Showing posts with label Book Signings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Signings. Show all posts
Since I can remember, I have found myself absolutely fascinated by North Korea. In a world where we have unlimited access to information at our fingertips, it baffles me that a nation like North Korea still exists. Kept under the tight-knit reign of the most hated man in the world, Kim Jong Un, civilians are sheltered from outside influence leaving them at the mercy of their nation. It was once a land filled with mystery and complete secrecy, completely isolated from civilisation. But as more and more North Koreans escape the clutches of their nation, the horror that they faced during their time there, is now being shared amongst the general public. North Korea is a living breathing dystopian nightmare novel come to life, where the tightly wound government continues to spread propaganda in full force. It is a place where critical thought is shunned, and the key to survival is obedience and witful tact. After all, the best way to keep it's people loyal is through fear and lack of knowledge. So much more easier to control.
I've been to a lot of book signings in the past several years, and in some ways they've become my addiction. I love going to them and hearing authors talk about their life experiences - the events that inspired them to create their novels. From every single book signing I've been to, I've always been able to learn something from each and everyone of them. But this particular one has a very special place in my heart. I first heard about Jennifer Niven through her best selling book, 'All the Bright Places', which has recently been auctioned for a film adaptation. After reading the first couple of pages from her novel, I was sold. So I headed down to my local Waterstones, prepared to meet Jennifer.
I remember when I booked my place to see Cassandra Clare - the creator of The Mortal Instruments series - at Waterstones almost four year ago. I was absolutely excited, and yet terribly nervous. I had never been to a book signing before in my life, so I had no idea what to expect or even what to do. Looking back now - after attending roughly five book signings- I really don't know why I was nervous to begin with! So for all of you newcomers, here are some pointers of advice to help you get started!
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Malorie Blackman at a book signing - with one of my good friends Mariam - taking place during the Birmingham Literary Festival. As soon as I found out about this event, I knew I just had to go. Several years ago, I picked up a book from the library called Noughts and Crosses, and to date it has been one of the most socially powerful books I have ever read. Not only does the series directly address the topic of racism in a rather unusual way, but it's the only book I've come across in the young adult genre that deals with the topic at all. Maybe one of the reasons why this topic is never really approached directly is because, it can be pretty difficult to discuss, and really hard to execute. The story of Noughts and Crosses however did a perfect job of illustrating the impact racial discrimination can have on an individual and society itself. It was a perfectly executed story - which I can imagine must have been one hell of a challenge! Is it any wonder Malorie Blackman was chosen to be our current Children's Laureate?
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