The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians

There were a lot of fascinating stories - peeks at lives - of a wide variety of people across the USA and Canada who work with (and mostly also love) books; there were some sobering thoughts as to current events from the Covid19 pandemic through political attacks and tension, which made this both more sharply relevant and occasionally a little heavy to think about.

A few of the people came across very much as business/sales people - not book people. And they stood out jarringly, almost distant, because so many of the rest were very much not - even the ones who have been selling books and other things for many years.

I'm tempted to go through again just to make a list of all the books these folks mentioned! Some recommended, some mentioned show more because of stories with specific patrons, some that were old favourites and some just passing through. show less

Summary: A collection of first-person accounts from booksellers and librarians about why they love doing what they do.

“I want to make sure people keep getting books they want, books they like. I call it Book Joy, matching people with books that will bring them the most happiness.” –Kelly Moore

Kelly Moore is just one of the many booksellers and librarians who contributed first-person accounts of their love of working with books to this delightful book compiled by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann. In case you didn’t know, Patterson is not only a hugely successful and prolific writer of thrillers, he is a huge fan of booksellers and librarians–those who get books into the hands of readers. He’s given generous support to show more literacy efforts and grants to independent booksellers.

Here he lets them tell the story of why they love what they do. Kelly’s statement captures a common theme–connecting people with books they love. Some of their greatest joy comes when they help reluctant readers find books they love, turning them, degree by degree into readers. Part of the work is careful listening, picking up the cues that signal what a person may like. And sometimes it involves being a detective, using the few clues a patron or customer can offer to help them find that book they are looking for.

The other big theme is that these people love books and reading. It is so much more than checking out books or ringing up sales. They enjoy talking books, sharing something they’ve read that someone else may like. A friend of mine who is a bookseller is mystified by people who think they can be booksellers without loving books.

Perhaps this needs to be so because it is a challenging life. Both librarians and booksellers have a variety of administrative tasks that allow them to do what they love, from reading publications on new releases to select what they think their patrons will like, to unpacking and shelving, tracking sales and inventory and scheduling events. It’s awesome to meet authors at booksignings but there is a lot of setup to make it work for everyone.

Some started young, working as a page or a clerk and eventually managing a department of a library or owning a store. Others describe mid-career changes, often when a job was lost. Many had always been readers and even dreamed of pursuing working in a library or bookselling and realized they could no longer wait.

There was one serious note, which was the growing number of efforts to remove books from libraries that a small group deemed objectionable. It meant a job loss for one writer and courageous stands for others. One thing was clear, when communities heard and protested, this was often decisive.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to work in a library or a bookstore? This book will give you a good picture of both the joy and the work. If nothing else, it should give you an appreciation for what a special breed any dedicated bookseller or librarian is. If you haven’t noticed, this book is a good education. And if you have, this book will serve as a good reminder to find ways to support and appreciate their work. There are book deserts. if you are not in one, thank the people who make that possible and support their efforts to sustain their presence! show less

I'm not a fan of James Patterson’s bare bones writing but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this collection of personal stories from more than sixty book enthusiasts – authors, librarians, and book sellers, among others. I would have liked it better if the stories had shown a little more personality instead of them all sounding the same. Same word choices, same sparse phrasing, same opinions. Also, the book is divided into five sections, although I couldn’t tell how the stories in one section were really any different than those in another. You know, on thinking it over I guess I didn’t enjoy this so much after all.

3.75*

Understandably, the entries are quite repetitive. This feels like a book to pop into here and there when you fall into a 'I love books' mood. Some of the book sellers talked about their job like they were front line workers saving lives, which I felt was a tad cringe. I started with the audiobook and chose to read the rest because it was a little too sickly sweet American and over the top. It would've been nice to have included entries from people in different countries; the stories may have been far more varied, highlighting different issues that affect different places.

There are some sweet and inspiring entries though, and there are some that discuss and challenge book censorship. Librarians aren't there to parent your children, show more you are! show less

I started reading these stories in August, but it made me sad. Not because they're bad, but because I miss working in a library. I miss connecting people with books, I miss talking about books, I miss helping people. I just miss it, but we're coming up on the end of the year and I do not like having a lot of unfinished books sitting around (and this is due back at the library).

I loved these stories. I loved the book joy. If you also enjoyed these stories, especially hearing from those fighting against censorship, also check out That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America .

There are no secrets. Readers love librarians and booksellers.

The book has short chapters with stories of how people found their careers and how they love it. They shared their feelings of doing something wonderful and beneficial in the world as reading is so important. They said children are better off with a book in their hands. However, it was pointed out in many stories that there is a huge concern about book banning.

The book starts out strong as it’s so intriguing to read about how those in the book fields got started. But towards the end, it was more of the same. Lots of stories. Lots of happy librarians and booksellers which is a good thing. We need them.

And yet, I wanted the book to tell us a secret or two about the ups and show more downs of the business. Tell us about the management, people that buy tons of books and return them the next day, librarians that quit their jobs because of politics and how the market has changed since so many buy books from the internet. Tell us about kids that go into bookstores and make a mess. How many books are taken and never returned from libraries?

Tell us more next time. Real secrets. show less

I saw this at the library and immediately grabbed it. I absolutely love reading about what books do for the human psyche.

To all the booksellers and librarians in this book, THANK YOU for all you do. Thank you for being a space for every single person that walks through the doors of the book world. There IS something for everyone, even if one doesn't call themselves a reader. It IS vital that books are accessible to all, and not only "one party".

This reinstates my valid belief that BOOKS ARE NOT TO BE BANNED. If you are one of those who supports book banning, I guarantee this book will warm your heart and help you understand the hurt you put on our very large community - the world.

I cried every entry, literally. Very cathartic.

I will show more be 100 recommending this book to everyone. This was a library read, but definitely going buy my own copy..... from an indie store :) show less