The Penguin Book Truck stopped in Albuquerque on Wednesday. It was passing through as part of the celebration of the 75 anniversary of the publication of The Grapes of Wrath. They were traveling with the The National Steinbeck Center and are recreating “the journey that The Grapes of Wrath‘s Joad family took along America’s Route 66 through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona at the height of the Dust Bowl—toward California and their hopes of a better life.”
I waited around on Wednesday to see what time they’d arrive at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and decided to run some errands before stopping for a visit. I got there around 1:30 pm and I tried to contain my excitement! There were a lot of people to see the special events at the museum in honor of Steinbeck, but not many browsing the book truck.
I spoke with one of the Penguin reps, but didn’t catch is name. It was his first visit to Albuquerque and he was loving it. I asked him if they went to see the balloons (the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held in early October) and he said yes, that they were there at 5:30 am in the morning and had fun. We spoke a bit about books and he recommended Elizabeth Gilbert’s newest release, The Signature of All Things.
I spent some time browsing and since part of the proceeds go to the Steinbeck center, I purchased Steinbeck’s King Arthur and another book that I won’t mention because it’s part of my sister’s gift and she reads the blog (hi Liz!).
This section featured fiction and YA books along with some children books.
This side was all about Steinbeck and the classics!
They had the new Penguin horror books curated by Guillermo del Toro and oh my gosh they are gorgeous! If I had been carrying more cash, I would have bought a title or two. I’m kicking myself for not taking a picture of them. These will make a gorgeous gift for any horror fan.
Deborah Harkness’ Shadow Of Night spotted on the truck!
Lauren Willig and Julie James were spotted as well.
My purchases with the gift book blanked out. I also picked up a copy of Penguin’s annotated classics catalog and 2 posters (one features the different Penguin logo through the years). And, I was given a free tote bag! The Penguin employee laughed when I told him I wanted one badly. 😀
Kaley @ Books Etc
That looks like so much fun! I love being such a bookish nerd and knowing exactly how you felt when you realized there weren’t many people near the truck even though the museum was busier 🙂 Yay for getting a tote bag!
Kaley @ Books Etc recently posted…Review: Longbourn
Jessica
I like a kid at a candy store! To sum it up: the good-I bought 2 books and the bad-I only bought 2 books.
Jessica recently posted…One Liners: LynDee Walker’s Front Page Fatality
Jenna
That looks like fun. I would love to see that truck come to my town.
Jenna recently posted…Review: Made of Stars by Kelley York
Jessica
It was a lot of fun! I imagine seeing the truck on the interstate would be loads of fun too! Or it would be for me. LOL! I do hope they stop by your area at some point during the upcoming year. 😀
Jessica recently posted…One Liners: LynDee Walker’s Front Page Fatality