I spent quite a bit on books at the book fair. Kisane guessed that I probably purchased seven books. It was more like 13. In my defense some of those were incredible bargains.

BookPeople was having a discount sale on some remainder and damaged books. I found a couple that were not too shabby and for $1.50 each, well, you can’t beat that. My biggest score though was at the book festival. One of the exhibitors was Pennyworth Books, where every book is $5!

As you can imagine, it was madness trying to even get a look at their books but I was determined. And, now I find out that they also have an online store. Oh this is certainly going to fuel the addiction.

Now it’s time for a frightfully good read to celebrate Halloween.

I’m back from Austin and loaded with books. I spent most of the day on Saturday going to author presentations (Alexander McCall Smith was a hoot) and checking out the exhibitors at the book fair.I also attended two special lectures given in Spanish by Sandra Cisneros, Nina Marie Martinez, Mayra Montero and Liliana Valenzuela. Liliana even gave me two of her poetry chapbooks. Wasn’t that sweet?

One of the lectures was very poignant because it dealt with the horrific disappearances and killings of the women of Ciudad Juarez. I urge you to learn more about this. As one of the authors on the panel said, it’s very easy to feel like you can’t make a difference but we all can make a difference. If you create art, honor these women with your art; if you write poetry, write about them.

I thank the writers, Luis Alberto Urrea, Diana Washington Valdez, Alicia Gaspar de Alba and Cecilia Balli for their efforts in fighting back for these victims and their families. It was a pleasure getting to meet them.

On a much lighter note, I did see my friend Ginger and we had a great time with her. We went to eat at one of my favorite spots, Trudy’s, and finished off our evening at the Spider House. We sat outside listening to music, laughing and enjoying some delicious coffee and hot chocolate.

Before our return to Dallas, my husband and I couldn’t leave without a stop at BookPeople. It’s got to be one of the best bookstores in Texas without a doubt. We picked up a few more goodies here.

I have pictures to show so hopefully I’ll get those posted soon so you can see all the books I got. Plus, there are even pics of me with Alexander McCall Smith and Sandra Cisneros. Woo-hoo!

Have a happy Halloween tomorrow.

We are off to Austin tomorrow after work. I’m not looking forward to the drive but I can’t wait to get there and see one of my best friends. I can’t wait for the endless conversation and the laughter.

Oh yes, and the book festival! I’ve printed off the schedule and am hoping I’ll get to see Sandra Cisneros and Alexander McCall Smith. There’s a poetry slam, a panel of Latino writers and lots of booksellers.

I feel like the kids in the Christmas poem who had visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads except my visions are of books of fiction and poetry. An endless stream of books all vying for a spot on my nightstand.

I hope everyone has a super weekend. Read a lot and I’ll catch up with you soon.