“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”
— Bill Bryson
When I was doing research for last week’s trip to Stanfords bookshop in Covent Garden, I happened to notice a banner on their website, advertising a book signing with Bill Bryson the following week. I raced to find my diary and add it to my agenda. Already leaving work early that day? Don’t usually take a lunch break?
But hey, all sins are forgiven where Bill Bryson is concerned, right?
I can safely say Bill was the first travel writer I ever read. The summer after graduating, with plans of moving to London already in the works, a best friend and I bought copies of his work to take to beach week–I started reading Notes on a Small Island, while she tucked into Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe. When I was pushed into the pool sometime during that week, all I can remember screaming is, “Don’t let my book get wet!” as I threw it towards dry ground. Of course it didn’t make it.
I still have that copy, with its yellowed pages now as crinkled as a thin, crispy poppadom, but have since moved on to devour whatever else of his I can get my hands on, following his adventures along the Appalachian Trail, growing up in Des Moines, or moving back to the States after twenty years away.
Because I found out about the signing with such short notice, my only option at actually having a book for him to sign was to raid the charity shops in Surbiton. Amazingly, I stumbled across a copy of Mother Tongue: The English Language. Have I read it? No. Will I? I can’t say, but it was two pounds I didn’t hesitate to spend.
So when my friend Fraser and I met up at Stanfords today for the signing, I have to admit: I was ridiculously close to being giddy. As soon as the queue started moving and we could get closer look at his rosy-red cheeks and beard–just like the photos, of course–we looked at each other and said, “Wow, he’s a real person.”
We were in the presence of greatness.
And then my time came. I handed him my book with the shy reserve of Oliver asking politely for some more. Our conversation went something like this:
“Can I make this out to anyone?”
“To Candace, please.”
“Is that you?”
“Yes, sir.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Candace. Where are you from?”
[Fight temptation to gush: omgBill,youhavenoideahowniceitis!] “Virginia.”
“Which part?”
“Virginia Beach.”
“I’ve never been there.”
“Oh, it’s right along the coast.”
“Yes, that would explain the beach.”
Ouch. But hey–isn’t his dry wit what we all love most about Bill? I mean, if I’m going to be star-struck and socially awkward, it might as well be when meeting Bill Bryson. He was truly lovely and asked more questions about why I was in London and what I was studying and at the end, he said, “Well, Candace, I wish you the very best of luck.”
Fraser and I walked out of Stanfords a little dazed I do believe. We parted ways and as I headed back to work, I thought–hey, I was wished good luck by Bill Bryson today.
Not a bad day. Not a bad day at all.
i love his intriguing handwriting! never seen a style quite like that!
Me too! I think it was almost as fascinating to watch him sign the book as it was to talk to him 🙂
One day, dear daughter of mine, that will be you. You will never forget
how YOU felt at meeting someone like Bill Bryson and will
connect with those waiting in line to meet you.
Absolutely fantastic. Love the pics!
Thanks, Mom! It was definitely an awesome moment and you’re exactly right–it meant to so much for him to ask even a few questions. And the thing that was so great about him was that he did it with everyone–made an effort to have even the smallest of conversations. Pretty cool 🙂
Ha – how much am I enjoying the y! He just kept it running.
I had to explain the fascination several times last night. He was so jolly and lovely!
I know! A friend asked me last night if he was as jovial in real life as he comes across in his books…and as much as I hate confirming stereotypes or what have you, I was like, I think he was! He genuinely seemed pretty happy to meet us…but who wouldn’t be, right? 🙂
First thing I noticed was his handwriting as well. It’s very unique, I’ve never seen any like it.
Must have been a massive rush to meet him, and I laughed at the “yes, that would explain the beach” quip he made. Nicely played Candace. 😉
It definitely was! I think he’s one of those guys any travel writer really looks up to…so pretty crazy to be right across a table from him 🙂 and I know…I’m such an idiot, but I’d like to think I just wanted to give him a chance to show off his wit 😛 Not long til Dubai and home now, right?!
For a moment I thought you were going to reference the shy, reserved nature of another Oliver we know.
😉
What a great blog you have here!
Glad to ‘meet’ another Bill Bryson fan, as well.
So you’ll understand why my most cherished possession is a hand written letter from Bill on his own personal letterhead from “The Rectory’ and sent to me during my tenure as a Library Trustee. We were trying to get him to come speak at our Library next trip out to California (where I, too, met him at book signings).
His letter was the kindest rejection letter I have ever received.
His ‘Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid’ was a favourite along with
all of the titles you mention as well.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Catherine, and for taking the time to visit The Great Affair! What a wonderful story about Bill Bryson – I can definitely understand how special that letter is 🙂 By the way, I read through your profile on the Travel Store and love your ideas for visiting the UK…I attended the Ceremony of the Keys several times while living in London and can’t recommend the experience enough. Next time I’m there, I’ll have to try lining up a London Eye ride with the Changing of the Guard!