Chapters and Verse: Fiction from Behind the Counter

by Joel Barr

Necktie salesman Matthew Mason is chosen by bookstore owner E Baker to take over her shop, Chapters and Verse, when she retires, but she continues to keep in touch by letter as he learns the business

Genres: Fiction, Books About Books

150 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1991

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the determined owner of the Tangelo, FL bookstore chooses Matthew to be her successor, he finds himself in a new--and delightful--world. The legendary E Baker--the only name she's known by--leaves town, and Matthew receives letters from her now and then, but most of the book--not plot-heavy at all--concerns the bookstore, its employees and its customers, and the changes Matthew finds in himself. This delightful book is one you'll wish is longer.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book as it is the story of a young man who buys a bookstore from an eclectic woman who is retiring. The purchase of the store and his resulting relationships with town change his life and give him purpose. However, it was quite disappointing. I never really cared for any of the characters and thought of abandoning book several times. Barely interesting, not great.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea but the book was disappointing. (And now, almost 4 years later, I still remember being disappointed, but don't remember much about the story.)

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a weird book. Is this supposed to be “stream of consciousness”? Why is the book written in alternating sections of plain type and italics, all seemingly from inside the head of the same person? Why are there so many random, pointless anecdotes?

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentle little book that is more character study than plot. I enjoyed the quotes at the heads of the chapters and the descriptions of life in a bookstore.

[Jespera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that has scenes that have stuck with me through the years. A man takes over running a bookstore for the owner who is traveling around and sends him letters and advice. It has a scene where he enters a coffee shop with many levels and the people all sing in the morning.
But mostly it is about the interactions of the people and the bookstore proprietor. Very quirky. I think it is always lurking in the back of my mind near the list of all time favorites.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love to read books about bookstores. This is a very nice little book about a man who was chosed by the previous owner to buy this bookstore. The previous owner, E Baker, is an interesting and eccentric character, who doesn't find "retirement" entirely to her liking. Matt, the new bookstore owner, feels his found his niche...or was it chosen for him?

The only confusing thing about this book was the erratic use of italics.

[Peggymca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A book shop and the small community around it. What it's like to love books and booklovers. I never underline in novels, but this time I marked several passages worth remembering. Some sections in italics, related to the story but not chronological. This one time I don't complain; I liked it. Well-written, intelligent.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It was a sweet peek at a small town and how important books are to the community. I liked that the character of E brought everyone together.
There were some really beautiful passages here, too.

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little book, promoted to be like 84 Charing Cross (I'm telling you--talking about being cracked over the head about reading THAT book!). This, however, is fiction, and set in the Southern U.S. It's a nice book. Low-key, but interesting. Could be good for book discussions.