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

by James Patterson, Matt Eversmann

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, 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 favorite book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Audiobook, Memoir, Essays, Biography, Short Stories

335 pages, Hardcover

First published April 8, 2024

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I love to read. I love authors. I love to talk about their books. I could talk about books forever.” – Lillian Dabney, Librarian, Seattle Athenaeum

I think Lillian Dabney, a librarian for the Seattle Athenaeum in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington just said exactly what I feel. And, I bet you feel the same way, too, right?

And, I also love the subtitle of this book. “True stories of the Magic of Reading.”

I think any of us who love reading, probably would be attracted to this title. And, I would have to believe any of us who take the time to post reviews here, would say that the fact that we read, and take the time to talk about what we read through our reviews, consider reading a magical experience.

Because…it simply enchants us in one way or another. Or, we love the escape it provides us. Or, the way it educates us. Or, the freedoms it gives to us by taking us places we may never have been. I am sure there are many other reasons we could list here. Because, there is so much about reading to love.

So, when I heard about this book, I couldn’t help but want to read it. Because, I was interested to hear what booksellers and librarians, who live the life of working around books – would have to say about it.

Would they feel as I do?

“To me, books are the greatest kind of escapism.” – Alexis Sky

Sky’s greatest experience was knowing that anytime anyone came to her bookstores, they could count on her recommendation of books. The true book whisperer! Who doesn’t just love that kind of person at your local bookstore?

Neighborhood bookstores should reflect their community. We have one. It is called Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay. We love how every time we would walk in to the bookstore, we not only could experience the smell of books, or sea air, but the staff would be available to discuss everything we needed to know about all the varying books and interests we had, or didn’t know we were wanting in a book. And, if the book wasn’t available, they would specialty order it for us. Independent bookstores are like that, and that is the message this book also conveys with the stories these booksellers shared.

Libraries also share that sense of community, too. It is a central hub for families and kids and the programs presented, that celebrate what is important to our communities. In our local library, Billie the corgi dog will read with the kids every week on Wednesdays (yes, you heard me right!). The children’s librarian will read with the pre-school kids once a week, too. And throughout the year there are programs for kids and teens, and an adult book discussion group once a month.

This book shares so many heart-warming stories that remind readers why we love to read. It also reminds us of the importance of our libraries and why we want to support independent bookstores. The stories are heart-felt and touching and thoughtful. And, a lovely tribute to the joy of reading and those who work in the field that support those of us who love to read.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I worked at my local library in three different positions for just over twenty years. I then had to retire due to a chronic illness, but I loved every moment. In this book, which highlights stories from librarians and booksellers all over the country, we are shown their love of books and everything book related. Recommending a book to a patron or customer, and the satisfaction they feel when they love the book. How the political climate and book bans have affected their jobs. How they try to stay relevant in a world where a book is just one click away.

It was interesting to hear from people all over our country, the similarities and differences. After a while though all the stories sort of blended together. Maybe just a bit too much. Still, well worth reading for book lovers.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

"[Community] libraries level the playing field. They're free and open to the public. All are welcome. Our doors are open. Come in and learn to become your best self. Follow your dreams and reach your true potential. Let your reach exceed your grasp. Whatever book you want to read, it's free on the honor system. It's hard to imagine anywhere else in our society so devoted to the concept of everyone being completely equal." -- Cuyahoga County, Ohio managing librarian Bill Kelly, on page 304

Much like their previous winner Walk the Blue Line (excerpts on the lives of our police officers and sheriff's deputies from across the nation) earlier this year, bestselling author Patterson and U.S. Army vet Eversmann re-team to bring us another effort in a similar stylish vein with their newest entry called The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians. As the title makes clear, this time they've spoken to dozens of folks in either the bookselling business (ranging from the owners of used book stores often found in small-town areas and up to the managers of Barnes & Noble businesses in major metropolitan areas) or libraries (working in various pubic schools systems or community-level branches in a nationwide array of cities or counties) in America. Those interviewed truly seem to love their chosen and/or happily accidental careers in the book-related arena, and love the magical power of reading plus then bringing it to the huddled masses yearning to be free. There are a number of notable stories / anecdotes - equally dispersed among heartwarming (a store owner unexpectedly receives assistance from customers after a storm wrecks his business), the humorous (the Nerf gun wielding patron often observed at the Seattle B&N) and even controversial (a high school librarian finds herself under attack regarding her staunch support of banned books) - and by the conclusion it was reassuring that there are sincere people fueled by the love books AND then providing them to people to simply make them happy. Or, as bookseller Janice Turbeville comments in her final pages that "there's nothing better than recommending books that can have a meaningful and positive impact on someone's life". Thank you to GR friend Jen for the 'buddy read' and the ARC.

