And I was beyond stoked to see that it was being held at The Last Bookstore.
Now.
The Last Bookstore was listed as one of the 20 most beautiful bookstores in the world and ever since I looked at that list, I've been dying to go.
There were exploding pages and flying typewriters....
.....and book arches and book walls. There was even a room that looked like a bank vault. The Last Bookstore is the type of store that will be different every time you go in. I couldn't decide if I wanted to move in or turn off all of the lights and play hide and go seek.
Anyhoo.
After buying books, wandering and getting some Starbucks, we settled in to waiting for the event. One of the employees told me that Lauren didn't want chairs, so there was just an open area in front of a stage.
At 7pm, the band started playing and people were mingling around. There were drinks and hors d'oeuvres and socializing. I am so awkward at meeting new people, so Hubs and I just sat off to the side and watched. While texting each other.
After about 20 minutes, we saw a girl hand Parallel to Lauren. They walked towards the back, so I followed.
I had my books in my hand when Lauren came over. She introduced herself and I did the same. Somehow it came up that we drove from San Diego and Lauren thanked me.
After she signed the books, she asked how long I had been reviewing. I explained how I review events and that I got an advanced copy because of MGRB. We talked about other ways people get their hands on early copies before she tried to persuade us to stay and eat. When I told her we were going to leave to fight traffic, she said to make sure I took some bookmarks, because she didn't know what else she could give me.
We took a couple of pictures and then left. Lauren is adorable and so sweet. Haven't read Parallel? You should get on that right away.