The subtitle of this book says it all, “True Stories of the Magic of Reading”. James Patterson and Matt Eversmann’s The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians allows booksellers and librarians to share their passion for books and reading. Each short chapter is a passionate account by someone who found their niche in a library or bookstore, found their tribe, and now talk about books with other book lovers. Readers might find a book or two to read, but I was just happy to find other book lovers.
There are a few people I know in the book, P.J. Gardiner, the Collection Development Librarian at the Wake County Public Library in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Kelly Moore, a librarian in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Every one of you will recognize Judy Blume’s name. She decided after fifty years of writing that she didn’t want to write anymore. She and her husband opened a bookstore in Key West when she was seventy-eight. I don’t know Beth Jarrell, a reference librarian at the Sanibel Public Library in Sanibel, Florida. She moved there after I left the Captiva Memorial Library on Captiva Island. But, I was fascinated by her story of Hurricane Ian, and the library’s recovery. The library didn’t lose a book.
I wanted to mention two people from the mystery community who have essays in the book. One is Mike Bursaw of Mystery Mike’s in Carmel, Indiana. The other is McKenna Jordan, owner of Murder by the Book in Houston. McKenna tells the story of joining the staff, meeting David Thompson, who she married, and his tragic, early death. But, she also mentions how beloved David was in the crime fiction community. “In 2011, Bouchercon, the annual World Mystery Convetion, establishes the David Thompson Memorial Special Service Award for basically being a good guy or woman in the field of mystery.” In 2018, I was honored to receive that award.
But, this isn’t really a name-dropping book. It’s a collection of loving essays. Bill Kelly, from Cuyahoga County Public Library says, “Libraries level the playing field. They’re free and open to the public. All are welcome. Our doors are open. Come in and learn to become your best self. Follow your dreams and reach your true potential. Let your reach exceed your grasp. Whatever book you want to read, it’s free on the honor system. It’s hard to imagine anywhere else in our society so devoted to the concept of everyone being completely equal.”
Of course, I’d mention librarians. One article by a librarian who had to deal with book banning made me tear up. That’s one of the reasons I retired when I did; I didn’t want to deal with that. She was called names, and humiliated, and had no support from her supervisors. But, the stories by booksellers were almost all positive and encouraging. They love books, love their customers, love sharing the magic of reading. One bookseller commented about her bookstore. “It smells like books, and it feels like home, and it’s full of ideas and possibilities.”
You’ll meet all kinds of booksellers and librarians if you pick up The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians. They all believe in the magic of reading. I believe.
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading by James Patterson and Matt Eversman. Little, Brown and Company, 2024. ISBN 9780316567534 (hardcover), 355p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought my copy of the book.
I want to read it. The print is big enough for me. I am glad jt was written, I added it to my Amazon Wish List, planning to copy from the list for when we finally go the library. I remember when I very young my mother and I used to walk to a large and old and beautiful library in Indianapolis and I became friends with the librarian there. I still have the book that she gave me for my birthday, the first book that I ever have owned. I owe a lot to all the librarians who I have met through my life.
The book banning battle is terrible, I sign petitions often against it for the libraries and here in my new town in Texas and for other states.
I would have never dreamed of prison time for librarians! https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/us-librarians-fear-penalties-prison-over-book-bans/7565844.html
It’s excellent, Carol. I think you’ll enjoy the voices of the passionate advocates for books.
Thank you for being the same. Librarians need your voice.
I just didn’t want to deal with the stress any longer, although it was so much better where I was.
I totally get it. These are terrible times for librarians and readers. I have been signing every petition against book banning that I can find. I wish I could do much more,
I’cw had this on hold since you first mentioned it. I’d take a librarian over a politician any day of the week.
I would think you’d get it soon, Jeff, since it’s out now.
Thank you!
I echo what you said!
I echo your words, Jeff!
I’m definitely going to buy this! Although I was a librarian, I always had a secret wish too have a bookstore. Btw, our local Indie bookstore is for sale. If I were 20 years younger….
Oh gee! I would have to be 40 years younger and able to afford it.
Oh, Mary Ann. I always wanted to own or work in a bookstore, too. As you said, twenty years younger. I”m not Judy Blume with the money to buy a bookstore.
I got the audio book a few days ago. After your review I think I’ll listen to it sooner rather than later.
Marleen, although I found a few essays to be upsetting, it’s the kind of book that makes me feel good about our profession, and bookselling. Enjoy!