If you ever meet someone famous...

• you'll want good friends there with you as witnesses to the fact (Rachel, me, Annalisa)

• you hope this person looks like what you think they look like (seriously, how can an author be so cute?)

• you hope they'll look at your camera when you take their picture

• you'll listen intently, gratefully, to every amazing word he says and every story he tells, not only because he's articulate, disarmingly funny and charming, but because he's also Australian and sounds like it

you'll be happy to see old friends again and to rejoice that they get to have this experience too

you'll be flabbergasted that you get to spend just a few minutes with him, watching him sign your books

you hope they won't be fazed by your nervous hero-worship induced state

• you'll be amazed that it was their idea to pose for a picture with you (even though it was against the rules)


• you'll be forever grateful for the people that made it possible

• you may also secretly wish that your friend Annalisa, who is due the next day, will go into labor because that is the only way that this night could possibly be more memorable.

What an amazing blessing to see Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, I am the Messenger and Getting the Girl, to hear him speak of personal stories, writing, creativity, eggs, his experiences as an author, advice and to hear him read from The Book Thief! This evening will be a highlight for my life. Definitely.