Two or three times a year, PBC has the privilege to host a small dinner with a touring author and a group of Valley educators. Jade & I look forward to the opportunity to bring some of our diverse, but like-minded (i.e. book-obsessed!), customers together for a relaxing evening, a good dinner, and interesting conversation featuring an author. In the past we’ve welcomed Heather Brewer, James Dashner, Laurie Halse Anderson, David Levithan, and many others and it’s always been an experience to remember.
Last night, while on his nationwide tour for Goliath, the final book in the Leviathan Trilogy, best-selling author Scott Westerfeld joined us for another great gathering. I was worried that the sudden dust and thunderstorms that swept into the Valley might hinder some of our guests’ travel, but when everyone arrived (some a little windswept) with eagerness in their eyes, I realized, hey, it’s Scott Westerfeld for goodness sake! No weather or traffic jams are going to keep people away! (In fact, 2 super-hearty educators drove up from Tucson, going the long way to bypass the big pile-up at Picacho Peak to be here. Talk about dedicated!)
While relaxing over a good meal and great wine, Scott shared the journey that lead him to bring illustrations into the Leviathan Trilogy, talked about the challenges 
and learning experience that came from working closely with an artist (the amazing Keith Thompson) to make his “vision” a reality, and about the reception this trilogy has had. Everyone enjoyed hearing about Scott’s path to become the writer he is today and how changes in both the publishing industry and the internet have impacted him and his body of work. Having a group of educators in the room ready to share their thoughts, experiences and insight into tween and teen readers wasn’t lost on Scott either; he took the opportunity to ask lots of questions and absorb what everyone had to share. It was a great give & take and everyone left feeling energized and excited about YA literature and the opportunities we all have to foster a love of reading in others.
I’m always impressed by the quality and caliber of teachers and librarians who work in our local schools and Jade & I are blessed to be able to work with so many of them. Being able to spend time with authors like Scott is one of the great perks of what we do. I always have to pinch myself when one of our dinners is happening, just to remind myself that “this is so cool! I’m so lucky to do what I do!” Thanks to all our guests and to Scott for a superb evening!
- Cori