PUB DATE: March 2009
This is an autobiographical collection of anecdotes that Derek Rowlinson has experienced as a second hand bookseller in his store.
This was a funny and quick read. I had a hard time putting this book down once I started to read it.
Some of the stories were really funny and I found myself laughing out loud and being able to relate to them. One of the sections was “Ask a Silly Question” and Derek gets asked “Have you read all these?” I use to get asked that all the time and heaven forbid should you say no. You would then get asked why not, you work here don’t you. He also mentioned the shop lifter and that was another one I could relate to as there was this older man who would come in with an open back pack and leave with a heavier closed one. Yes he did steal and it was science fiction books he would steal. We were never able to catch him in the act but Derek the author did in his store.
I have worked in a bookstore (Coles) and I had quite a few characters that I had to deal with on a daily bases. There was one customer who would call every Tuesday to see what new releases there was this week. You had to tell him every single new book that came in that week and heaven forbid should it be a title that interest him and if it was you had to read the back of the book to him. I never got to meet this customer but he did come into the store on a monthly bases.
Another customer would insist that the bargain books we had on display were previously read books that customers returned. We would also say no they are not but they would argue each and every time. Just before I had left my job I told that customer for the last time that it was impossible because there was stacks of 5-10 books in the pile of the same title.
After reading this book I have a whole new appreciation for booksellers in second hand bookstores and in retail stores. Think twice before asking that question you might have to ask. Also please remember your manners and you don’t have to be rude and annoying to booksellers.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
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If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
That sounds like the perfect book for you! I think I’d enjoy it too.
This sounds like a light, amusing read for a hot, humid day – which it is where I am. So I just checked the library online, but no luck. So it goes on to my future reading list, which seems to be growing enormously as I make the rounds of the book blogs. You didn’t warn me about that, Cindy!
This one’s on my wish list now too, thanks to your review and Tina’s! Any chance you’d be willing to part with your copy?
Sounds like you encountered some real characters when you were working at Coles!
I love books… about books! 🙂
Kathy- I think you would enjoy this too. Its a quick and easy read.
Michael-Oh yea forgot to tell you about that you will see tons of books that you will want to add to your list. Sorry about that :p
Avis-It was always an experience working at coles let me tell you. Donna has it now you can ask her for it.
Sheila-This is a great book.
I’m always amused to see books or discussions about booksellers, mostly because it’s easy to forget that the people they’re mocking are in actuality people like myself, the readers. I always leave the book wondering how booksellers must think of me when they see me in a store or when I ask questions.