It's no secret that I love books. The only thing that I would love more than recommending books online as hobby, would be to have ha a career as a librarian or bookseller. This book is a collection of essays about various librarians and booksellers. Each story tells about the person's love of books, how they ended up in their current position and some anecdotes about their career. They were very interesting, and any book lover who like me, looks back and wishes that they had taken that path, will find the book interesting. Most of the stories are feelgood love letters to the library or the bookstore, and I enjoyed them all. I do wish that there had been a little more variety in the stories. The book touches on the topics of book banning, and surviving COVID shutdowns. It also included a few stories about loyal customers pitching in to save a store in financial crisis or after storm damage. These were the stories that proved the most interesting. This was a fun little book to read.

Although I loved the book, I do have a few things that bothered me. Patterson and Eversmann are listed as the authors, not the editors. And yet each story is told in the first person as if it had been written by that person themselves. One can tell from the uniform style that this is not the case. The authors have also chosen to write the stories in present tense, even if the stories cover several years. I found that choice distracting and annoying. Although a couple essays mention TikTok and its influence in book promotion, the book failed to mention the influence of social media in general. Other review cites like Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram or blogs were ignored. All the booksellers were owners or managers of brick and mortar stores. Patterson is a champion of independent booksellers. However, many of the stories were from Barnes and Noble and Books a Million. It might have been interesting to include a few bloggers with affiliate links. Those individuals with virtual stores and book reviews are also book matchmakers. The book also had no structure to speak of, the section titles expressed important ideas, but didn't really divide the essays up into those ideas. These issues were worth mentioning in my opinion but do not prevent me from praising the book. They simply changed a 5 star review into one with 4 stars.

Although the title is a bit of a misnomer, since no secrets are revealed, this love letter to the book industry is a book worth grabbing. If you don't buy it now, you can always get it from your library.

Booksellers and librarians tell all!
I cannot remember a book that made me smile as much as this one! In The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians James Patterson and Matt Eversmann have collected first-person accounts by librarians and booksellers across the United States of what led them into their calling and the rewards and challenges it has offered.
Each short piece is by a different person, and their personalities shine through their stories, such as the 80-year-old bookseller in California still loving her work. There are clever events described, like the YALLFest in Charleston that celebrates Young Adult books. These dedicated professionals have a big impact locally, and they are not even all human. Yola the bookstore dog in Charlotte, NC, was recognized by an article in Charlotte magazine and was nominated for Charlottean of the Year.
Not all of the pieces are upbeat, though. I was moved and angered to hear from a librarian in Texas about the banning in schools of dangerous books like Maus, a graphic novel about the Holocaust. Librarians there were told they could not attend open meetings on the book banning even on their free time, and the librarian who wrote in Secret Lives was ultimately fired for her advocacy of freedom.
I picked up a wealth of interesting information, like the fact that Sidney Poitier was illiterate until age 16, and learned about things like the Nancy Pearl formula for deciding whether to stop reading a book you are not enjoying.
A warning to those who, like me, are already overwhelmed by our urge to read. I also could not have imagined anything could get me more excited about books than I already was, but this book accomplished that as well. In addition to hearing about some newer books, a special delight was to hear about the librarian or bookseller recommending one of my old favorites to a reader; I now have a number of new “rereads” on my Read Soon list.
Although I read and enjoyed this book from start to finish, the structure would also make it an excellent choice to dip into for a bit any time you want to feel good about people and the joy of books. It would make an excellent “listen” and is to be released in audio form.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!

This was such a sweet little read about people who work in the bookish world. From public librarians, booksellers, independent book store owners, and school librarians, the stories shared are enough to warm your heart.

While I didn’t agree with every single story shared, I have always held to the belief that it’s important to know what other people believe and understand their opinions. Understanding isn’t the same thing as agreeing. I think this book is a great example of that.

If you’re looking for something light but also informative, this is a great book to pick up for that.

