This is a delightful collection of essays by a mix of librarians and booksellers from all over the country. They are fairly short essays that provide insight into the value of both types of entities. Some of the challenges are highlighted, including the tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are some unique bookstores still in existence that are independently owned with some very creative booksellers/owners who have been creative and innovative to keep their businesses relevent in their communities. The librarians focus is the same but different, of course since they are funded on an entirely different scale.

This was fun to read and I found it uplifting to know how much heart is put into both bookstores and libraries. The commitment to literacy and getting books into the hands of readers is an amazing and important endeavor and I wish them all every success. I was happy to read about Judy Blume in her eighties having a bookstore now.

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company through Netgalley for an advance copy.

THE SECRET LIVES OF BOOKSELLERS AND LIBRARIANS by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann was described as "comfort food for bookworms" by Publishers Weekly. The authors have compiled a series of stories that touch on the importance of books and reading. There are so many words of wisdom here about book joy and the role of books in connecting people. One is from the Kelly Moore, librarian at the Carrollton Public Library near Dallas who comments on how libraries are "staffed with some of the most naturally curious people out there. Come in and ask a question, and we joke that we'll chase you out into the parking lot when we finally find the answer, even if it's a week later." Another is from Sharon Perry Martin, library director at University Park Public Library in Texas, who tells about a day when she was about fifteen and her Mom confronted their public librarians, saying Sharon could take out any book she wanted: "From that point on, I get an adult card and can check out anything I want. It makes a big impact. So does my mother's taking ownership for raising me, as every parent should. She trusts me not to check out or read books that I'm not supposed to, just the ones that I want to read." Carolyn Foote, the 2022 recipient of AASL Intellectual Freedom Award, reflects on an increasing number of book challenges and her work defending the right to read by creating the hashtag #FReadom. Martha Hickson, high school librarian in New Jersey, says, "I'm all about protecting children and their right to information." This wonderful collection will help readers better understand what booksellers and librarians do, but more importantly, WHY they do it.

For more on #FReadom: https://www.txfreadomfighters.us/

I didn't expect to devour this entire book in a single day. The stories all come from a different librarian or bookseller. Each one is only 4-5 pages. The whole book reads like a love letter to those who live to share stories. Everyone will make you want to run out and get more books, some will make you cry, and some will make you want to quit your life and go be a librarian (unless you already are living the dream).

This was boring and repetitive. I loved the premise of the book, but it was completely lackluster in execution, I was very disappointed.

James Patterson and Matt Eversmann have edited a marvelous series of remembrances by librarians and booksellers in United States and Canada celebrating reading, book lovers and authors. Best book on topic I have read in a long time. Triumphs and tragedies, professional librarians and book sellers who fell in to the trade. Children and seniors who love graphic novels, high literature and romances. Librarians who get books to prisoners in jail. Secret Lives: of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading; the title says it all. As a librarian and passionate reader I loved these memories.

Fun grouping of short stories related to book lovers. I enjoyed reading about the different libraries, and booksellers. The stories were well thought out , and interesting to read.

This is a feel good read to every bookseller and librarian. It quickly shows what keeps each of us doing what we do- helping others find what sparks their own joy! We love being the gateway to information and reader’s advisory helpers to anyone looking. In a career public librarian and I was moved by these stories and felt all those interviewed had such interesting insights to share. I thoroughly enjoyed Patterson’s latest read.

I absolutely loved reading this ode to the power of books, and the importance to individuals and communities alike of bookshops and libraries, expressed through a series of essays featuring a myriad of booksellers and librarians from around the U.S. Extra credit for acknowledging the challenges experienced by independent bookstores and giving voice to those opposing the antics of a very small minority lobbying to ban books and impinge on the freedom of others.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians is a wonderful collection of first hand accounts by people who are living these careers. I think book, library and book store lovers of all types will enjoy the book. As a librarian, I could identify with a lot of what the librarians (and even booksellers) had to say. Readers will discover what lead each person to their position and discover their passion and struggles in what they do. As a whole it's a wonderful peek into the worlds of books from those who distribute them. The people featured are from all types of locations, circumstances, libraries and book stores. A wonderful quick read!

Thank you for this collection. As a bookseller, I find that there is a lot of misunderstanding about what we do and how we do it, and just how many hats we all wear on a daily basis.

