I love a book about books, and what we have here is that and more. It's a book about book people and the books they love, and their lives that revolve around books. I was a big fan. I could read little stories about book people for ages.

I found The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians to be a love letter to Bookshops and booksellers, librarians and libraries told in essays compiled out of interviews done from mostly librarians and booksellers throughout the United states. The entries cover a variety of subjects such as the joy of matching the right book to the right person, as well as how books can help both the incarcerated and youngsters grappling with their sexuality. Several interviews discuss book challengers and banned books and their fight against limiting access to books and libraries. There are touching stories about improving literacy and experiences with authors in bookstores.

I found this to be an enjoyable collection of essays, one that you can easily dip in and out of. A few brought tears to my eyes or made me angry along with the interviewee. I do think however that this book will have a limited audience. If you are a bookseller, a librarian or a person that loves reading about books, libraries and bookstores, you are going to really enjoy this collection. If you do not fall into those categories you may find this collection boring quite quickly, so reader know thyself.

I was lucky enough to receive an early copy which had no prologue or epilogue so there was nothing to discuss how this book came about or how the book was created which I thought would have helped to tie everything together. I am hoping that this will be included in the final copy. Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an e galley in exchange for an honest review.

Such a pleasure to read a book about what we love - other people who love books too! The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians celebrates those who led us to our love for reading and who continue to sustain it. The collection of short stories highlights their passions, sacrifices, and wise approaches to recommending that totally right book to read at the perfect time.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Stories from various booksellers and librarians on how they came into the business and feel-good stories to go with their business. Would make a great gift for any bookseller or librarian.

As an avid reader, library-lover, and frequent bookstore patron (both big-box and local), I loved these quirky vignettes from some folks in my favorite professions. This was a great filler piece for downtime between novels.

As a youth librarian working in a public library, I appreciated this book so much. There's nothing quite like knowing that you're not the only librarian that feels hopeless sometimes.

There were stories that had me giggling about relatable patron shenanigans, stewing in anger about being accused of grooming children just for giving them access to information, and tearing up over feeling hope that these days of unfounded accusations and book bannings are going to end.

This was a really beautiful collection of stories, and I think everybody passionate about books and literacy will feel everything I felt while reading it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a varied and enjoyable look at the experiences of many people who keep the book world rotating. From those who own bookstores, to those who share books in different ways, this collection of stories opens up the world of book providers. Finding the personal connection each of them has to stories and books shows us that this world of storytelling is truly something personal. It draws us in for a reason and these stories of people who love stories are endearing. I can honestly tell others that I found this to be fun and joyful stories at their best.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

If you're an avid reader, you probably can't resist books about books, book stores and libraries - I know I can't. This book is a compilation of first person essays from booksellers and librarians who share why they chose their career and the favorite parts of their jobs. It's an easy, quick, fun read and quite inspirational to anyone who has ever considered working with books full time.

I was a little put off by the stories these folks told about James Patterson and how great he is - I know that he's the "author" of this book but it just seemed a little self-serving.

Definitely recommend it though to any book lover.

I loved this book getting to meet all these book people hearing their stories their love for their jobs and of course books.Book people are my people and I really enjoyed this wonderful book .#netgalley #littlebrown

For any lover
of books, bookstores, libraries,
and communities.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️




I write haiku reviews on Instagram but am happy to provide more feedback.

I really enjoyed this! I loved getting to hear from all the different types of people in the book industry, job positions I didn't even know existed which piqued my curiosity even more. I loved hearing from people that you generally do not hear about when within the world of reading. What was great about this book, as was the previous book in this "series", is that the structure and content allows you to read little bits of the book at a time, if that is something you wish to do. This was really well done, as you get to understand the "voice" of those being interviewed, rather than just a relaying of facts.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading, literary giant James Patterson shares his admiration for booksellers and librarians, highlighting their sense of humor and their bravery in a time of book banning and violent incidents. In the book, he regales readers with anecdotes from the hundreds of interviews he conducted, culling them down to five or six-page nuggets.

People don't always understand how difficult it is right now when we have book banning and people assaulting librarians. But as a bookseller, I know it’s more than stacking books in the right places. There are calculations for space and formulas for returns. Every book decision is enormous. People build individual relationships with a specific bookseller or librarian and trust their recommendations.

One of the booksellers he interviews is famed children’s author Judy Blume. In her interview, she says of opening her bookstore in Florida: “I had decided after fifty years of writing that I didn't want to write anymore. How lucky was I? I was suddenly able to get up in the morning excited about what I'm going to do, how I'm going to spend my day. I am excited every day that I go to the bookstore. That is the truth." James Patterson’s reverence for booksellers and librarians rings clear in The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians. It's definitely a must-read for book lovers!

While part of this is an advertisement for the generosity of James Patterson, this book was just what my librarian heart needed. A niche audience for sure.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

This is a unique, special book into a world I had no idea about! Interesting to read a book full of stories from many different book store worlds.

This is a charming book if you've ever stepped into a bookstore or library and wondered about the people that work there. A number of essays by various people, representing the myriad ways people enter the book industry. Patterson has been supporting bookstores, but otherwise only is "present" inn the form of editing and organizing.

A relatively light, easy read. Enjoyable!

Note: Ironically, LinkedIn will not link so I posted it there on its own.


Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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Booksellers and librarians are superheroes, saving lives every single day. Here are their amazing, inspiring true stories as told to the greatest storyteller of our time, James Patterson.

To be a bookseller or librarian…

You have to play detective.

Be a treasure hunter. A matchmaker. An advocate. A visionary.

A person who creates “book joy” by pulling a book from a shelf, handing it to someone and saying, “You’ve got to read this. You’re going to love it.”

Step inside The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians and enter a world where you can feed your curiosities, discover new voices, and find whatever you want or require. This place has the magic of rainbows and unicorns, but it's also a business. The book business.

Meet the smart and talented people who live between the pages—and who can’t wait to help you find your next favourite book.

Will this become the ubiquitous "You know that book with the yellow cover I saw in the library last month????" Great stories for lovers of books and libraries = I laughed so hard at times I cried. Highly recommended #shortbutsweetreviews

As a lover of books, the premise of this book was intriguing to me! Overall, it’s a light and enjoyable read, but it didn’t resonate with me like I was hoping it would.

I appreciate the spotlight on librarians and booksellers, but I struggled with this one before finally giving up. Evidently contributors were told to use present tense which sounds unnatural when relating anecdotes of their own careers. Entries from people who hosted James Patterson on book tours predominate, leading to some awkwardly fawning entries. Judy Blume provides the exception with an engaging essay using past tense. Only a fool would tell her how to write.

I really like that librarians seem to be having a moment right now as subjects of books. I was so excited to see this book and the premise of real life stories of those within my profession. I am glad to see librarians and booksellers share their experiences with the outside world as a means for advocating for what we do. Unfortunately, this one did not grab me and it did not feel authentic. Regardless, I hope that other readers find it compelling!