BEA #5 is in the books for me! Overall it was a successful trip — fun, memorable and always good to see all my book people IRL. Book-wise, I grabbed 9/10 of the books I wanted most and I was pleased with a couple of other surprises that I discovered there (namely adult books). My BEA books post will be separate but I was really pleased with the books I did pick up this year and can’t wait to talk about them with you and read them!
Last year I talked a lot about the differences I saw in BEA last year vs. all the other years I went and a lot of those things still stand true. I felt like lines were a little bit more organized this year in general (there was still some crazy cray for sure). I did think moving the autographing area all the way over to the right was nice because it gave more room for some in booth signing lines. Not as crowded but LOTS MORE WALKING I DID BECAUSE IT WAS SO SPREAD OUT. My feet were displeased with that. ALSO, I did NOT like that Wednesday was a half day. AWFUL. And I didn’t go to Blogger Con but why would you have the start of BEA and Blogger Con overlap?? I’d like to hear why they thought THAT was a good idea. I will say this year I heard about from people I believe/saw a lot of icky behavior for books that frankly made me embarrassed for people. 1) THEY WILL COME OUT and 2) you have a badge on with your NAME and are representing yourself/your organization…good thing to remember always!!
So, let’s get to my days at BEA which I AM SO SORRY I DID NOT TAKE AS MANY PICS AS I NORMALLY DO:
TUESDAY
I took Jersey Transit with one of my roommates Michelle into the city and schlepped our big ass bags in the like 90 degree weather to our hotel. We got freshened up (because dear god we needed it after that fun adventure) and headed off to get Shake Shack with friends before the Jenny Han release party event. I was so happy to meet Lindsey, Laura and Ashley and spend time with my roomies and my friend Ellie. It was the PERFECT way to start off the crazy week — good food, good conversation and JENNY HAN CELEBRATIONS!
Jenny Han knows how to throw a release party. It was the cutest! She read and answered questions and continued to be the cutest, most stylish human ever. There was champagne and adorable desserts! A makeup and nail artist who were doing cute nail art and makeovers! And the cutest photobooth that was styled to look like Lara Jean’s room!!! We definitely took advantage of that! Here are our Polaroids:
It was so nice to kick off the week seeing Jenny on her release day because I super love her books (and her) and HOORAY SHE MADE #2 on the NYT Bestseller’s List as of yesterday!! Got my copy of PS I Still Love You signed and can’t wait to read it! PETER K <33
Wednesday
Wednesday was the first day of BEA. Well, a half day which was weird but whatever. I woke up and head over to the Javits to pick up my badge in the morning. I found out that the line had started at 6:30am (the floor didn’t open until 1) and most of the people in line already were there for Truthwitch. I knew a lot of people there already and Truthwitch was my #1 priority…BUT THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD GET THERE THAT EARLY. Love all you ladies who did it …but y’all are nuts in the best possible way (and devoted). But YAY SUSAN…people scarified lots of sleep to ensure getting your book!!! Next year let’s all agree on a reasonable time to line up?? PLEASE.
So I went on over to Little Brown HQ for a Novl brunch with all the lovely LB publicists and editors. I was so thankful to be invited again this year because I love listening to them talk about what upcoming books they are excited about (I discovered some new ones) and they have such a good spread…PLUS MIMOSAS (which you know that to get me to come anywhere just say mimosas and I WILL BE THERE NO MATTER HOW EARLY). We learned about their NOVL box which is SUCH a cute idea becasue their authors curate them! Such a nice touch! Plus they had Jennifer E. Smith there to chat about her latest which was so great! Good time to talk books and see friends like my girl, Estelle!
Two of the books I got excited about:
Then I headed over to the Javits (aka where feet go to die) and lined up to get in. I used a different entrance from the main and it wasn’t long (but it’s further away from the Macmillan booth where the 100 special tickets were for the Truthwitch galley/signing). Kim and I walked briskly but they were all out. LUCKILY my friend and savior Christina snagged a ticket for me (she is the best) SO I GOT A COPY (which I’m reading right now and holy jeez it’s good). #1 PRIORITY FOR BEA ACQUIRED. I did pick up a couple other books that day but really there wasn’t much I was into that day.
