Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Do you have a collection of books signed by the author? What sort of pleasure do you derive from this collection? Is it the moment of meeting the author that you relish, or is the value that a signature adds to the worth of a book? Maybe it’s just the owning of such books that gives you pleasure.My collection of signed books has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I always try to get a book signed, especially if I have an emotional attachment with it. But even if I haven’t read the book yet, I’ll grab the opportunity to meet the author, and have them autograph a book to me. The problem is, I don’t know why I collect autographed books. I don’t plan on selling them for profit, and I don’t think many of them are worth much money anyway. I like to say that I’ve met so-and-so, but I am too shy to actually talk to the authors, so it’s not the actual meeting that I look forward to. Why do I keep collecting them?
I have a hardcover copy of Yann Martel’s Life of Pi. I loved this book because not only was it a great story, but because of its wonderfully ambiguous ending. I had read it not long before a BEA convention, and when I got to the show floor the first day, I was making my way through a crowded aisle when I saw a man approaching from the opposite direction. As one always does at conventions, I glanced down at his name badge and saw, printed in bold letters, “Yann Martel.” And then he was gone.
The next day, I made it a point to be at the publisher’s booth for Yann Martel’s signing of the new paperback release of Life of Pi. But because I already owned the hardcover, I broke my usual form and asked him to sign a book for my friend L. I had raved about the book to L, so she was more than happy to receive a signed copy.
Now, I don’t mean to be selfish about this, but I keep thinking that maybe I should have gotten Yann Martel to sign the book for me, and then given my hardcover to L. This is when I start to question my motives. Why do I need a signed copy of Life of Pi anyway? I got to meet the author, didn’t I? I don’t do anything with the signed books- they just sit on the bookshelf. I wouldn’t sell it even if it was worth a lot of money, and practically speaking, what’s the difference?
But still, somehow, it does seem to make a difference. Why?
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
posted by Renee at 9:47 PM
feed me
6 Comments:
Hmm, that is one book that didn't quite grab me the way it seemed to do to most people. He does have a way with language, and great storytelling ability - and a Canadian to boot!
I think having a signed copy would be a neat reminder of having actually met the author whose work you admired, so I can see the appeal of having the autographed copy.
I like getting books signed too, and I don't do anything with the books once I have them. But then again, most books I own and read sit on the shelves once I'm done with them, and I don't do anything with them, but I like having them anyway. I supposed with signed books, they are proof that you did actually meet the author.
I loved Life of Pi, although it took me about 80 pages to get interested.
I recently wrote about signed books, too! You can go to: http://lesleysbooknook.blogspot.com/2006/08/top-shelf.html to read more.
I think one reason I like getting a signed copy is so I can have a few quick minutes to gush to the author about how much I enjoy their work (and maybe learn something about them or possibly something about a new book they might be working on).
I love going to booksignings, where I take advantage of my two seconds blabbing to the author while she/he is nodding absently while signing. Buying the book and having it autographed is a wonderful way to support those authors whom you like personally or whose work you admire. Unless I have a previous relationship, the author will never remember me or my name, but I adore owning signed books. I'm creating a library of signed children's books over my lifetime, and when I die, I will either pass the books on to my not-yet-born-kids or donate the collection.
I have a collection of signed books too (about 15). For me it's just a reminder of having met the author. Most of the time it's been a great experience. Isabel Allende, David Sedaris and Carol Shields were all super sweet. It gives me another reason to love their books even more.
iliana, you were so lucky to have a chance to meet Carol Shields. I still have a hard time believing she's gone.
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