Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Scoring a ticket to a Bruce Springsteen show in a stadium or arena is hard enough, but gaining entrance to the book tour behind his highly anticipated memoir “Born To Run” may as well been like trying to win the lottery. Nonetheless, for the 1,000 or so fortunate folks that made it to the digital checkout within the first second of being put on sale, that meant a chance to pick up an autographed copy of the book, along with a posed photo, quick chat, and in some cases, a big bear hug or kiss on the cheek.

Sure, Springsteen’s already proven himself in the studio with more than 120 million records sold and on stage with countless E Street Band marathons, but now with best-selling status as an author, Bruce can chalk up yet another category for his undisputed status as The Boss.

Fans from literally all over the country wound up and around several downtown streets in anticipation of their hero from the wee hours of Monday morning, though Springsteen actually arrived about 30 minutes before the scheduled start time to make sure he’d be able to accommodate everyone. Despite his entrance not being visible to those starting the line inside the store or the neighboring press pool, it was instantly apparent when Springsteen was in the house as concert-styled chants of “Bruce” echoed throughout the store.

From there, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer emerged from behind a black curtain beaming and waving while joking “I’m Santa!” to a surge of cheers. “Bruce, it’s good to have you in Chicago,” offered Chicago Concert Reviews at one point, to which Springsteen joyfully replied “it’s good to be here” before making it feel like the Christmas gift of a lifetime for so many longtime listeners.

As his audience spanning practically all ages approached one by one, the swath of emotions ranged from sheer euphoria, starstruck shock, thankfulness and humbleness, accompanied by laughs, smiles, tears and trembles. No matter the level of adulation or appreciation, Springsteen looked everyone in the eye, listened sincerely to whatever they said, shook every single hand and snapped a blinding amount of shots.

And for those who walked out with a copy of “Born To Run” or merely picked it up on their own at some point since its September release, they can expect an entirely self-penned tale chronicling his Catholic upbringing in New Jersey, complex personal issues and the many muses that inspired mounds of music, all filled with just as much literary substance as his songwriting. Sure, Springsteen’s already proven himself in the studio with more than 120 million records sold and on stage with countless E Street Band marathons, but now with best-selling status as an author, Bruce can chalk up yet another category for his undisputed status as The Boss.

Click here for more Bruce Springsteen photos from Books-A-Million.

For additional information on Bruce Springsteen, visit BruceSpringsteen.net.

For a list of upcoming signings at Books-A-Million, visit BooksAMillion.com.

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