[Amy Sugerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a former archivist and in and out of library roles my whole life, I wanted to love this book. It was a fun and quick read of first-person reflections, full of book joy and library/bookseller love. I saw myself in many of them— the satisfaction of serving the public, sharing a favorite read with a patron, or successfully tracking down the answer to an elusive reference request. A highlight: my local independent bookstore was featured. Hooray!

So why the disappointment?
There is too much redundancy of both the reflections and of the types of libraries and bookstores (far too many from Barnes & Noble for sure). Less of the usual and more of the unique would have added interest. For example, I especially enjoyed the entries of Diego Sandoval Hernandez and his work with prison libraries in Brooklyn, Amy Cheney’s Juvenile Justice Literary Project, and Carolyn Foote’s entry reflecting on her consultant work as an Intellectual Freedom award winner.

What was most disappointing was a lack of structure to the book and any information about the background and context of the entries. Reflections were loosely grouped by subtitles that didn’t make much sense to me. Too, the book began and ended abruptly. Tell us the background of its writing, the criteria for choosing the entries, the writing prompts shared. While edited for length and first person narrative, the entries seemed to be plopped down into the manuscript and that was that. Done. I’m hoping the final publication will provide additional info in the forward and afterward to make it a more substantive and satisfying narrative.

I’m grateful to James Patterson and Matt Eversmann for sharing the hard work that librarians and booksellers do every day to benefit us all. As many narratives mentioned, no one is in it for the money. And as many noted, our libraries continue to grow in importance to our communities and in relevance to all of our lives. Maybe it’s a little love letter to booksellers and librarians everywhere, but I hope that if it preaches to the choir, that it also reaches a larger audience.

Thank you to my fabulous Lewes DE Public Library for an ARC of this book, out on April 8.

[L.C. Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of stories submitted by various people and organized by James Patterson and his team. Put together much like the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series and divided into five parts. Contributors to this publication are from North America only and mainly from the USA, with a few from Canada who are employed at the largest bookstore chain called "Indigo/Chapters/Coles" bookstores across Canada. I particularly enjoyed reading the stories from librarians and book managers in mostly unknown or forgotten places such as prisons and correction centers.

Society often forgets about the individuals who are incarcerated and that these people have a lot of time on their hands while being locked up. Reading quality material can assist these inmates mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Page 88: I was particularly moved by the story of the supervising librarian, Mr. Diego Sandoval Hernandez, for the Jail and Prison Services at the Brooklyn Public Library in New York. He brings library books to Rikers Island, one of the world's largest and most violent jails. Mr. Hernandez leads a team of correctional library workers and shares a bit of his work experience and interactions with the people locked up. I was moved to read that he is able to move the heart and mind of some of these people and how even a comic book, Bible, and genres of various kinds can bring a smile to brighten someone's day. I hope Mr. Hernandez does not bring any books penned by James Patterson about violence, murder, and crimes for those behind bars to read or get ideas from.

Page 111: I enjoyed reading about Ms. Meg Wasmer, who is the co-owner of Copper Dog Books in Beverly Massachusetts and her experiences/interactions and witnesses. I myself have also heard so many young people declare, "I must have this book! or I must read this book!"
Page 116: Mike Bursaw is the owner of Mystery Mike's in Carmel, Indiana. I like how he found a treasure, bought a book for a buck, got it autographed, and then sold it for $695.
Page 308: I liked the story about Charlene Stoyles, who is the customer operations leader at Chapters bookstore in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Overall, this publication was an interesting read. I am glad I got to borrow this book from the library and did not purchase it for my bookshelf. I am sure Patterson will sell more copies of this book since all the contributors will most likely make large purchases for themselves. Great idea to have so many people from the literary landscape come together to contribute their experiences and insights.

[Nancy]

When I was a little girl I wanted to sit at a desk in the library and have children come up to me and ask what book they should read. I was eager to recommend my favorites. Charlotte’s Web. The Black Stallion. A Child’s Garden of Verses. The Shy Stegosaurus of Cricket Creek.

