C.J. Box Appears At The Lone Tree Arts Center!

C.J. Box appeared at the Lone Tree Arts Center yesterday evening to promote Storm Watch, his latest Joe Pickett novel. The event was sponsored by the Douglas County Library, with books provided by my old employer, the Tattered Cover Bookstore. Tickets were $40, which included a copy of the book. Unlike last year, however, a companion ticket was offered for $25, so that two people from the same household did not have to purchase two copies of the same book, which convinced Susan and I to attend. I myself still prefer the old fashioned book signing event, where you just walk into the bookstore, sit down, listen to the author speak, and if you want to buy the book and have it autographed, do so, and if not, just leave. That, of course, is no longer done with bestselling authors. Another example of progress in today's world, even if it doesn't seem like it.

The last time I went to a C.J. Box book signing, it was at the Tattered Cover Bookstore on Colfax Avenue here in Denver. He spoke for a bit, discussing his new book, read a few passages from it, took questions from the audience, and then signed copies for those who wished to purchase a copy. Last night, however, there was a talk radio host from KOA radio who sat next to Box and more or less interviewed him, asking questions of his own and others submitted in advance from the audience. I did not like this format nearly as much, but sadly, they did not clear it with me in advance. In any case, even though all the books were pre-signed, Box still personalized the book and chatted with anyone who wanted to stand in line, which is of course the best part of a book signing. I am glad I went, but still long for the good old days. Spoken like a true old curmudgeon, right?