I only went to 1 SWF event this year; they’re massive events, I have Sunday/ Monday off and l live in Cronulla so it’s not super convenient for me to be getting home to afterwards. I think I think it every year, but next year I really do just want to take the week off and see everything!
Anyway I digress. I only have been to the Ann Patchett/ Meg Mason event that was at Town Hall on Thursday. It was excellent and I am SO glad I chose to go/ They spoke so well, I had NO idea glow worms were really just maggots and I have a new remembered appreciation for potato salad. I LOVED Tom Lake.
But I really really enjoyed the camaraderie of waiting in the line to get in, the smile on everyone’s faces as I walked to me seat ( I was running a few minutes late to my seat, I blame City Rail). I just felt we were in a massive room and absolutely everyone there was stoked to be there. We were among friends.
I caught their train home with my friend Fiona and we chatted about how books are a real shorthand for people. You know you are with a kindred spirit if the person you are chatting to mentions Anne Shirley, You know you are with a fellow reader if the person has a bookish pin attached to their coat.. and omg that soulmate vibe when you have the same favourite author as a colleague at work…I love that reading has it’s own community. I love that book people are the best people, and I adore events like the Sydney Writers Festival when you can clearly see how many people read!!!!!!!! What a people!!!!