Then I went back to my room and got freshened up (aka OUTFIT CHANGE) for the Epic Reads party which is always SUCH a fun party. I got to see my wifey Margot, see some of my favorite bloggers and Harper publicists, meet some authors whose books I’m super excited about (Kate Scelsa, Aaron Hartzler, Marcy Beller Paul), see authors I love (Corey Ann Haydu) and meet Katherine Tegan who publishes some of my fave books!!
I honestly didn’t take any pictures that night because I was having too much of a good time mingling but here are some photobooth pics:
Thursday
Thursday I woke up at an ungodly hour to go to the Harlequin Teen Breakfast which was such a great time because the authors were fabulous (Adi Alsaid, Katie McGarry, Jennifer Armentrout and Eleanor Herman) and it was nice talking to publicists and editors. Our table was a lot of fun and we had a good time chatting. Most awkward out of context thing that came from our table (yelled by me of course): TELL US ABOUT ALL THE SEX! (to Eleanor Herman as she sat down at our table). Context: She wrote the nonfiction books Sex With Kings and Sex With Queens which I’ve read a little bit of but haven’t finished. Look how adorable she is (I’m way way excited for her book):
Then I did a lot of wandering on the floor and caught up with a lot of people which was fun!
Finally got to meet the darling Jess from Gone with the Words after ALL THESE YEARS. SHE IS EVEN MORE LOVELY.
Totally stole this pic from Jesse’s Instagram. So good to be able to chat with Kat and Jesse this year — really good peoples!
I picked up a few books but honestly I didn’t have that much I had to have. So pretty low-key day for me. HOWEVER, I did get to meet the lovely Kirsten Hubbard who wrote Wanderlove which is one of my fave contemporary YA books ever. She was so lovely. I always feel pretty fortunate because I’ve met most of the authors I love but she had eluded me.
After the floor I was off to The Strand (rare books room which was hella gorgeous) for the Macmillan Fierce Reads party! We walked up and there were some pretty attractive firemen outside and I thought maybe that was maybe they were part of our goodie bag??? THEY WERE NOT BUT SIX OF CROWS DEFINITELY WAS. They had a fun photobooth and some amazing authors there: Leigh Bardugo, Marissa Meyer, Leila Sales, Josephine Angelini and Sandy Hall.
Mean muggin’ with Elena and Leigh Bardugo
So fancy with Leigh & Leila Sales
So nice to see my buddies Alexa and Rachel
Alexa, Rachel, Kelly, & Gillian
Stole this from Octavia I think! Love these ladies!! Nikki, Octavia, Katie, Gillian, Becca and Christina
FRIDAY
The last day of the actual conference is always the day where I wake up and my feet still hurt. The other days I go to bed with aching feet but they feel good as new in the morning. By the last day? My feet are like HAHAH NO STOP.
Friday was another low key day for me (really all of them are) but basically my priority for that day was Richelle Mead’s Soundless which I did get in line for and acquired.
I took zero pictures on the floor this day (GOD WHAT WAS WRONG WITH ME THIS YEAR) except this one with my bud Eric Smith:
Then Penguin Teen was so awesome and hosted a lunch (IF YOU FEED ME DURING BEA YOU ARE MY FAVE) where we got to sit down with Sarah Dessen and Carrie Ryan and talk about their new books. It was so nice to take a break from the floor and listen to 2 really wonderful authors speak about being an author and their new books. Had NO idea Carrie’s newest was Revenge-y in nature and I love that show so YAY. And god I could listen to Sarah Dessen talk for forever. Also learned that TAYLOR FREAKIN SWIFT FAVORITED ONE OF HER TWEETS. Sarah could not be any cooler.
