If you mark a book's release day on your calendar these days, I'm willing to bet you're doing so because that is the day you plan on publishing a review of that book. Because you've probably already read it, right? All those advance copies showing up on your door step and on your Kindle mean that for a lot of book reviewers, we've read the latest and greatest novels long before they hit the bookstores.
Consequently, we miss out on one of the greatest thrills known to bibliophiles around the world: THE THRILL OF RELEASE DAY. If you love books, even if you've been reviewing and reading advance copies for years, I'm willing to bet you've experienced the utter joy of planning your week around a highly anticipated book's release. Turning down social obligations on that day, maybe even taking the day off of work (don't you dare judge me), being able to rush down to the store on the day of a book's release, the thrill of having it in your hands, and then rushing home to revel in the experience of reading it (Should I read it all in one sitting? Should I pace myself to make the experience last longer?)...there are few joys in a book-lovers life like release day.
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| Sandy at You've Gotta Read This! makes the Costco loading boy open the boxes NOW |
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| A Midnight Harry Potter Book Release in San Francisco |
As I look back on some of the great book releases of the past - not just the Harry Potter books - it seems to me a great way to mark your reading life. Even if the book turns out to be over-hyped and underwhelming (yes, I'm talking about you, Night Circus) it's still an experience worth talking about later.
To only read advance copies is to deprive yourself of the unique thrill that only release day of a book special to you can bring. So every once in a while, circle the release date on your calendar - but skip the advance copy. Join the party. And now excuse me as I'm off to grab my copy of Stephen King's new novel Mr. Mercedes. After all, as I type this, it's release day and I've cleared my schedule for the day.
I'd be curious to hear if anyone else has any memorable release-day moments?
I was on Instagram last night and a few were planning to read the King book next week, like a readalong without rules. I only got to read the first chapter last night because I had a raging f'in headache and I forgot the book at home today. Groan.
ReplyDeleteI suppose I will be excited about the Murakami book's release too since I cannot for the life of me obtain and review copy.
You and Murakami....sigh. What am I going to do with you?
DeleteI am really looking forward to Mr Mercedes. Read the sample on Amazon and so far so good.
ReplyDeleteI'm a couple of chapters in and just loving it's delicious creepiness....
DeleteI got all Thrillsville when the Johnny Cash biography was released on Oct. 31.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked in a book store Tuesdays - release day - were my favorite days. Unpacking the new books and setting them all up. Just seeing a huge pile of a new best seller makes me weak in the knees.
ReplyDeleteAwwww, I resisted reading The Night Circus because of all the hype for a long time, and then when I finally read it, I loved it! I'm looking forward to The Magician's Land by Lev Grossman. I'm not sure if I'm going to get to read it in advance or not!
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