The time I hosted book club

A few months ago, LeAnna at Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach asked if I was interested in hosting the YA book club they held once a month. I was absolutely interested.

The first time I was scheduled to host, it was during ALA, so I couldn't make it. Then at July's date, I ended up being stuck in horrendous traffic [even with leaving almost 2 hours early] and showed up 10 minutes before it ended. Needless to say, I was prepared to leave the night before to get to next one on time.

August's book selection was The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse:

A few days before the date, I got the events email from MG. Included in the description of the discussion book was a blurb about Lisa joining the group discussion. My nerves jumped a little.

On the day of the event, I left San Diego just before 9am. We got to the book store around 11 and I helped LeAnna set up seats before making some purchases.

Just before 12, I ended up looking around the staff recommendation wall. Lisa got there and we started chatting. Before I knew it, LeAnna, Lisa and I were making jokes and laughing. LeAnna excused herself and I was left to gush over The Forsaken to Lisa like the fangirl I am.

Before book club started, I asked if Lisa would sign my book. I wasn't sure of the time constraints or if it was something she'd be doing for the other attendants. She happily agreed.

After realizing that the start time was upon us, Lisa and I got "official" and sat down with the girls who had shown up. I asked about her influences in writing the book and if there was pressure of being labeled in the category of "If you liked Hunger Games".

The influences in The Forsaken were the Matrix and Lord of the Flies [I mentioned to her at the beginning that I saw hints of the Truman Show in one specific scene]. She was always really interested in science fiction and the idea of how a normal person would react to adverse conditions.

There were other great questions [and answers!], but I couldn't take notes and I just don't remember them all. Due to the writing workshop that was taking place immediately afterwards, the time we had was shortened. Lisa had bookmarks and offered to sign them and books.

I stayed for part of the writers workshop, but had to leave at the break. As I was leaving, I ran into Lisa who I thanked again [and hugged!] for coming to participate. She is absolutely delightful and I can't wait to see not only how she writes her stories, but how The Forsaken is going to be received.

Next month's books are Wither and Fever by Lauren DeStefano.