From the Bookshelf of On The Same Page …

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading

James Patterson,

Matt Eversmann

Start date: July 1, 2024

Finish date: September 30, 2024

Discussion: 2024 Nonfiction Challenges

Why we're reading this: Winner of the poll for the 3Q24 Nonfiction Read.
[close] Winner of the poll for the 3Q24 Nonfiction Read.

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2024 Nonfiction Challenges

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* 1Q25 Nonfiction Group Read Nominations
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last updated Dec 01, 2024 05:03PM

2024 Non Fiction Reader Challenge
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last updated Dec 29, 2024 03:12AM

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What Members Thought

Apr 26, 2024 Judy rated it really liked it

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 ...more

27 likes · Like · see review

Jan 25, 2025 Laura rated it really liked it

Shelves: library, 2025, libby, yearly-challenge, library-request, nf, nf-in-2025

I’m rounding up from 3.75 stars. I loved the beginning of this book, in which booksellers and librarians from North America share essays of what it’s like to work in the book world. As it went on, though, there were more stories about narrow-minded windbags who aren’t content with minding their own and their family’s business, and instead would like to ban books for everyone.

I was looking for a comfort read, and in many ways, this book was that. However, it was also a reminder of the insidious ...more

13 likes · Like · see review

May 26, 2024 Karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: essays, books-about-books

This was a fun read. Each section contained short essays of the personal stories of librarians and book store owners and managers of a variety of books stores in the U.S. and Canada. A few chain stores are fairly well represented. I guess the point is that if you love books, it doesn't matter if you work in a library, an independent store, or a chain. Book love should be protected and encouraged, and all books in all formats are worthy of reading.

Some of the essays were surprising. Many of the s ...more

1 like · Like · see review

May 29, 2024 Michelle rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2024-books-print

A collection of stories from Booksellers and Librarians, some funny, some to warm the heart, all aimed directly at people who love books. A great book about books.

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