Report from BEA

Today's report comes to you live from BEA at the venerable Javits Center in New York.

Since Wednesday, book people of all types have been here doing what we all do. Each year is pretty much the same, but also slightly different...here are some observations:

1. It's less crowded I'm not saying attendance is down, but BEA definitely seems slightly less manic this year than previously.

2. People love crime fiction The one booth that always has a long line is Mystery Writers of America. This year is no exception.

3. Exhibitors cheaped out on chocolate I'm not seeing nearly as many bowls of candy. I know we're here for the books, but I do miss the tiny Hershey bars.

4. Reading and publishing are alive and well--thriving, even Every year I walk in here and think, "how can anyone honestly think reading needs to be 'saved'?" If it's in danger, someone really needs to tell the thousands of people here, the librarians, booksellers, bloggers, publishers, authors...nobody here thinks books or storytelling is dying. Far from it.

5. Bloggers matter When BEA first started welcoming book bloggers, not everyone realized what a shift this is. These are folks who love telling people about the stories they love. And their importance in the book ecosystem can't be underestimated. I'm thrilled to see so many bloggers here.