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Jacqie's Reviews > The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap: A Memoir of Friendship, Community, and the Uncommon Pleasure of a Good Book
The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap: A Memoir of Friendship, Community, and the Uncommon Pleasure of a Good Book
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by
I worked in an independent bookstore for 10 years. Many, many people came up to me to say "Oh, you're so lucky to work in a bookstore! You just get to read all day!" I always smiled.
But that is _not_ what it's like to work in a bookstore, unless you never have any customers. In a bookstore, you inspect and trade for books, shelve books, sell books, buy books for inventory, return books that didn't sell, make displays, manage staff, schedule and run events both on and off-site, inventory, inventory, inventory the stock, do the books, clean, sort and organize (nothing ever stays where you want it)and, of course, work with customers, which in itself is a fairly long list of things to do.
This is a book about two of those people who thought it would be fun to own a bookstore with absolutely no idea of how to go about it. And to their credit, they actually survived- I'm still not quite sure how, but I'm guessing internet sales have a lot to do with it.
I guess I didn't really care for the author. Although she says she doesn't judge what others read, she seems judgy to me, with her disdain of Richard Patterson and Dean Koontz. She seems rather snooty for a used book slinger, although maybe she just wants to deal with rare antiques.
And really, there was almost nothing about actually running the store. There were some anecdotes, but details? There was nothing I grabbed onto as a bookseller and said "oh, yeah, that happens." And I wanted that kind of connection.
This book probably is better if you haven't actually worked in a bookstore.
But that is _not_ what it's like to work in a bookstore, unless you never have any customers. In a bookstore, you inspect and trade for books, shelve books, sell books, buy books for inventory, return books that didn't sell, make displays, manage staff, schedule and run events both on and off-site, inventory, inventory, inventory the stock, do the books, clean, sort and organize (nothing ever stays where you want it)and, of course, work with customers, which in itself is a fairly long list of things to do.
This is a book about two of those people who thought it would be fun to own a bookstore with absolutely no idea of how to go about it. And to their credit, they actually survived- I'm still not quite sure how, but I'm guessing internet sales have a lot to do with it.
I guess I didn't really care for the author. Although she says she doesn't judge what others read, she seems judgy to me, with her disdain of Richard Patterson and Dean Koontz. She seems rather snooty for a used book slinger, although maybe she just wants to deal with rare antiques.
And really, there was almost nothing about actually running the store. There were some anecdotes, but details? There was nothing I grabbed onto as a bookseller and said "oh, yeah, that happens." And I wanted that kind of connection.
This book probably is better if you haven't actually worked in a bookstore.
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May 8, 2013
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Petra It's a year now, still in a dark place
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Jul 27, 2013 06:43PM
I do have an indie bookshop. I can see you've really worked in one :-) You might enjoy Weird Things People Say In Bookstores. I have reviewed this book, kind of, and add occasional things to it. Lots of people here have added their own weird customer stories in retail. I would love it if you would add your own stories.
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Petra X wrote: "I do have an indie bookshop. I can see you've really worked in one :-) You might enjoy Weird Things People Say In Bookstores. I have reviewed this book, kind of, and add occasional things to it. ..."I've heard of it but haven't read it. Thanks for the recommendation!
I work in a library--same thing--doing nothing but reading all day. Except for all the things you listed and keeping attendance of students, keeping students in line, etc.
I'm sure libraries have their own unique to do lists too! ;)
We love and dislike certain books and what a fun discussion to say why; especially going against the grain. If you think about it, it would be distasteful to feel one needed to like "Little Women" or something, because it was the done thing.
I think I see what you're saying. My point is that if you are selling books, you will be selling to people with all sorts of tastes, many of which will be different from your own. Judging your customers' taste is poor form.
I'm not at that part yet. My thought is that an authoress should get to highlight favourites and least favourites in her novel but you raise a great point about booksellers, Jacquie. They do need to leave what they sell open to every one! If you really disagree with something, you wouldn't stock it.I have two quibbles I can discuss. When Wendy worried that a woman ruined her antique covers with tape, the inquiry she tells the reader was so exasperating, was made so by her not telling the woman that! The inquiry would have ended and she would have sought an antiques dealer or worked on steaming off her tape.
She emphatically lamented becoming comforters and small-scale coucillors, wishing they were equipped to know what to say. However when a woman reluctantly revealed losing three dogs on a fire, nobody's response would be "That sucks"! I would clasp my hand to my mouth in genuine dismay and tell them how sorry I am, if nothing else. I am Carolyn and appreciate our conversation!
C. wrote: "I'm not at that part yet. My thought is that an authoress should get to highlight favourites and least favourites in her novel but you raise a great point about booksellers, Jacquie. They do need t..."Me too! :)
I am happy to hear that! :) What do you think about the two items I disliked? Those two whole paragraphs above. Work with me here, LOL.
I'm sorry! It's been 5 years since I read the book and I confess that the details are foggy at this point. I do know from my own experience that while customers can sometimes be exasperating, talking with people about books is one of my favorite parts about working in a book store. Especially small community bookstores! Really interesting people tend to patronize those. I've got some very good friends I met where I worked.
We didn't work with collectible or valuable books, so I can't speak to that experience, although you're right that if you don't say anything, the person won't know to do anything differently.
I'm detailed enough that you don't need to remember a book. LOL! How about that person losing dogs in a fire? This woman's inability to say anything shocked me. The point of this book is that Wendy & Jack care and they do but I don't find difficult, what others do. I have 1 1/2 chapter to go and will give 4 stars. I hope I wasn't influenced by anyone, that the second half dipped for me too.You bet talking about books is one of my joys. In person and at Goodreads and Wordpress, I find that it soon switches to personal topics and that's a joy. Just being with people in your town or city, keen to chat, is extremely special and pleasant.
I used to work in public (clothing store, CAA, office desks) and the personal things people trusted me to open up about, was happy feedback on my character. We want to look like we care and it's great when people and animals can tell, isn't it?
