I met Mitch Albom!

Mitch Albom (Detroit sports writer, also the author of Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven) did a book signing today at the local Borders. I got there at 12 (it was scheduled to start at 12:30) and there were only like 8 people in line already (I had no idea how many people were going to come out for something like this, so I got there early, just in case). Mitch showed up at about 12:40, addressed everyone in line and thanked us for coming out (by now there were about 50 people in line, not a HUGE crowd but no too shabby, either) and then started signing everyone's book.

He took the time to really TALK to everyone. He looked them in the eye, asked questions, shook their hand--it wasn't an "assembly line" kind of thing at all. You could tell that he was genuinely interested in everyone who came out. When it was my turn (after only about 10 minutes or so), I went up and managed not to make an complete ass out of myself. I was actually quite smooth and calm and even told him to enjoy the rest of his day as I was leaving.

I got back to my car and called Mom, all excited about my brush with fame and to tell her that I had had him sign one for her, as well. "You know, Katey would probably like one, too," she said....so back inside I went. (The line was moving pretty quickly, even with all the time that he was taking with each person, so I only had to wait another 10 minutes or so.) When it was my turn again, he said, "Oh, you're back," and at the end he said, "If you think of anyone else who might want one, I'll be here for a couple more minutes." (I actually DID end up going back inside one more time; I caught him as he was walking out and asked if he could "PLEASE sign a couple more," and he laughed and walked back up to the front of the store with me so I could grab a couple more copies off the shelf).

All in all, it was a very pleasant way to spend a couple hours on a Sunday afternoon. I'm very glad I went, and Mitch Albom seems like a truly caring, down-to-earth guy. (And if you haven't read Five People yet, I highly recommend it. It'll really make you think.)

PS--Anna, if you're interested, he'll be at the Northville Borders next Saturday at 2. For more information, check out http://www.albom.com/