Governor Sarah Palin kicked off her "Good Tidings and Great Joy" book tour in Bethlehem, PA earlier this evening where well over 700 supporters bought books and was able to take their place in line to have them signed. Lynn Olanoff of LehighValleyLive.com published the following:
Sarah Palin’s Bethlehem Township, Pa., book signing drew more than 700 people to the local Barnes & Noble tonight.
The 2008 Republican vice presidential running mate and Tea Party star greeted her fans warmly, asking children what grade they were in school and offering advice to one woman who was soon traveling to her home state of Alaska, where she served as governor.
Palin didn’t pose for pictures or sign any personal messages in her new book, “Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas,” but that seemed to bother few who attended the two-hour event.
“She’s a doll,” said Williams Township resident Mary Hazuka, who came to the store at 6:30 this morning to secure No. 47 in line. Hazuka, who bought a total of four books, said she was pleasantly surprised to see Palin’s husband, Todd, beside her in the store.
“We didn’t know her husband was going to be here," Hazuka said. "That was a plus.”
Palin specifically requested to start the tour for her Christmas book in the Bethlehem area, a local Barnes & Noble employee said last week. The store was selling Palin’s book today for 20 percent off the $22.99 list price.
“You are the very, very first recipients of our whole book tour,” Palin said to the initial crowd.
Shoppers were given the option of buying Palin’s book — which went on sale nationwide today — earlier in the day, obtaining a numbered wristband and then returning for the 6 p.m. signing. The store, located in Southmont Shopping Center on Freemansburg Avenue, opened an hour early today to accommodate the crowds.
Long line by 8 a.m.
Some eager book purchasers were already outside when the first store employees arrived at 6 a.m. By 8 a.m., there was a line outside stretching past the adjacent Pier 1 Imports.
One out-of-town visitor told Palin she woke up at 1:30 a.m. to come see her.
“Well, welcome to our world!” said Palin, who added that she’s constantly traveling at odd hours.
Palmer Township resident Taryn Gilbert also showed up about 6:30 this morning to secure No. 33 in line. Gilbert, who attended with her mother, Gina, said their family traveled to many of Palin’s Pennsylvania campaign stops in 2008.
“We were always in the front row. She said she remembered us,” said Taryn Gilbert, who along with her four siblings comprise the local group Sing for America. The family all wore red sweaters to Palin’s campaign stops in 2008, Gilbert said.
Tonight, she wore her signature rimless glasses and a custom-made sweatshirt with an emblem stating, “It’s OK to wish me a Merry Christmas!” Palin’s new book — her third — advocates bringing back the religious spirit of Christmas.
Palin’s first book, “Going Rogue,” was a New York Times bestseller. Her new book was ranked No. 34 among Amazon’s bestsellers at 7 tonight. More
You'll find a great picture gallery there as well!
Earlier in the day there was a plethora of media attention given to the newly released "Good Tidings and Great Joy, Protecting the Heart of Christmas".
Fox and Friends Interview:
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Joe Concha Interview:
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Jay Sekulow Interview:
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Tomorrow's book tour will take Palin to Columbus, Ohio and Grand Rapids, MI. Tour details can be found on Palin's Facebook page.
UPDATE
Dennis Prager Interview:
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Laura Ingraham Interview:
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