soaked up being there and felt the excitement boiling up.
This was really happening.
And how cool is it that the written word still draws excitement? That we have the opportunity to meet these authors that write these stories and make these worlds come to life. That still, after all these years, new stories are being written.
I love it.
Pierce was so insightful. His responses to the questions were deep and meaningful; proving the intention behind his writing, and also that he is just a normal guy with a story to share. I appreciated it very much, and stored little bits here in there in the recesses of my being (see also; journal.)
We were told he wouldn't be taking pictures, only to find that to be false when we got up there. (Obviously.)
We joked around about my howlers shirt and different things (Brown Bubbling. Hah.) and I even got to take my Polaroid of the day with him. He's so personable with everyone he meets and even remembers people he's met before.
I'm so glad we were able to go and had such a great experience. One of my favorite things is coming to an event like this (This was my first book reading/signing) and leaving with greater respect for the person than when I arrived.
It's also cool that he and I are the same age. It makes me feel like I, too, can be successful. That I'm not too young. That it's possible.
They're also bloodydamn good books, if anyone is interested.
Red Rising
Golden Son
Morning Star
