Penguin Teen on Tour Recap!

My mother finally allowed me to go to my very first book event on March 28, 2016. So we took a 40 minute road trip to Chapter's Brampton, got lost a couple of times, but finally made it to the Canadian stop of Penguin Teen on Tour! It was an incredible experience that I'll never forget:

Firstly, we had to stand in line because there were only a limited amount of chairs that had already been taken. But that's ok, because in line I was able to meet some great bookstagrammers! Go follow @ISheeza and @BookmarkBelles and @FloralsnDragons because they're awesome! While they convinced me to get a bookstagram, we also waited for about an hour before the event. We were all given posters and bookmarks that we could have signed later.

Finally, the authors arrived! There was Alison Goodman. Sabaa Tahir, Rachel Hawkins, April Tucholke, and Alwyn Hamilton! The representative from Penguin asked them questions first, and then we were allowed to ask some. The authors were hilarious, especially Rachel Hawkins. She has such a bubbly and outgoing personality!

I loved how Sabaa and Alwyn handled a question about rape. Those two are class acts and it was amazing to hear the stories behind their books.

Alison gave some amazing advice on writer's block. This woman was so cool, you could tell that she is in a category all on her own in her writing, I loved hearing her speak.

Finally, we got to go up and get our books signed! It was a long wait, but while we waited I got to finally meet Em @ Piplup's Shadow and a new blog buddy Jessica @ Bookish Serendipity Both of them were so lovely :)

At last, the time had come. I had all the authors sign my poster, and Alison gave me a paper fan! I haven't read her book yet, but I'm so going to check it out. Once I got to Sabaa, I have to admit, I was very nervous. She has easily become one of my all-time favourite authors. After I absolutely gushed to her about how amazing she is, she signed my book and we got a picture. Thanks to Jessica for taking it :D

Then I got Rachel and April to sign my poster, both of them were great and I got to tell Rachel how much her book made me laugh. Lastly, there was Alwyn. I told her about my book blog, and she was really intrigued! She asked me about my favourite genres, and I told her about my favourite contemporary reads. We shared a love for Rainbow Rowell. She talked as if we were best friends and tried to have a good conversation with everyone. I also got a Rebel of the Sands bookmark. I can't wait to read her book!

I wished I had gotten pictures with all the authors but I didn't want to hold up the still huge line, and it was getting late. So I said my goodbyes and then went to find my very tired mother. She is honestly such a trooper.

In all the commotion I hadn't yet looked at Sabaa's message in my book, and when I saw it for the first time I have to admit, I almost cried. She had written "Always Victorious", Elias' family's motto, and had put her signature picture that she puts in all of her signed books. It felt so much more personal with that little added motto, and it's something that I will cherish forever.

I had a hell of a great day. All of the authors talked with such appreciation and enthusiasm, and everyone in line easily became best friends in a matter of an hour. I was so grateful for this experience.

Thank you to Penguin Teen and Indigo for organizing such an event! I hope to attend more in the future.

Emily @ Paperback Princess