I'm enjoying BookExpo America a great deal and will post more about it later, particularly the graphic novel panel that took place yesterday. But first, three quick thoughts about the presence of graphic novels and manga at the show.

One: Although comics are taking a smaller role in the convention this year, their aisle (the 2700s) is hopping and appears to be where most of the energy is at the show. Not that the vast majority of the convention-goers aren't there to talk about prose books, but in a book show where galley copies are decidedly hard to come by, the heavy traffic in the comics aisle, and the general atmosphere within it, and the number of signings and giveaways to be found there, are all very noticeable.

Two: Marvel's 70th anniversary party yesterday at 4:00 was the place to be. It was great to see old friends and new faces, with everyone having a nice time.

Three: As I noted in the headline, Stitches is the book that's garnering the most attention at the show. It's everywhere. This September memoir by David Small (published by W.W. Norton) is the buzz at several panels, and not just at the graphic novel panel. It's Small's very personal memoir about his abused life as a teenage, and it's incredibly good and riveting. As much attention as the prose is getting, I'm not seeing anything grabbing the spotlight as much as Stitches. I hope that gives it the big push it deserves.

More BEA news to come later today!