The line is long and the people are anxious as hundreds of people are queuing up at this year's Shanghai Book Fair. One reason is that this year, readers also get to meet and have their books signed by their favorite authors.
These people are lucky to get their hands on the first few copies of the new books just released at the Shanghai Book Fair. And they're even happier to have the books autographed by the authors.
More than 300 authors and experts from all around the world and across disciplines are attending the book fair this year. Workshops and seminars are also attracting bookworms to the fair. All this, in an effort to bridge the gap between the readers and the authors.
J.M.G. Le Clezio, Nobel Laureate for Literature 2008, said, "I hope that more young people will continue to read. In the meantime, I hope that some of these young people will go on to become writers."
In addition, about 20,000 free entrance tickets are being given out to groups in need, including the handicapped, low-income groups, and migrant workers with special needs. Discounts come standard on most books, e-books as well as audio books, but people's interest in books is surely on the rise.