"Hell hath no fury as a book lover scorned" goes the saying. Or something like that, right?

At around 8:10 a.m. on May 14, I experienced the full truth of this saying as around me the air fills with groans of dismay at the fact that the wristbands allotted for the Sarah J. Maas have completely run out.

Like I said, hell hath no fury.

As early as 5 a.m., crowds of people were lining up before the doors of the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago for what is known as the wrap up of the number one book and author event, The BookCon.

Keynote appearances and guests ranged from popular authors to celebrities, including the dynamic duo Jonathan and Drew Scott from Property Brothers, and YouTube success Hannah Hart.

Since it was first initially established in 2014, BookCon has successfully managed to combine both the book industry and pop culture to create one of the most prominent forerunning book and publishing conventions. Originally created to promote the multi-day Book Exposition America that previewed before BookCon, it has now evolved into its own specified event and this past year had an estimated attendance of over 18,000 people. Many of them were first-timers, like myself. Some were regular attendees, having gone for the past two consecutive years.

Now, I'm sure there are many of you out there shaking your head and wondering how you can even have a whole convention dedicated to books, of all things.

Just to clear things up, because this was a question I was legitimately asked once, it is not a room where people sit in silence and read frantically.

The BookCon is filled with dozens of events, from author signings, to panels talking about all things bookish, to giveaways and advanced reading copies of upcoming novels. Booths for struggling novelists trying to get published and lounges for those who are overwhelmed with books are able to sit and--

OK, yes. Maybe there is a room (or two) that exist just for those people who want to sit quietly and read their books.

I think that it's pretty suffice to say that I had no idea what to expect on my way there, and when I finally arrived I was overwhelmed by all of the choices there were to be had. My basic game plan that I had developed from glancing over the attending authors and publishing companies the night before was instantly shattered as I was swept up in the horde and excitement that accompanied the swarm of people through the initial gates of the convention center.

I could've panicked, stressed myself out trying to cling to the idea of what I thought this day would be like, and in turn, closed myself off from new opportunities.

But instead, I embraced the complete and total chaos, and not only got literally so many free books, but also was able to meet some amazing people and make unforgettable memories.

(Pictured, left to right: Back row: Mike Ploetz, Connor O'Brien, Second row: Caitlin Vanasse, Sanaa Storia, Victoria Shaz, Lainey, Samantha, Jordan, Jacqueline, Bottom row: Joce, Gabrielle Guzman, Marines)

I asked one of my new friends, a fellow booktuber (a YouTuber who talks about books) if she could sum up her experience at BookCon in one word, what that word would be.

Becca Hansen (Bookworm Becca) said, "Insane," before adding, "Like, insane, but in the best way possible."

In all honesty, I have to agree.