University Bookstore | Through a Seattle Looking Glass

There was an inconceivable book signing last night!

I did meet him!

The amazing University Bookstore hosted the talented and brilliant Cary Elwes last night! He’s currently on tour for his book, As You Wish, a gathering of behind the scenes stories during the making of ‘The Princess Bride’!

Before Mr. Elwes arrived, University Bookstore had a band come and play fantastical tunes!

Play us a song piano man

The upstairs of the bookstore (where the event was held) was PACKED. I mean it was crazy how many people crammed themselves into the section for a glimpse of Elwes. The look on his face when he saw how many people were there to see him. It was priceless.

Hi Cary!

Oh wait, what truly was priceless was a little boy dressed up as Westley. Yes, that brought a lot of tears to the room. His name was Cole.

Seriously, the only reason to have kids…

Mr. Elwes was such a delight. He delved into some of the stories written in the book. To hear him speak about Andre the Giant—it was moving, it was magical, it was spectacular. The best part—Elwes did voices! Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal, Bill Goldman, Andre the Giant and more! He had the entire room captivated.

In the bookstore window

The hour flew by, Elwes is an amazing storyteller. There was a short Q & A and then came the signing. The room was extremely crowded, but University Bookstore held down the fort and make sure that those who had been there for over two hours (hem, hem) and were sitting in the seating area got their books signed in a front to back row fashion. I love University Bookstore. They know how to handle crowds for high profile signings, which makes sense why they have so many. For patrons, it’s so greatly appreciated to have order and direction. Elwes did gave time to everyone and signed as quick as a whip.

Before I knew it, it was my turn. He was so gracious and kind, he asked my name and shook my hand. A true gentleman that Mr. Elwes.

Have fun stormin’ da castle.

It was such a lovely evening, full of laughter and people gathered over the love of a truly remarkable movie. We all ate up all the secret stories, I can’t wait to tear through the pages of his book. I’m so thankful to Cary Elwes for stopping in Seattle and especially to University Bookstore for hosting. It was an amazing event!

Thank you Cary Elwes!

If you’re familiar with Epic Reads at all, you’ll know they periodically hold Story Crush tours throughout the year! It’s a wonderful time when amazing YA authors tour the US promoting their latest books!

Seattle was fortunate enough to be a part of this Summer’s Story Crush Tour. As the last destination at our oldest independent bookstore – University Bookstore!

The lineup was to die for!

Tease’s amazing Amanda Maciel, Seattle’s own Kevin Emerson with Exile and…

KIERA CASS OF THE SELECTION SERIES promoting the finale – THE ONE! *Fangirls all over the place*

The bookstore was packed with people, many of them teens and preteens dressed with tiaras for Cass. It was adorable. They seriously knew EVERYTHING about her! I was filled with emotions and excitement for myself at the event, but to hear these young girls squealing with excitement at meeting this author…there are no words at the joy it caused my heart to swell.

This is why YA is important. Maciel, Emerson and Cass stand as fantastic role models for these young readers and the non reading part of society need to understand that this genre is more than just romance.

Anyways, there was a lovely talk from the authors, about their books, what they’re about, why they wrote them and what they are hoping for the future of the industry. *diversity* – well said by Maciel (She also loved my dress! Sisters in pink unite!). There were also some selfies. Emerson even brought his guitar and played us a song that was in his book! This evening had everything!

University Bookstore ran the event exceptionally well. There were prizes being given, and once the signing was under way it was organised and professional.

It was brilliant to hear this diverse range of authors speak. I of course bought all of their books to have signed, Emerson’s isn’t one I would normally pick up and that is why I’m such a big supporter of these events. You should always read books that are outside of your comfort zone! You might find a new favorite author!

Meeting Cass was definitely the highlight of the evening. She is like my role model for life. Her energy, wit and humor made me gush like the preteens behind me. She is down to Earth, kind and smart! I adore her and if I ever got a wish from a genie I’d totally wish to be a real life friend of hers!