On August 4th, that is 2 weekends ago, before the world of employment grabbed me with its claws and didn’t let go, New York Times Best-selling Author Kiera Cass graced the Philippines with her presence. All thanks to National Book Store, fans of the Selection Trilogy had the chance to meet the author and have their books signed.
It is not a likely occurrence here in the Philippines to have an acclaimed author visit and have book signings. It just didn’t happen. So, I was not going to pass up the opportunity, especially since I have read the first two books of Cass’ trilogy and I plan to read the last one when it comes out. I should also point out that I have read a companion novella to the trilogy, too. Yes, obviously, I am a fan.
As a self-proclaimed avid reader, the concept of a dystopian romance was quite appealing especially around that time when most dystopian books I’ve read were about death and destruction. Reading about America Singer and her boy problems was quite refreshing.
The Selection trilogy, as most people have thought it, is the Bachelor meets the Hunger Games… but not totally. Ms. Cass explained that her inspiration was the story of Esther from the bible and Cinderella. She thought of a girl who didn’t want to be a princess but became one. A girl from every province would be picked to be part of the Selection where the prince, Maxon, would choose his bride. She also thought, what if Cinderella had already fallen in love before she met Prince Charming? At the beginning of the books, America has already fallen in love with a boy named Aspen and hopes to marry him. The books are good reads especially if you’re a romantic, like me.
On the book signing event, National Book Store had a bit of a Q and A with Kiera Cass. I have to say that she is very bubbly and charismatic. I could tell that she totally loved her work, her fans and the books fans.
Around 400 people attended the event in Ayala Center Cebu, so the wait for the actual signing was quite long. It was all worth the wait though. I don’t know anyone who can claim that they’ve spoken to a NYT best-selling author.
This thing should be on my bucket list, yes.
*mediocre pics because I did not bring a proper camera 😦
Freewheeling... 