It was a warm sticky day at Javitz, as folks set up their booths at BookExpoAmerica 2007. Needless to say the promise of a cool drink courtesy of the New York Times at the hot new meatpacking spot, BUDDHA BAR, had me and others running to Little West 12th Street after work hours. Hats off to the Times for choosing a terrific spot for the party. Industry legends and newcomers alike were spotted in the dark, candle-lit rooms including various Times personnel including Sam Tanenhaus, Kerrie Gillis, and Laura Sonnenfeld (who looked lovely in a summer dress with gossamer-like shawl around her shoulders)… PW Publisher, Sara Nelson… Book publishers Bill Shinker, Peter Mayer, Pam Dorman, Liz Perl, and Janice Goldklang from Pantheon… agents, marketing and publicity execs, and more.

Year after year, everyone knows the BEA drill. Year after year, they all return. Why? Well, for 3.25 days, publishers, book sellers, authors, the media, and readers to the tune of 40,000 strong descend upon one spot all to talk about 1 thing: books. Not a bad thing to get excited about these days. In fact–in this age of reality TV, and Tivo, it’s not a bad thing to celebrate, at all.

See you tomorrow everyone at the official opening day of BEA. Until then, bottoms up.