This is a Big Deal!!

So, last night was a big deal in the world of some young people in the area.  And, no, it wasn’t a Taylor Swift or One Direction concert, but it felt like it from all the excitement and energy.  It was a visit from a famous juvenile author, Rick Riordan.   He is hands-down the author of Nina and Emme’s favorite books.  The books are nothing sort of an obsession. 

Earlier in the week, Barnes and Noble was distributing a limited number of wristbands to attend an evening to meet Rick Riordan and get a signed copy of his newest book.  So, after getting the wristbands (thanks to Shenley) we braved insane traffic, and for me, feeling terrible with some sort of virus, to attend the event.  The event started at 7:00 and was only open to those with a wristband, but according to the people we talked to in line, some wristband holders arrived at 3:30 to get their spot in line!  Clearly this is serious business!!!   We didn’t arrive at 3:30, but we got in line around 6:00 and just before 7:00 we were filed very officially into our seats.  

I was very pleasantly surprised at how engaging of a speaker Rick Riordan was.  I can see why he relates so well to young people.  He’s very well spoken, but he’s also very funny and clearly seems to “get” the mindset of a tween or teen (and in our case, pre-tween).

I wish there was audio for the picture below of the girls.  Rick (picture on the left) had just announced that there will be a five book series coming out in 2016 that will feature the beloved character, Percy Jackson, and his friends.  The decible level of the screaming that took place was off the charts!  It even managed to penetrate my very congested head and ears.  Again, if you have a kid who’s a fan of these books, you get what a big deal this announcement was.

  

At the end of the event, all the young people were given their signed copy of Rick Riordan’s newest book and a shield to go with it.  This was definitely one of those moments as a parent when you realize that all the rushing around, sitting in traffic, plotting to get the wristbands, and being out late on a school night (when mom is feeling awful) is worth it.  Shen and I commented that we felt this way about getting U2 tickets when we were teenagers, and here we are watching our kids have that same excitement at a tween book signing.

It was a big night for them, and we love their love of reading and fascination with this author and his books.  It’s definitely something we’re happy to support!