I have spent WAY too much money on books this week. But I can’t help it. All these totally amazing authors are in town, and I can’t help but want to support them. I justified a few of my purchases as “early Christmas gifts” and even promised myself not to buy myself a birthday present this year.

Anderson’s Bookshop was packed for the Cornelia Funke signing. I got there about half an hour early and still had to stand in the magazine section to be able to see anything and was number 88 of about 100 people with tickets, not including all the parents and random observers who didn’t bring any books to sign. And, boy, can that woman sign. Kids had sticks of books tucked under their chins when they went up, but she whipped threw them like they were nothing. Granted, you can’t read her signature, but it’s there.

She also has the most amazing reading voice ever. At her signing two days ago, she read from the middle of Inkdeath (which I still haven’t been able to read), and after the first few sentences, I stopped listening to the story and just listened to the words she was saying. While I expected her to have a German accent, I was surprised by how fluid and magical her reading style is. I could have just listened to her read all night.

But I was also glad when she stopped reading and let all the kids ask her questions. They were really shy at first, but soon everyone had a question for her. Those kids had some incredible things to ask, like are there any differences in the English translation than in the original German (the name of the second book is “Inkblood” in German) and does she like the villains or heroes in her books better (she’s a hero lover and sometimes is glad when she is able to have a villain come to a horrible end). I don’t think I was anywhere near as articulate as those kids when I was eight.

Cinda Williams Chima (author of The Wizard Heir books) was a lot more low-key and in a much smaller branch of the indie shop. I was really happy I went to that one because it felt like we were all just chatting about books and writing. Plus the kids were older and reminded me a lot of the students back at Beehive Academy that I miss.

Cinda brought some emails from fans to share with us that were both hysterical and heartwarming. One kid asked her if she would be willing to answer seven questions for a book report—due the next day—and another just wanted to share how her books have encouraged him to read more. She also gave some juicy details on her new series coming out next year.

Probably the best part of the evening (I mean besides supporting such a fabulous author) was getting to talk to the store clerks after the signing was over. Of course we are all bibliophiles, so we shared some of our favorite books, including a deep, abiding love for Mo Willams, and talked about where the young adult genera is going. Horary for independent booksellers! Those people are more like librarians and work hard to keep up on industry trends, current events and the classics.

When John Green walked Aderson’s Bookshop yesterday, I don’t think he had any clue what was waiting for him. Okay, he even said he was “shocked and overwhelmed” by the sight that greeted him. Apparently, three and a half years ago, John’s first book signing was at Anderson’s, and only four people showed up, including his wife and his agent. This time it was a teenage Mecca with a few legals thrown into the mix. More than 200 people came to see the Printz-winning (Looking For Alaska), New York Times-bestselling (Paper Towns) author.

I was lucky enough to have stopped by the store earlier in the afternoon and heard John talking to one of the clerks at the back of the store. I couldn't resist saying hello to him and got to spend a few moments talking with him one-on-one. He is honestly just a class act—humble and in awe of the success life has blessed him with.

With so many people packed into the store, John was forced to stand on his swivel chair and place the mic stand on the table so everyone could see him above the bookshelves and hear him across the shop. Don’t worry, he got off the chair and stood on solid ground to do his happy dance after his reading and Q&A session. He was just as funny and smart and personable in person as he is in his video blog. I know that sound stalker-fanish of me, but I hope I can be half the entertainer he is when I am finally published and do book signings.

So thanks to the authors who gave of their time to visit my hometown, the wonderful independent bookseller Anderson’s for hosting such amazing events and my sister for letting me drag her to all of these signings (she wasn’t able to come to Cinda’s event, but she was there in spirit as she is the one who introduced me to Cinda’s books).

Laurie Halse Anderson on Wednesday is the last stop on this YA blitz. Then I can’t buy another book until after the New Year. Okay, maybe just a couple more…