Then before I left I swung by the Macmillan booth where they were filming something for Truthwitch and I got a little teary-eyed because I was so happy for Susan. Also got to catch up with Sarah J. Maas which is always a good time. IDK HOW SHE WAS FUNCTIONING WITH ALL THE TOURING SHE DID.
BLURRY CREEPER PIC:
Then after wandering aimlessly around Javits for a little longer I went over to Bryant Park to meetup with some other bloggers which was SO NICE TO CATCH UP WITH EVERYONE.
Then Elena and I made our way to Books of Wonder and caught up with some people. And then we did dinner with the FYA ladies (who I love so much) and my longtime homegirl Sash and HAD THE BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER. I’m telling you, curried caulifower and sweet onion mac & cheese. I WILL BE THINKING ABOUT THAT MAC & CHEESE FOR YEARS TO COME. It was a perfect way to end the night — great conversation and food!
Elena & I with Adam Silvera whose debut More Happy Than Not is out NOW!
with Sarah from FYA (photo cred goes to her)
SATURDAY
Early morning Saturday was! I went to Bloomsbury HQ for an informal hangout time of donuts, bagels and mimosas with fellow bloggers and the dream team at Bloomsbury who I adore. The had the cutest make your own tote bag station and man some people are super creative and artsy. It was so nice to chat with everyone!
I then went over to Book Con (late because ew that line to get in) and immediately got in line for the Jenny Han, Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman panel which was amazing and Sarah moderated (she is the best mod ever). It was a hilarious panel with so many great insights about writing, female friendship (and ow those friend breakups) and feminism and I just felt so inspired after it and felt so much love for this community of people who (mostly) build each other up. The ladies were great together and I was so happy that I decided to come to Book Con for that.
I did wander around the floor of Book Con by myself for a lap and then promptly left. It was NOT as bad as last year so I think they learned and improve but it still, after 3 days of BEA crowds, was not where I wanted to be. The panels are about the only thing I’d go for personally.
Then I rested a little bit and met back up with Elena. We went to High Line (which is such a cool park) and ate some expensive yet delicious popsicles from People’s Pops.
Then it was time KARAOKE TIME which was an amazing way to spend my last night in New York and decompress from the crazy that is BEA. Had a great time spending more time with the FYA ladies (thanks for organizing!!), Elena, Mitali, the NYC FYA book club (they are hella cool) and some fab authors who all seem to be karaoke superstars. Some songs I picked to sing: Hold On by Wilson Phillips, Sk8r Boi by Avril Lavigne, Bitch by Meredith Brooks and Your Love is My Drug by Ke$ha!
I have some hilarious pictures from this night but I don’t want to embarrass anybody who might not want karaoke pics up!! So I’ll just post pics of Elena and Mitali and I! Weeee! I assure you it was a great time though.
And that, my friends, was all the shenanigans I was up to during BEA 2015.
TL;DR: SO MUCH FUN, FEET HURT, YAY BOOKS. (the essence of BEA)
In the five years I’ve gone to BEA I can say:
1) I take less books each time. I had people say, “that was all” when they saw what I got. I DELIGHT IN BEING ABLE TO KEEP IT TO ONE TOTE BAG EACH DAY.
2) BEA really is all about the people for me. It’s great getting books because YAY books but to me it’s about seeing my friends, meeting new ones and connecting with authors/publishing people I love. This year, if I’m being honest, was a harder year for me. As the years have gone on, a lot of the people I’m close with have left blogging…so I felt kind of alone this year and did up kind of floating around by myself? I mean, I had my roomies and so many other wonderful friends to hang out with but I never felt A PART of a group who you knew would be like “hey so what are we all doing tonight?” like I had in previous years. That was an adjustment. It just reaffirmed to me that BEA, for me, is all about the people. HUMANING IS HARD. I never wanted to feel like I was crashing people’s hangout time or worry about if they actually wanted me with them. I never used to worry about that when I had MY PEOPLE.
