As I waited in line at Waterstones Piccadilly surrounded by books and book lovers, our chat softened when, accompanied by a stripey blue and white mug with a tea bag string hanging over the side, in walked the literary genius and storyteller that is Sally Rooney.
Yep, you heard me right. The one and only Sally Rooney. Sally Rooney, author of possibly my favourite book (and TV series) EVER, Normal People. Gosh I love that book.
I had the pleasure of seeing her at Waterstones Piccadilly this week for the launch of her fourth novel, Intermezzo*. Albeit brief with a short reading and book signing, it was a great evening and even gave me an excuse for a mini solo date to London – timely as I was feeling down, which I suspect comes down to the changing British weather. (Is it Autumn or Winter, or are we still clinging onto pockets of Summer?)
But first: A mini solo London date
As soon as I saw the tickets advertised on Instagram some months back, you bet that I jumped at the chance, even if it meant a longer commute!
Beforehand, I had a pretty relaxed start. I read some of my book, Jog On by Bella Mackie*, on the train; went to Kiko to pick up a couple of makeup bits; a mooch around Uniqlo and then headed to Seven Dials Market for some food. Apparently my body decided 4pm was dinner time.
Down went a slice of (average) Bad Boy pizza swiftly followed by some Humble Crumble. And oh boy was I humbled. I’d recommend sticking to the most popular, the classic Apple and Cinnamon – with hot custard. Just try not to spill it over your hand.
But then, it was straight to Waterstones (via China Town). It’s crazy how time goes by so quickly around a bookshop for a bookworm – even if you are 2.5 hours early! Needless to say, my TBR has increased yet again.
Waterstones Piccadilly: Sally Rooney event
I joined the outside queue, where bustling commuters gave us a look as we looked simply eager to wait outside a bookshop for no reason at all, prompting a few passers-by to ask what we were waiting for. Oh, and to pass the time, I had the pleasure of featuring in Waterstones’ quick-fire Sally Rooney social! I can only so regarding one of my responses: what was I thinking? But I regret nothing.
(hopefully I’ll remember to put their TikTok or whatever here!)
Guided inside to a zig-zaggy queue, it was clear to see we were all very happy to be gifted a tote bag of choice (white or blue?) with a cute pin inside. And of course, the book!
Dressed in a simply, pretty dress, she proceeded to the small stage to give a reading. Her voice was soft, and somewhat familiar, just like her characters. In just 3 pages, she was able to enrapture us all and set the base for what I hope to be a gorgeous novel – maybe even sublime.
There were strict instructions not to take any photographs (her request, which I understand), with a limit of 2 signings of Intermezzo only. However, the (brave) girl in front of me seemed to have other ideas as she sneaked a few pics as we moved towards the front of the queue, and then whipped out her annotated copy of Normal People! Staff were quick to stop her, but Rooney was very kind and patient. ‘Just the one.’
Fair play.
And this is why we like Sally Rooney, as well as her beautiful work.
With me, it was simple. Asked if I was Lizzie (I am). And we learned we do our Zs the same way (like 3s). Short. Sweet. Kind.
And that was my evening = a very happy Lizzie.
If that doesn’t convince you to go to a book event, what will?!
But jokes aside, they are for a certain kind of people: no expectations, very chilled and just pure calm.
Now for me to fetch my SIGNED copy of Intermezzo* off the shelf… 💙♟️
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Lizzie's Week 