Once in a while, a layover between flights can prove to be a good thing and that's how I feel about my recent one-night stop in Madrid. It was June and one of the largest book fairs in the world was taking place in Madrid's El Retiro Park. I had just the right amount of time and energy to walk over to see what the book lovers of Spain were experiencing on this beautiful summer evening.
For over 90 years the Feria del Libro de Madrid has been attracting thousands of book lovers from all over Spain and beyond. This year's Book Fair (May 31-June 16, 2024) was situated along the historic old carriageway, Paseo Ferman Nunez, in the 350-acre El Ritero Park. There were numerous speakers, press events, and over 600 book signings for all to enjoy at this free event.
I walked from one end of the long promenade to the other, observing the more than 360 booths and thousands of books that lined both sides. There were authors and visitors, young and old, congregating at the booths. I examined the book covers and thought about their important role in making a book stand out, especially in a crowded marketplace such as this one. With the popularity of digital books today, it's reassuring to know that there are still many book lovers in this world who prefer their books in print.
Some of the love for literature that I experienced at this event stayed with me. For the first time, I completed an entire book on the nine-hour flight back to the US.
The book I read and recommend, The Librarians of Rue de Picardie, by Janet Skesilien Charles, (with a great book cover) was purchased at an old bookstore in Nerja, Spain that I visited with my grandchildren a few days before.
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| SIENNA & MILA OLD NERJA BOOK CENTER |
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