3) No matter how many times you go to BEA you will never be prepared for how overwhelming and tiring it is. I mean, year 5…I’m a “pro” but let me tell you…5 minutes into the first day I had this overwhelming urge to LEAVE. So I did. I walked off the floor and just took a bit of time to recompose myself. It’s a lot of socializing, a lot of people and a lot of STUFF and sometimes you forget you need alone time or sleep or to eat. Also, you will always forget how much excruciating pain you will be in each year and how overwhelming and crazy it is…the fun blurs all that so you are like YEAY BEA LET’S DO IT AGAIN.
Overall, it was another wonderful year for the books. I’m not sure that I’ll be doing it next year when it moves to Chicago but we shall see! I would really love to but that’s waaaay more expensive for me (especially in travel) than my $30 for NJ Transit.
Sash says
The best part of this post is that you REQUESTED to sing Hold On because that is MY JAM and has been since age 6. (You can just ask my mom – who was forced to listen to that song 80 million times.) <3333
I'm so, so glad we got to hang out and catch up! Come visit SF – you and Will always have a free place to stay!!
Jamie says
OMG SASH ONE DAY WE WILL DO HOLD ON TOGETHER AND IT WILL BE GLORIOUS. And omg YAS I want to come visit you guys!!! I hope you are loving your new home and settling in!!
Trina says
Seeing all of the tweets/blogs/vlogs about BEA makes me really glad that it’s not something I’ve gotten into. I just mean that in a “sounds overwhelming” sort of way. But I do love reading and watching said recaps!
Jamie says
I think it’s a great thing to do once to SEE if it’s your thing! It can be overwhelming but mostly it’s just fun!! And really…you pick the pace you want to operate at haha.
Misty @ The Book Rat says
If you DO decide to go to Chicago (and you SHOULD), we can hang out and be each other’s people so we don’t have to feel awkward and aloooooone. Because though I’ve never been about to do NY because of travel, Chicago is definitely doable, and I plan to DO (knock on wood). =D
Misty @ The Book Rat says
Also, I realized when I went to comment that my blog’s address was saved as “theBOOrat.com” and now I’m wondering how many people’s blogs I’ve commented on over the years as The Boo Rat…
As if my blog name wasn’t weird enough already. 😉
Jamie says
YAS I WOULD LOVE TO HANG OUT IF END UP DOING IT!!!
CJ says
Nice recap! What a great conference this year. Love the photobooth pics from Fierce Reads! I’ll second your comment about the people. This BEA was definitely better than last year because I had a few friends to count on for company, but I still suck at not being too afraid to say hi to people. It’s easy to feel lost amidst all the groups.
CJ
Jamie says
RIGHT? I mean, like I had lots of people to hang OUT with and talk to but I was just floating around a lot so I never like had PEOPLE. I don’t want to just assume they want me to be involved in their plans haha
CJ Listro says
Well, if I see you there next year, I officially am cool with you saying hi and hanging out. ;P
Amber @ YA Indulgences says
Aw, it looks like you had an amazing time. All of those pictures are so adorable.
I spy Because You’ll Never Meet Me<3
The Jenny Han/Gayle Forman/Sarah Dessen panel sounds amazing! I heard how outrageous the line for BookCon though was, that's crazy.
Hopefully you'll think about going next year. 🙂 I'm going to almost definitely be going to Chicago.
Jamie says
I did have a great time! And thank you <3
I think you can actually WATCH the panel! Either check the book con site or I know Gayle tweeted it out recently. It was great. And YEAH. I was at the Bloomsbury breakfast and saw pics of the line and was like NOPE *pours another mimosa*
AND GAH I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU. I NEED TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
Holly J says
Loved reading this post and looking at your pictures! I’m so glad you had a great time, even though a lot has changed over the years and you felt set apart. I can’t imagine how hard that is, to see so many friends come and go. I would have loved to hang out with you! You would never have been crashing a party. 😀 I saw you quite a bit throughout BEA (oh gosh, I hope that doesn’t sound creepy) but I was too shy to say hello. Next time I’ll be more courageous!