I have to be totally honest. I have no idea how they are going to market this book. Or who the intended target audience even is. I’m a totally book nerd, so of course it appealed to me. Now maybe there are a lot more people like me than I thought. And that would be an absolutely wonderful thing…there being more book nerds that is…more people really like me? Maybe not so much, lol. I have to say I’ve always admired Patterson’s dedication to books/booksellers. I know many people are thinking well aren’t all authors book nuts? I’d like to think so, but over the years Patterson has again and again shown his appreciation to those who have dedicated their lives to books whether librarian or bookseller, his dedication to indie bookstore is admirable, especially since so many of them struggle to stay operational. And his newest book, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, is an love letter to those who dedicated their lives to books but never truly get recognized for their efforts. I thoroughly enjoyed these collected tales and hope others will as well. I also hope you’ll remember to thank your local librarian and booksellers. Thanks so much to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the chance to read & review an ARC of The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-lives-of-booksellers-and-librarians-james-patterson/1143886139?ean=9780316567534&bvnotificationId=5b07e0da-f630-11ee-94fe-0afffda42201&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/276359100

We always think that the libraries are important ones but we forget the people who protect the books. Both Librarians and Booksellers are the guardians against those that want to stop another thoughts from being revealed, and the Librarians and Booksellers in this book talk about what got them interested in their profession and why they love books. Some of them talk about how they are standing their ground when it comes to the current problem of banning books and how they are winning most of the challenges. I found most of the stories heartwarming since so many people have found their purpose in books and it makes me sigh with relief.
I love these kinds of books, because I see all the other people who love books and stories as much as I do, and they live their lives in showing others where to start their own journeys.
The book is very easy to read and it is kind of fun to find Libraries and Bookstores you know locally and can't wait to visit.

I want to thank Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for an advance copy of this informative book.

An ode to people who work in the world of books. The brief stories are interesting but there is no commentary or thread that ties them together or explains how the selections on who to include were made. It also took a while to get used to the use of the present tense when describing things that happened in the past. There are a few really powerful stories about people fighting censorship or truly helping others but mostly the stories are fairly mundane.

Being a librarian myself, I was very excited to read this combination of two of my loves: libraries and James Patterson books. It is always interesting to see how others started in the profession, and the impact that books have on others.

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann could have been my story. It brought back so many fond memories and truths about library work. Even though I loved it too much to ever call it work. Great book!

Do you know a bookseller of a librarian? Are you interested in learning about what booksellers or librarians do all day? No, they do not get to sit and read all day - that is just a myth, unfortunately! World famous author James Patterson has a great love of reading and spends a lot of time at and in bookstores and libraries. So he and two collaborators decided to gather and share stories from booksellers and librarians.

The first section has booksellers and librarians discuss being book detective. This involves either trying to figure out what book a patron/customer is trying to find based on what little information they have (it was a red book on birds or it had vampires and airplanes and World War I) or trying to find a book that meets the needs/tastes/desires of the patron (I want a cozy romance set in Rome that involves baking).

The second section interviews librarians and booksellers on books. All sorts of stories about books - their favorites, the first books they read, what books they tend to recommend, etc.

The third section dives into booksellers and librarians reminiscing on the role that books and reading plays in their lives. One librarian talks about how she learned about interlibrary loan when she was seventeen and working on an art project. Another has a plan for world domination via children's literature.

Section four is all about reading! Booksellers and librarians are more interested in getting people hooked on reading and less worried about what they are reading. Because, as one bookseller states, "a kid who reads is a kid who thinks." Not to mention that adults who read tend to think as well.

The fifth and final section is talking about everything that librarians and booksellers do behinds the scenes so that the books and other items/services are easily found by the customers/patrons. Did you know that some libraries have tools you could check out? Or job resume services? How about tax forms? The list of services just grows and grows!

Okay, the title is a bit misleading. Not all librarians and booksellers are super heroes or keeping rare and strange artifacts safe from evil doers (see The Librarians for a fun watch). But if you enjoy reading about why people enjoy their jobs, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians is a good place to start!

It's safe to say that I'm a voracious reader; every year for the past half-dozen or so, I've read more than 100 (mostly mysteries and thrillers, if anyone cares to know). During the years our children were, well, children, and I had little free time to read for my own pleasure, I read to them - until they learned to read and took matters into their own hands. The point is, I've more than paid my dues at libraries and bookstores, and I have nothing but respect and admiration (and a little bit of envy) for those who own, manage or work in them. This book, then, was fun to read - listening in, as it were, to insights and inspiration from those who are being there, doing that and telling us why they think what they do is important - which, in fact, it is.

Several spoke of the special satisfaction that comes from interacting with children (an issue near and dear to my own heart). As Mary Terry of a Barnes & Noble in Beaumont, Texas, noted, "A kid who reads is a kid who thinks."

At the Cleveland Public Library, Erica Marks says she's always on the lookout for books written by and speakers who are people of color - to better serve her community. Meg Wasmer, owner of Copper Dog Books in Beverly, Massachusetts, sees herself as a "detective" as much as a bookseller; she once located a book primarily based on the customer's report that the book she wanted had a blue cover. I can relate; I've lost count of the times over the years that I've advised people who need questions answered to check with the reference librarian at their local library (hint: they're s-m-a-r-t, and they know things).

