When I travel to book conventions, I usually have one goal in mind: explore as many genres as possible. In the past couple of years, I have stuck to the same genre because it’s what I can read for hours on end without getting bored. But after a while, certain tropes start to feel repetitive and over time it feels like the only thing that changes is the character’s name. As a Black woman, it’s sometimes difficult to relate to many of my favorite characters, who may reflect parts of my personality but not my ethnicity or lived experience. That is something I have become more aware of as I have continued reading and attending book events where so many different stories are available at once. Because of that, I made it a goal to start taking chances on books I would not normally pick up, especially when I am surrounded by various options at conventions. That decision has led me to discover some unforgettable stories that I never would have read otherwise, and it’s also helped me think more intentionally about the kinds of books I want on my bookshelf.
Personally speaking, I absolutely adore hearing how authors got their start or why they decided to write in a specific genre. Everyone has their own unique story, and it is interesting to hear from writers at different stages of their journey—whether they are just starting out in publishing or have been honing their writing skills for years. This is another reason why we need more book conventions, because author panels allow readers to hear directly from the people behind the books all in one setting. Instead of only seeing interviews online or reading social media posts, conventions bring multiple author perspectives together at a single event. That means we can experience different viewpoints side by side, sometimes even within the same genre. Some panels focus on how to get into publishing, while others feature authors discussing their books or sharing thoughts on each other’s work. It’s an interactive concept I’ll never get tired of.
Ever since my first Scholastic book fair trip, I’ve been a sucker for book merchandise. Sometimes it’s merchandise I don’t need, like a horseshoe necklace I still don’t know why I bought, but other times it’s for sentimental value and reminds me of specific books or reading experiences that have happened in my life. For example, during my first book fair I bought a Riptide pen replica, which eventually led me to reading my all-time favorite childhood series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Book merch can range from small items like pins, stickers, and bookmarks to larger items like book totes or bookshelf decorations. Book conventions also sell their own branded merchandise, which acts as both a souvenir and a way for readers to feel more connected to the event. From a publicity standpoint, book merch helps spread awareness beyond the convention itself, since people wearing or using these items in everyday life unintentionally promote the event to others. That kind of natural exposure can build recognition, while also creating a sense of community among readers who notice and share those connections.
At book conventions, everyone is searching to experience something similar. So what better place to make new friends? I’ve met some of my closest friends through events my local bookstore has held, just bonding over our love of books and favorite authors. Being able to talk about how distraught I was over a book ending, or how a character is just the most unlikeable person, has been amazing. Especially since I’m not much of a talker when I first meet people. Having that shared connection makes it so much easier to open up and connect with people who are similar to me. It’s also really cute seeing on social media how authors meet other authors they’ve looked up to for the first time, or finally meet people they have been talking to online for years. I also love the variety of people you meet at conventions, because it brings together readers from different backgrounds who all enjoy the same kinds of stories. That’s what makes conventions so special, because they bring all of those people together in one place, and truthfully, where else would I get the chance to experience that?
Book conventions have a dear place in my heart, and I’m so thankful that BookCon was able to come back this year after its hiatus since Covid. It shows that we truly do need more environments dedicated to sharing literature and bringing readers together.
Keonte Emerson, Pine Reads Review Writer, Editor, and Social Media Manager
Read all posts about