This was my first BEA, and it was definitely OVERWHELMING. But it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be, and I had the most amazing time. I wish I’d done more socializing and met more people, though. But I did meet the people I could not leave NY without seeing; it just took me awhile to work up the courage and confidence to say hi. And my two roomies and I had met IRL for the first time, and I think that’s part of the reason why we didn’t go out after BEA (until a blogger meet and drinks on Friday, which was SO MUCH fun). We just wanted to hang around in the hotel room with each other and talk without a 140 character limit getting in the way. 😉
I hope you’ll be able to go next year! I can’t wait for Chicago, since it’s so much closer to me and I haven’t visited the city since middle school. I’m so excited, I already want to go to BEA again! 🙂
Jamie says
WAIT WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE SAID HI I WOULD HAVE BEEN SO EXCITED!!!
I think it’s a lot on the socializing end esp if it’s your first BIG book thing. It’s A LOT. And if you aren’t especially outgoing it’s super hard to go up to people and just be like HI INTERNET FRIEND. (I am weirdly outgoing so that never was a problem for me but I know A LOT of people said BEA was hard the first year in that way). But yeah…the FUN definitely outweighs the overwhelming.
I’m hoping to make Chicago happen BUT GAHHH a BEA where I have to pay for a flight is NO BUENO.
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog says
Great recap of your time there!! You look like you had such an amazing time and got to do and go to so many awesome things. I love all your pictures – especially getting to meet/ meet up with all the other bloggers. I am hoping to make it to BEA one day but Chicago is out – I am with you on NJ Transit when it comes back to the city 🙂
Jamie says
OH YEAH? Where in Jersey do you live?? (North/South/Central?)
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog says
Central towards the beach.
hillary roberts says
I love reading about your adventures. I hope to make it to BEA someday!
Jamie says
I’m glad it was at least semi entertaining! I was like GAH DOES ANYONE CARE WHAT I DID ALL DAY? hahah. I hope you make it to BEA too!
April Books & Wine says
SOBBBBBBBBB. I wish I could have been there! You look like you had so much fun, though!
Also, I know exactly what you mean about having a group.
My favorite BEA of all time is the one where we had a group – where it was pretty much me, you, Shanyn, Carla, Anna, Tara. That was a magical year.
Jamie says
YOU WERE MISSED SO MUCH. And yaaaas that was the best year ever. And like even after that I always had you, Anna and Tara always. At least one of you. This year it was like NONE OF MY OGs ARE HERE. I had plenty of people to talk to and hang out with but I was just floating from group to group and it felt lonely bc I felt like the outsider ya know?
Pili @ In Love With Handmade says
Great recap Jamie!! This was my first BEA experience and I felt like they really don’t know how to handle lines, so I don’t want to think about what they’ve done worse in previous years!
It was great meeting you btw, you are the sweetest!! We should have got a photo taken, but my phone is useless!! I really need to get a new one STAT…
I agree about the group and BEA being all about the people… My best memories are from hanging out with my room mates or meeting people I’ve been talking online for quite a while and bloggy friends! Staying in the queues chatting about this and that and meeting authors I love!! The books are a great perk yes, even more when you get them signed and personalized, but the best part is spending the time roaming around with your friends for sure!
I just wish I wouldn’t have been so BLOODY tired from roaming around that failed to attend other events, like the bloggers dinner or even the Books of Wonder event, but jet lag and BEA-ing left me dead to the world after 8 pm!!
Ashley says
I CAN’T BELIEVE I DIDN’T SEE YOU THIS YEAR!!!
I actually did see you from afar once but suuuper far and I couldn’t run over and say hi. But I’m so bummed! Especially if you won’t be there next year.
I’m totally with you though on having a small haul. Mine is getting smaller and smaller too. I see some folks with like 50 books and I’m just like HOW?!?! It seems like fewer books excite me each year. But more than that, I know I won’t read a bunch of them so I try to limit it to the ones I REALLY REALLY want.