More than one respondent spoke of another issue that has reared its ugly head again of late - attempts to ban books. The book professionals maintain, and I couldn't agree more, that parents can choose what their own children read; but they absolutely, positively do not have the right to choose the books anyone else's kids do.

The bottom line? If nothing else, this relatively short book is a nice tribute to some hard-working, dedicated and often under-appreciated professionals - and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

This book is like a very long love letter to Librarians and Booksellers, the people who try to get books into the hands of everyone. I work in a library and used to long to own a bookstore, so this book is very much something I should love. It did help me understand a little more on what it takes to run a bookstore, and maybe that’s what this book is really about – helping people who love to read if a job as a bookstore owner or a librarian is for them.

Readers may find some interesting bits here, but more likely this is a book for those who work in those jobs, or are curious about it.

While every person has their own unique story, there are striking similarities, unfortunately, after a while it became a little repetitive. It’s understandable not wanting to cut any one of these stories. And yet…it would be a better book being shorter.

It’s a book about people who love books!! What more does a book lover need? Great stories about book lovers and book sellers. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

A love letter to librarians and booksellers, this book will hit hard in this cultural moment. It reminds of why libraries and bookstores still matter and that connection and community and a third place are only more significant in a world that seems both constantly connected and full of isolation.

I’m disappointed. I was expecting more than the stories of how various librarians and booksellers got into the business.

Little, Brown and Company provided an early galley for review.

As a librarian who loves to wander the stacks in the library and bookstores, this was an instant draw for me. By hearing the words and approaches of others with similar inclinations, my hope was to get further insight into my own self.

The book is broken into five parts, each with a general theme to it. Within each of those parts are then many profiles of booksellers and librarians. Each profile is short (mostly two to three pages apiece), taking no time at all to read. so, they can be consumed in short moments between other tasks if need be.

But, when taken together, they paint a picture of the world of reader services that are offered by these two professions. For someone who has chosen to work in that world, it resonates with my own views and experiences. For those not in the mix, perhaps this book will give insights into the professions.

This is a wonderful book of several librarians and bookseller’s stories. The job we do is one most people always think of grandmothers doing as they sit and read books behind the counter looking up occasionally to shhh people. This book shows how very wrong that is. With 75 toddlers at a toddler time, to fending off book challenges, and keeping up on the new books and the popular ones. It is a sneak peek into this job we have chosen.

Definitely worth the read. The stories are told by book sellers, bookstore owners, librarians and such. They tell stories of their experiences in their jobs, talking about the good, the bad, and everything in between. It was great to be able to read something that could be put down without being afraid that you're going to miss a point because you stopped reading. Each chapter is it's own story, or set of stories.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I received a free copy of, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, by James Patterson: Matt Eversman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love books, I also love libraries and book shops. I still read books, I prefer old school books to reading on a kindle, phone, or computer. This is a really good book about people who love books too.

As a lifelong avid reader, past library volunteer and former bookseller, I love books about books - fiction and non! Especially because I miss working in a bookstore. Even though that was long before I became disabled, and it was a short lived employment, it's one of my most memorable. The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians shows us that despite our different backgrounds and circumstances, books bring so many of us together!

As an avid reader, I love books about books and bookish things. "Secret lives of booksellers and librarians"? Sign me up!
While I do not read his fiction, I was excited for this title. And, wow, was I ever let down.
The chapters have bookish titles but the content throughout the book does not flow with their assigned spot in any way.
And although I found some of the pieces interested, such as the prison librarian at Rikers Island, most of the content was describing how or why various booksellers and librarians got their job or opened their store and/or examples of customer/patron interactions that are common in the job. So common that I started skimming halfway through the book.
Every bookseller and librarian in the book is American, which was disappointing. But also, other than author-turned-bookseller Judy Blume, the remainder are names I don't recognize. Was that intentional?
The book starts and ends abruptly with the first and last entries. The description of the book is taken from entries in the book or is a vague idea of the content.
I think this would have been a much better book if there had been some sort of introduction with an explanation from Patterson about the people included in the book. How did this book come about? How were the submissions chosen?
And finally, who is the target audience for this book? As a library worker, I was disappointed. As an avid reader, I was disappointed. Will this title appeal to reluctant readers? This may be described as a "celebration of the world of books" but it doesn't successfully come off that way to me. But that's just my opinion.
2.5 stars