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians is a love story to anyone involved in getting books in the hands of others. It is made up of short vignettes from librarians and booksellers from all walks of life, telling of how they got their start in the book game, why they love their jobs, the hidden struggles, and their experiences within the scope of librarian or bookseller. As a librarian myself, and a lifelong lover of literature, this book made my heart happy. It is in turn lovely, heartbreaking, encouraging, and uplifting. It's definitely niche, if you're not a librarian or bookseller it will likely not be your cup of tea. My only complaint was that it was pretty heavy handed with the mention and praise of James Patterson, which is I guess to be expected since his name is on it. I feel like a lot of that part was unnecessary to the overall storytelling. For me personally, I rate it a 4.5/5, though I realize this is not a book for everyone.

I received this ARC courtesy of NetGalley, in return for my honest opinion and review.

This collection of essays by librarians and booksellers arrives at a critical moment. It provides readers with a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of these professionals, enhancing understanding of their essential roles within our communities. The contributors share a broad spectrum of experiences that range from charming to startling. While the literary quality of the book doesn’t stand out, its value as an educational resource is substantial, making it a meaningful read for those interested in the cultural impact of these professions.

REVIEW: The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians ⭐⭐⭐.5 (3.5)

I was so excited when I saw the title of this book. Being a huge book lover, obviously, and a librarian I looked forward to reading about others who loved books as well. I was hoping that this would meet that mark more than it did.

First of all, there were some things that I enjoyed about this read. The book was filled with heartfelt stories and all shared the love of books theme. It is always so refreshing to read about others who care about books so much especially in this difficult time with banning books. I also really like how they collected stories from different experiences and some of the stories were very unique (like being in a prison library). Finally, the one thing I loved the most that carried through all the stories was showing how the community comes together to help these booksellers and librarians. Even with so much hate in the book community, it is so uplifting to see how supportive people can be when it comes to books.

There were a few things that I didn’t like. One thing that I noticed is the frequency they had booksellers from large brands like Barnes and Noble or Books a Million. I was hoping for a bit more variety and independent bookstores. Some of the stories were getting repetitive as well. It was hard to remember one story from the other. Along the same lines, there were different heading sections but the stories just seemed pretty much the same throughout. They also felt so so short. It was hard to connect to some of them when you only get a page and a half. I think if they did fewer stories with a little more to them, it would be more successful. Lastly, I didn’t like that they did not tie all the stories together at the end. The last story ended and the book just ends abruptly. I would love to see a reflection or something to wrap everything up. Overall, I did enjoy most of the stories and love reading books about books.

Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

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As a librarian, I love how this book showcases the passionate, smart, and talented people who've inspired and shared recommendations with readers for generations and fought to keep books in readers' hands from the beginning. While not all of the stories are happy ones, this collective biography is a balm to those who just plain love books.

Would it suffice it to say that after I'd finished my free but temporary digital galley edition I immediately got myself an audio so no one who visits me can abscond with my copy (a common problem in my house)?
I really enjoyed hearing how so many librarians and booksellers came to do what they really enjoy. It was always a given that they love to read books, smell books, share books, but there are so many other intangibles that made this such a great read. The fact that each is in their own words makes it even better!
I requested and received a free temporary digital galley edition from Little, Brown and Company via NetGalley. Thanks for sharing!

Fantastic and heartwarming stories from the defenders of the written word! There are a few stories about the recent uptick in book challenges, which my local library is also dealing with, and how those communities are dealing with it, but most are more touching and wonderful stories about helping finding their love of reading. I enjoyed learning about how the contributors found their way into the positions they hold and why they continue to do it. Highly recommended for anyone who loves to read.

Fun book with short essays written by booksellers and librarians. Worth a read.

I enjoyed this collection of different essays written by various people involved with the selling or lending of books. From rejoicing at matching just the right book to a person to being angry and frustrated at groups attempting to ban books, these people have something to say about books and our communities.

One slight shortcoming I see is that most of these are just a taste. It would have been more interesting to me to have fewer essays and have them be longer and more focused on different topics. But overall it is an entertaining book, especially for book lovers.

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This was sweet and fun and bookish and the best entry point to James Patterson. Booksellers and librarians are the specialist of people and this reveals that in the most unexpected of ways.

I loved this book. The little vignettes from book people all over the country made me so happy and I could relate to everything all of them said. I loved how stories were included from independent booksellers, big store booksellers, and librarians as well and that, while their experiences were somewhat different, they were actually mostly the same. Book people are book people and I love that this book celebrates that.