But anyway, it looks like you had a great year. 🙂
Tiff @ Mostly YA Lit says
The less books from BEA I get, the better of a time I have. I feel like there is definitely a direct ratio of amount of time spent in lines vs. how much fun I’m having. I’m glad you had a great time, and I’m sad that you didn’t have your old group – it must be so hard to not have your people around anymore. *hugs*
I also found the Wed very, very strange and didn’t understand why it was coinciding with Blogger Con. I maybe would have cut Blogger Con in half if you were going to do a Wed aft. As it was, Sarah and I basically said screw it and showed up only to line up for our one must-have for the week, Tonight the Streets Are Ours. (I can’t believe people were waiting in line from 6:30am onward for Truthwitch! For real?)
I think you’re so right that we sometimes forget to be PEOPLE during BEA – I definitely felt that. I got more exhausted as the week went on and it was just crazy how that made me as a person. Alone time and quality time with friends is really important, and if I go next year, I will definitely be focusing on friends more than anything.
Thanks for doing the photobooth with me! I totally have a crush on Aaron Hartzler…
Steph says
Love all the pictures, Sounds like you had a great time. I didn’t go this year but was thinking the same thing about the Blogger Con/ 2st day overlap — no clue why they thought that was a good idea. I wonder if attendance at the end of Blogger Con was lower bc people left for the floor?
Cassi @ My Thoughts Literally says
YEAH!!! It looks like you had a great week as well. I really tried to go to the Blogger Con stuff but the fact that it was the same time as “BEA proper” meant that I didn’t really get to do much of anything. I wonder where the idea for that came from as well. I hear attendance wasn’t great for the afternoon session so perhaps they won’t do it that again next year. BEA really is all about the people for me too. I love meeting new people and getting to know old friends better and spend time hanging out off the internet. It was so great meeting with you and chatting!
Michelle @ Pink Polka Dot Books says
Love the roomies picture!! I forgot how busy of a week you had, but now that I think about it, you were always running to this place and that. That probably adds to your feelings of blahhh about groups and all that. Just the overall stress of busy-ness and tiredness. I’m glad we got to hang out and ride the train together…. even if you do speed-run through Penn Station 🙂 I haven’t decided about Chicago next year bc I’ll have to fly!! And I hate flying. Also it’s so much earlier than it usually is: May 11?? That’s barely dress weather!
brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide says
Yayyyy SO GLAD we got to spend time together, especially since I didn’t see you on the floor at all!! Definitely happy we got to get together at Bryant Park!
Chicago is far… but it’s my home!!!! Hope you’re able to come out next year 😀 I was wondering if lots of east coast people might not be able to come anymore though 🙁
Lisa @ Books in the Burbs says
Love the recap of each day!! I especially love that you acknowledged to yourself that you needed a moment to regroup before venturing on your first day. Bravo for self-care!! I loved reading about your experience and that you chose quality over quantity for yourself, which I’m sure your back and feet thank you for, too:). Great post!
Katie @ Book Arrows says
Looks like you had so much fun! I need to get to BEA someday.
Sarah J. says
BEA sounds like such an amazing experience. I really like how BEA is for the people for you! I don’t think I’ve heard that from very many people. I hope to experience BEA one day; it seems like a blast!
Ari Carr says
It sounds like you had an awesome time! I wish there was an event like that in England, it looks so fun!
Mel@thedailyprophecy says
Thanks for the recap, I’m living BEA 2015 through your experiences and photographs 😉 It sounds like you had a great time, I’m happy for you and a little sad I couldn’t be there. Again.
elena says
YAY SO MUCH FUNNNNNNNNNN one day i will learn how to be photogenic dammit
Alexa S. says
It was lovely to see you at BEA, Jamie! Even though we didn’t end up spending as much time together as I was hoping to (my fault, since I was basically just cruising around and looking at books), I enjoyed the time we were able to spend together. Here’s to hoping I see you more this summer, even outside of BEA!
Shelumiel @ Bookish and Awesome says
That sure was A LOT of fun! And you go for acquiring 9/10 most desired books! Question: which did you not get? I hope to one day attend BEA and meet you and Elena. 🙂