Sarah Palin to kick off book tour in Grand Rapids

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) – The media blitz is beginning as former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's new book is to be released on Tuesday.

Palin held her first interview promoting the book Monday on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Palin's book, "Going Rogue: An American Life," goes on sale Tuesday. On pre-orders alone, the book is already at or near the top of both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

One of the big reveals in the book is that Palin was prevented from delivering a concession speech on election night, and prepped to give non-answers during her vice presidential debate with Joe Biden.

Palin's book tour for "Going Rogue" is kicking off with a stop in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, and will take her to many of the places she visited during the campaign.

Thousands of people are expected to line up at a brand new Barnes and Noble bookstore in Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids on Wednesday to get Palin's autograph.

Politically, there may not be a direct connection between Palin and Grand Rapids to explain why the first stop of the book tour will take place there, but there are ideas about why that location is first on the list, and there are plenty of opinions about Palin herself.

Palin is perhaps the most popular author of the season, and there does seem to be a buzz around her as many believe she is preparing for a 2012 presidential run.

"You're going to have to work for it a little bit," said Paul Lange, "if you want to see her it's a great opportunity."

Lange is a big fan of Palin, and was inquiring on Monday about how he could get the book and the author's autograph.

"I'd say I admire her and keep speaking the truth and try to galvanize the conservative party for the next election," said Lange.

Woodland Mall is expecting to see quite the crowd on Wednesday as the book signing event kicks off just after 6:00 pm.

As to why Grand Rapids, there is no clear answer from the organizers.

"It was really up to her camp and working with our corporate people as well," said Taryn Myers of Barnes and Noble.

Some have speculated that her values mirror the conservative side of the Grand Rapids area, or perhaps she's here because Michigan is a state that the John McCain campaign pulled out of, against Palin's wishes.

While there are plenty of fans expected to line up for the event, there are plenty of others who want nothing to do with the event, the crowd, or the author.

"It's kind of misleading, it's this buzz of stupidity," said Guy Buckingham, who says he will not be attending the event.

Palin's publisher has high expectations for "Going Rogue," hoping to sell one and a half million copies.