LA Times Festival of Books 2016

It was that time again. It was time for the Festival of Books presented by LA Times, held at USC! And this year, I decided to attend both days!! It was so much fun!

On a rainy Saturday, my baby sister and I went to the festival early to try to get a glimpse of Stan Lee knowing that there will be a huge crowd. And yes...there were massive amounts of people! We waited in line to get a copy of Stan Lee's latest memoir written as a comic book. While we waited in line, we were able to watch his interview. I got to say...he is hilarious!

The ending of Stan Lee's interview

Stan Lee's marvelous memoir

Unfortunately, we didn't get the book signed. Though it said that only 600 copies were going to be sold, only 300 got signed. We were about 20 people away from getting signed before Stan Lee left (my sister counted). It was a little disappointing but at the same time, I still had a great time. I mean, come on! We saw Stan Lee!!!

As we were waiting for our copy of the book, I decided to check out the festival's schedule. And guess who was next after Mr. Lee? The Property Brothers!!!! Jonathan and Drew! I had no idea that they were going to be there. 

My mom is a huge fan of their show and I love sitting with her to watch it with her. So of course, my sister and I stayed to buy their book and get it signed. By the way, they are absolutely good looking in person!

Vonnie and baby sis with the Property Brothers

Oh...did I mention it was raining that day? Of course that didn't stop me from standing in lines getting soaked (my sister disappeared with the umbrella as I tried to buy Dream Home) or running around trying to check out every post.

Image from the LA Times Festival of Books Facebook

I ended up with so much swag from the first day that I couldn't wait to see what I would get the next day.

Swag from day one

Sunday was a better day...it was not raining! I ended up taking a dance friend with me who absolutely loves books but has never been to the festival. We got there early enough for her to sight-see and get a feel for the festival. However, I ended up buying too many books during our sight-seeing before attending our first panel. Oops...lol

I also got to meet a very sweet author that I've never knew about before over at the Romance Books booth. I even got a copy of Jan Moran's book. I can't wait to read it!

With Jan Moran

Oh yeah...I also took a picture of the booth's popular hunk yesterday:

I just had to

At 1:30 p.m., my friend and I attended Sylvia Day's panel. I love reading her historical romances so I liked learning about her contemporaries like the popular Crossfire series.

Sylvia Day's panel

It was also great to learn more about Sylvia Day and meeting her.

With the gorgeous Sylvia Day

Lastly, I got in line to get my third book signed by Ransom Riggs. I've met him before two years back, but I wanted to see him again. Besides, I am psyched about Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children movie by Tim Burton coming out later this year.

Getting the third book signed by Ransom Riggs!

Afterward, we went home lugging with us many bags of books and swag (my shoulders are still soar from all the carrying). 

I had a ton of fun this weekend! I can't wait for next year's festival!