Book Signing: Christopher Moore at Books Inc on Van Ness (03/23/10)

The placed was packed at Books Inc at 601 Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco that night. With Christopher Moore in the room, author of funny novels including Lamb [the book I was introduced to by my cousin (Ate) Chariss], A Dirty Job, Fluke, and really much more, everyone wanted to hear this very funny author speak.

He explained that he usually doesn't prepare anything really for his appearances and even for his appearance at Google headquarters tomorrow, he's not that prepared. So instead, he shared with us some random stories that just got everyone listening even more to laugh with him.

The staff of Books Inc. wore these shirts promoting him and his book and you can already tell what type of personality he has by having these shirts! It is also a reference to his other book--You Suck.

I did buy his latest book Bite Me, which is a vampire love story based in San Francisco [author does live here] and finishes his vampire trilogy. My girlfriend and I also brought our copies of Lamb and enthusiasm as we waited in line for about 40 minutes.

Did not know he'd do that or else I would've done the same! Next time, I'll make sure to be in sync with the people I photograph with.

Thanks again Chris for your time and sharing your presence with us! We'll definitely take your advice and add Paris to our travel destinations!

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For more info on the author Christopher Moore, please visit his website at http://www.chrismoore.com/

His blog: http://blog.chrismoore.com/
Facebook Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/theauthorguy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/theauthorguy

Book Signing: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin at Books Inc. (Berkeley, CA)

After hearing on Sunday's The Chronicle's Book section that Gretchen Rubin will be in the Bay Area for an appearance and book signing, I had to go. I've been reading The Happiness Project [my first Kindle purchase] and have been recommending to almost everyone since I'm enjoying the read so much.

And that was the problem too. I bought the Kindle version! Meaning I can't get my copy signed unless I had her sign my Kindle and it would seem odd if I had a bunch of signatures on it [then again, it would've been cool....] Even though I paid only $9.99 for the Kindle copy, I ended up forking $28+ for a hard copy. Eek! Then again, my dream book shelf is to have one shelf [or more] dedicated to all the books that I've had signed and pictures of myself with the author.

My cousin and I went to Berkeley's Book Inc. and while I haven't been here ever, it was a good reason to cross that scary ass S-curve on the Bay Bridge.

We got there in time and she went over the premise of the book and her project. Before she proceeded to the book signing, she answered any questions and one of the kids in front asked, "What does 'Be Gretchen' mean?" Audience laughs. She explained it was one of her "Commandments" [she explains in the beginning of her book] and all it really meant was to "Be You."

The book has a lot of good tips and I've been telling people that I've been having epiphanies on how to attain happiness for me and others. Just buy it already and it will surely pave a better New Year for 2010.

Line wasn't too bad [compared to my 3.5 hour wait for Scott Schuman's book] so it went by real quick.

While she signed my book, I explained how I have her book but in my Kindle and she laughed as I said, "Well! It would've been lame if I had you sign my Kindle so I ended up buying a copy today!"

I also brought in my camera and lighting kit just in case if she had time for a quick portrait. If I knew ahead of time, I would've asked her [and bought her book on Amazon to save a bit more money lol]

She unfortunately didn't have time but thanked me for spreading the word and showing the support.

"JJ--to your happiness! - Gretchen Rubin"

It was great meeting you Gretchen and I can only hope for your continued success on your book tour and future!

For more info on Gretchen Rubin, please visit the following:

Her main website!
The Happiness Project Blog!
The Happiness Project Toolbox!
Follow her on Twitter!
Become her fan on Facebook!

Hope you all enjoy the read as I definitely recommend this book to start this New Year!