Books are fair

As you might know (or not), that there is a book fair which takes place in Hong Kong annually during late July. This year, I participated in the fair more than I had ever imagined I would.

My enthusiastic (nearly mad) participation was triggered by Tuesday's night news. I was drying my hair like usual and suddenly - WHAT? Stephen Fry in Hong Kong?! Well, I saw him tweeting about flying to Hong Kong, but I didn't know the reason behind.

I immediately rsvp'd to the event and got so excited for days. But first thing's first - god, I need a book by him to get it signed!

I got my books ready and read around a hundred pages before the event took place. I seriously have never ever read a book so hilarious yet so well-written. I giggled on the train, outside a restaurant, on a platform, on a bus... I simply ignored the weird looks of pedestrians thinking I just got out from the madhouse.

I left German early in order to get to the venue on time. I was blown away by the bloody long queue and sighed miserably. (How British?) I was so lucky to have got into the theatre which the talk was held. All the other two theatres which were used to broadcast the talk were packed. How enthusiastic we were?


The talk was brilliant and hilarious. I burst out laughing at both the authors' answers and the audience's questions. A particular question stained my mind : a guy wrote that question on the paper and had it passed on , he asked "Do you prefer non-friction or friction? That guy was humiliated, of course, and made the whole theatre filled with laughter (and probably tears).

I am so thankful that I got to know another amazing writer that night, Andrew Roberts. He was intelligent and also very witty. Glad to have known another fabulous writer.

After the 2-hour-talk, it was followed by an autograph session. Oh my oh! A very nice guy helped me to get Roberts' autograph because I couldn't manage to line up for both Fry and Roberts at the very same time.

Oh lord. Fry was so down-to-earth and also very tall. I did something really idiotic and which I consider pretty brave. I handed him a vinyl by my favourite band and asked him sincerely to give them a listen. He said he would and I was quite embarrassed by my act. Anyway, I did it.

I got two books signed and took a picture with him. Then , I spent the rest of my night following up my 'fangirl' work. I am still very happy that I've met a man which a lot of people considered 'God' on Youtube (at least?). The next day, I went and grabbed a few titles that were mentioned in the talk. Of course, the titles that were considered good.


Also because of the event, I got a special pass which allows me to go in and out of the Fair as much as I want to. I have been to the Fair again today, altogether four days in a roll.



Books I bought...