Meeting two of my favorite childhood authors in two weeks? Heaven! Last week, Lemony Snicket's new book Who Could That Be At This Hour? was released, and in his rounds of promotion the author came to NYC for a Q&A session and a signing. I wasn't really sure what to expect because I've never seen any interviews with Daniel Handler, and since the book is geared more towards children I was sure I would feel a bit out of place.

Sarah Vowell, an adult author, was the one conducting the Q&A session. She is an interesting person to say the least. It would be interesting to read her stuff and see if her personality comes across through her writing. She had a very dry sense of humor, but her voice was one of those monotone and grating voices that get on your last nerve. Luckily, Daniel did most of the talking so it wasn't that bad. What I didn't like about her though was that she was very unprofessional and too laid back. It almost seemed like she was having a casual conversation over coffee instead of leading an insightful and intriguing discussion. But I can totally understand why they chose her because she is quirky and an oddball just like the man I went there to see.
Have you ever wondered what the author behind A Series of Unfortunate Events is really like? Well, I can tell you that he's exactly what you would expect. He talks just like he writes: it's awkward at times, it's totally off-the-wall crazy, and he is hilarious. The program that hosted this event was actually the Thalia Kids' Book Club so as you can imagine the event was full of kids aged six to ten. But of course those who grew up with his books are my age and slightly older so there was actually a pretty good mix. However, a lot of Daniel's jokes and insights were geared more towards adults, and most of it went over the kids' heads. He has a very twisted view of the world, but when he makes jokes they are hilarious beyond belief and had us dying. He's a really interesting character.

To give you some information on the new book, it is the first in a series of four books entitled All The Wrong Questions, and focuses on a young Lemony Snicket as he begins his training for the secret organization. It's the beginning of what fans have been waiting for for years, as in some ways it is a continuation of A Series of Unfortunate Events, but it's still something completely new and fascinating. The book was not quite as good as the original series, but it is by no means a bad book. It's still very intriguing and there are even some huge plot twists that will leave your jaw on the floor. Definitely check it out.

Daniel Handler signing my copy!