Collin Simpson//Contributing Writer
With the Miami Book Fair International less than a month away, sunny South Florida has become the in spot to be for internationally renowned authors.
Thursday, Oct. 22, Books and Books, an independent bookstore in Coral Gables, hosted no other than Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of famous politicians Bill and Hillary Clinton. Chelsea Clinton was there to promote her new children’s novel “It’s Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!” which she wrote to inspire kids, teens and young adults to strive to make a difference in their own communities and abroad.
“I kept meeting kids who were really curious about the world and who really were so attentive to what was happening and wanted to know what they could do about it. So, I wrote this to help them learn more about issues they already knew about, learn about issues they didn’t know about, and share stories of kids who are doing amazing things so they could imagine themselves doing the same amazing things if they wanted, ” Chelsea explained.
This event was a book signing only, but Chelsea was incredibly nice, talking with both children and adults and posing for pictures with them while holding her new book. The store was packed, with the line for signing weaving from one end of the building to the other. A diverse array of patrons attended the signing, from the very young to the young at heart, each excited to meet Chelsea. Those attending were given the opportunity to post on stickers how they will make a difference in the world. Many children enthusiastically took this challenge, with their promises including, I will … “recycle more,” “not litter,” “help the animals,” “save the whales,” “ try to make others smile” and “change the world.”
Though her book, Chelsea inspires her readers to address the problems in the world and focus on the notion that “You can make a difference!”
Joanne Roberts, a retired social studies high school teacher, was excited at the thought of meeting Chelsea Clinton and reading her book. “I’m getting one book for my niece and nephew so they have something to read when they get a little bit older. I’m also going to use this book with the students I’m tutoring so they get more involved and have some sense of control.” She also stated, “I’m buying a copy as a surprise birthday present for a teacher I mentored who is now the chairman of the social studies department at Sunset High School.”
Books and Books owner, Mitchell Kaplan, was zealous about the event and Chelsea’s book. “What she’s doing is galvanizing the young people of America and it’s a marvelous thing to see.”
Making a difference in the world is a specialty of Mitchell Kaplan. In 1984, Mitchell and Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón co-founded the Miami Book Fair International. Now in its 32 year of operation, this eight-day event is recognized as one of the nation’s best literary festivals.
For book lovers, sports fans, comic book, graphic novel enthusiasts and those who like to party in the literary world of noted authors, this year’s Miami Book Fair International promises to be the best ever!
There are many upcoming events leading to this literary street fair. The guest roster at Books and Books includes legendary NFL player, Ray Lewis, appearing at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, former Congressman Patrick Kennedy at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1 and for the fiction fans, Vampire Academy Series author, Richelle Mead, will be appearing at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, all at the Books and Books Coral Gables store.
As for the Miami Book Fair International, watch for upcoming events which include famed anchor Tom Brokaw on November 18 (cost $15) and the free author event of Dav Pilkey, writer of the Captain Underpants Series, on Friday, Nov. 20, both at MDC Chapman Conference Center (Building Three, Second Floor, Room 3210) 300 NE Second Ave., Miami, FL.
About Post Author
