From the moment I arrived at the Book Blogger Convention and saw those canvas totes lined up down the hallway, my fingers started itching with that old, familiar tingle.
Free books.
I didn’t know there would be free books, friends. I’d gotten an email from an author days earlier implying I’d be receiving a copy of her book at the event, but I wasn’t completely sure what she was talking about. Just in case there weren’t free books, I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
The funny about about readers — and book bloggers — is that we all probably have one quarter of a million books waiting for us to be read. Thinking now about my overflowing bookcase, I cringe when imagining having to toss even one more book on the shelves without reading one and removing it.
But the allure of free books — worlds yet undiscovered — is too strong. And since many of you asked me what was in those mysterious canvas totes, I’m here to tell you. With a handy diagram.
Inside Meg’s swag bag:
1. Well, the swag bag itself. Which is awesome, sturdy and has been used since my return to cart other books to work and beyond.
2. A super awesome Spike Light, courtesy of Authors On The Web. And, um? Mine is PINK. Love.
3. Books! Titles in my bag were Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson (audio); The Great Lover by Jill Dawson; The Nature Of Jade by Deb Caletti; Secret Lives Of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown; The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins; Think Of A Number by John Verdon; and the Perfect 10 Diet. Also included? A yearly journal (I’m going to write my monthly reading on each page) and a reading guide with synopsises and discussion questions for many current books.
4. A Spyology pen, which writes in invisible ink.
5. A “Fail” stamp, which has already proven to be way more hilarious than I think the creators intentioned. I think my sister has stolen it, and if she hasn’t — Spencer definitely has. Also? Lots of bookmarks and other promotional materials; a handheld mirror advertising a new wedding novel; buttons and tiny book-related postcards.
6. A T-shirt for Sandra Brannan’s In The Belly Of Jonah, some cute notecards with a reading theme, and a mousepad for The Monkey Bible.
So there you have it, friends. After the convention was over, you’d see many of us folding under the weight of our swag as we made our way through the streets of New York, and I had a heck of a time getting this thing comfortably on the train the next day! But does that mean I’m unappreciative? Absolutely not. It was worth the shoulder ache — and I’m grateful for the goodies.
And I’ve shared many of my spoils with friends and coworkers, plus my sister has confiscated The Great Lover and is quickly making her way through that one. Look for reviews soon.
write meg! 
It looks great. Many of the books look interesting and the invisible ink has me intrigued. I also like light like that, and I’d love to have a pink one, lucky you 🙂
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Thanks for the peek – although it makes me so envious! Loved your line: “we all probably have one quarter of a million books waiting for us to be read.”
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I had been wondering indeed. Thanks for sharing!
My Monday post: http://leeswammes.wordpress.com
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my kids and I all love the FAIL stamp!
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What an awesome bag of goodies!
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thanks for giving us a look inside your swag bag. definitely jealous!
i had a hard time carrying my backpack across my college campus without breaking out in a sweat so i can’t even begin to imagine how you managed to carry that bag around nyc.
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Wow, that is the ultimate swag bag! Very impressive indeed, and how fortuitous that you got a pink light!
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Ooooh….I’m lusting after “The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives”. I’ll look for your review!!!!
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Ohhh, so cool!!!! Mucho jealous
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Oh I am drooling over here! I was wondering what was in those, now that I know…I am so jealous! Awesome stuff!
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haha, i’m so happy you posted your swag!!! ahh i’m so jealous of all the free books (and pink spike light! it’s fate, obviously).
and omg, that’s pretty awesome that they included a “fail” stamp. i wonder if they intend for you to stamp the books you don’t like? eek, lol.
❤
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books, smooks. did you say you got an INVISIBLE INK PEN!?!?!?!? does it work??? please do a blog post about it. i’m so sad i missed the expo…but next year i’ll be there with bells on.
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For some dumb reason, I was not expecting any more free books and then I saw those giant totes! Did you get your luggage tag too? They had those on a separate table with everyone’s name on them.
I had to stash the perfect 10 diet into another bag because it was too big and I already was nearing the luggage limit for the train ride home.
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Love all the book goodies, but I HAVE TO HAVE THAT FAIL STAMP!!! THis is a word my kids use constantly! I want it, need it, MUST find it somewhere!
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Ah, so jealous! Free books, is there anything better? Maybe free food, but that’s it. I went to BEA once and came home with an overflowing book bag. And no, I didn’t read almost any of them but still! How fun….
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Pingback: My Belated Book Blogger Convention Post
Wow, now I’m really bummed that I had to leave before the BBC.
–Anna
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