Friday, May 24, 2013

Not Bummed About BEA

This is the first year that BEA has rolled around since I really got into the blogging community. Technically this blog was in operation for the last two BEAs, but I was totally out of the loop at the time and had no real idea how much of a thing it is among book bloggers. I'm not going this year, I'm not upset about it, and I'm starting to feel like I'm in the minority here.

The thing is, if I wanted to go, I easily could. I only live a few hours north of NYC and my parents' house is only a 30 minute train ride from the Big Apple. I lived a half hour outside of the city my entire life until my husband and I moved a year and a half ago. That might sound pretty great, but the downside to living 30 minutes outside of the city is that most of my generation can't afford to stay. Houses were affordable when my parents bought theirs almost 30 years ago. Now? Not so much. As a couple with "normal" college degree jobs, not being doctors, lawyers, stock brokers, etc. it just wasn't going to happen for us.

Anyway, my point is that I wouldn't have needed airfare, a hotel stay, or a roommate in order to go to BEA. Heck, I wouldn't have even needed to take off work because I work from home and could have shuffled around my schedule in order to fit it all in. The thing is I already have more ARCs than I ever expected to get as a small-time blogger. I know it's a great opportunity to meet other bloggers and people in the industry, but a part of me feels I'm not truly qualified to attend this sort of event. I'm not sure if that is actually true or not, but it's my gut feeling. Maybe I'll feel differently in 2014, but for this year, I'm going to stick to reading some of those accumulated ARCs beachside. Instead of attending the expo, I'll be on a Memorial Day week getaway in a lovely NJ beach town (a.k.a. my favorite place on earth -- I love it so much, my husband proposed to me there -- he knows me well!) It's a working vacation, but a getaway all the same. I'm looking forward to a week off from homeowner projects & troubles! So here's to sun, sand, surf, and lots of reading :)

15 comments:

  1. Have a really nice getaway! :)

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  2. That looks like a lovely destination... I hope you enjoy your time away :-)

    My Book Bubble

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  3. I'd say you are qualified, though of course you should only go if you want to and your plans for this weekend sound great. True about the ARCs, because from what others say you'd be coming back with quite a few and that not needing them is part of your decision not to go is admirable really :)

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    1. Thanks Charlie! It really felt like the right thing to do to skip this year, and I definitely need time to catch up on reading MUCH more than I need an opportunity to get more books! If you're going, have fun :)

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  4. I'm in the exact same position as you. I could take a train or even drive into the city for BEA, and I did last year. When I thought about it this year, I thought - I really don't need any books, and the blogger day was kind of lame, so I decided it's not really worth the gas + parking fee. Instead, I'll be doing Armchair BEA.

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    1. Glad I'm not the only one who feels this way :) Armchair BEA does seem like a lot of fun -- if I weren't away for the week I probably would have joined in too.

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  5. Have a wonderful week away! That sounds fantastic!

    I'm a little sad I'm not going to BEA, but I live far away and don't have the money, and since I just about caught up on all those ARCs I had for the month of May I don't mind a short ARC break. Plus, my blog is not even a year old yet and I figured if I am still around next year (which I sure hope I will be) I'll make an effort to go next year. Oh and of course you are qualified, but I can totally understand why you don't want to go. So if I can scramble the funds together and you feel like going we should join up next year. Just saying... it would be fun. ;)

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    1. That would be fun! I'll have to see if I feel differently about going next year :)

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  6. Hey Christine. Thanks for the comment on my blog about my read-a-thon. I won't be picky if you want to read your own books. I just need some motivation to get some library books done. I would love for you to join.

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    1. I actually just requested a bunch of new library books so by the time this read-a-thon comes around, I just might be game! I got a little ahead of myself when first starting to use NetGalley and a lot of really great titles I got approved for I never got around to reading before they expired. My library system has a bunch of them though now that the publication dates have passed, so I'm trying to make up for it...

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  7. I bit the bullet and did it. I feel now that one I can do it cheaper next time. Roommates!! And two I feel like a BIG HOARDER! The number of ARC and swag there is mind blowing and it just goes to show you I have a problem. Because I want to spend tons of money and do it next year. Lol!

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    1. I can only imagine the ARCs! Would love to see a post of all the goodies you got. Sounds like a good time :)

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I'd love to hear what you think :)