Yes, it's been that long since I've had all the books out and accessible.
When I was about 8, I guess, I pestered my parents to take me to a bookstore about a half-hour away because Beverly Cleary was going to be there in person. I had all the Ramona books, as well as the Ralph S. Mouse books. I had "Otis Spofford," too, but I couldn't tell you much about it if you threatened me with bodily harm.
When we got to the store (I think it was called Toad Hall Books, but 8-year-old me didn't keep exact records, you know?), I noticed that there was a line of people that spanned roughly to Zimbabwe.
But so strong was my love for Beverly Cleary's books that I waited in that line. When I finally got to the front of the line, I didn't know what to say -- I'm horribly shy -- so I probably mumbled hello and said that I liked her books a lot.
She thanked me for coming and signed the well-worn copy of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" I brought with me, and I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. She was the first famous person I'd ever met, and she was really nice.
If my wife and I ever end up having a daughter, the name Ramona is definitely at the top of my list.
And not just because Beezus already got vetoed.
That is just so awesome!! I would die if I could get one of my fav authors to sign a book for me. I sympathize with the book problem. My husband and I have a ton and they are not all shelved yet. I was once ambtious enough to want them all alphabatized by autor, but now i'd just want them on a shelf!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, as anal-retentive as I am, the alphabetical idea didn't go very far once I noticed the different sizes of the books...
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