A few years later we moved and the new city had a large library. I wanted to see the books on the other side, but Mom said they were for adults. I wondered what was in those books. When I was twelve I prowled the stacks on that side, bringing home books on art and Greek myths. There was a large desk in the middle of the library, and I was sure that the job of the woman who sat there was the one I had coveted.

I was a bookstore manager for a few years where my husband was attending seminary. Students hung out there to kill time between classes. I learned what books the teachers were talking about and ordered copies which were quickly claimed. I was the first to make a profit at the nonprofit bookstore! I could order books at a 40% discount and took advantage of it to build my personal library. It was my favorite job ever. I peaked in my career at age 22.

After completing my degree in English I thought about going for a librarian degree. Instead, I got a job writing promotional literature, had a baby, and took our son to libraries. As a teenager, our son volunteered at the library’s resale store. My spouse is on the library board where we now live. We helped start a library book club that has been going on for nearly nine years.

Our librarians must contend with so many things today: shrinking budgets, open carry guns, individuals complaining about specific books that don’t meet their personal standards. Even the quilts we hang in the library sometimes get censored!

When a social media friend, a librarian, mentioned she was in this book I had to pick it up. It is a delightful read, full of the kind of people I imagined becoming some day.

My goal, my passion, is to become a special kind of matchmaker–matching people with books.
Kelley Moore quoted in The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians

The people who were interviewed for this book reflect on the joy of their work and the challenges they face in today’s culture. Holly Strong, a Barnes & Noble bookstore manager, tells the story of helping a troubled teenager find books that could bring affirmation and connection. She ends with, “To be that support for a complete stranger, who doesn’t feel like a stranger anymore–that’s the power and magic of my job.”

Those who love books want to get books into the hands of others. I may not be a seller of books or librarian, but as a book reviewer I still get to tell people about books they should read. If you are a reader, a lover of book, and want to be inspired by the stories of others who love books, this book is for you!

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wherever I go, bookstores are still the closest thing to a town square, " said Gloria Steinem.

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading is a treasure trove of interviews with booksellers and librarians. They are the magic in this world. They are problem solvers and help people and children find the books they are looking for. Sometimes customers ask for "that book with the blue cover" or "something my ten-year-old son would like" or even more obscure questions. Booksellers and librarians literally glow when they hear back from customers that the books that were recommended to them were perfect.

I dream of working in or possibly owning a bookstore at some point in my life. This book helped me understand that many employees at bookstores have been there a long time because they love working there so much. One of these days, perhaps my dream will become a reality!

I listened to The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading on audiobook and loved it so much that I have purchased a hard copy.

[Courtney Kistler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very intrigued and excited by this book. A few of the stories really stuck out to me, like the librarian who works with prisoners, but they all started to meld together. I wish there were half as many stories and that they were more than 4 or 5 pages long.

Found the “James Patterson” name dropping to get old after the 10th time. Did he write these excerpts after interviewing people? Or did they write their stories themselves?

Got about halfway through and sadly don’t think I will finish.

I have such a respect for librarians and booksellers, in fact this book encouraged me to finally go get a library card! So I am grateful for that. Just disappointed in the overall structure and flow of the book.

[JR · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute little book about librarians and book sellers and their short stories about why they got into the work that they do.

While it’s nothing earth shattering, it sheds a different light on people I wouldn’t normally think about, and how much satisfaction they get helping people pick just the right book, or how they enjoy the challenge of getting kids interested in reading.

Funny, even my tiny little Manitoba town made the book with a woman who started here over 55 years ago. Which got me interested in the history and where the store was as I knew nothing about this because it was well before my time. Kinda cool.

Overall, it’s a bit long and probably could have been cut down about a hundred pages, as some stories were a lot of repetition, but made me really think about what I get and enjoy out of reading. Made me even think of a career change, and brought a smile to my face. 3 and a half stars.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 communities. The librarians focus is the same but different, of course since they are funded on an entirely different scale.

This was fun to read and I found it uplifting to know how much heart is put into both bookstores and libraries. The commitment to literacy and getting books into the hands of readers is an amazing and important endeavor and I wish them all every success. I was happy to read about Judy Blume in her eighties having a bookstore now.

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company through Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Carolyn Guy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to describe this book as meh for a number of reasons. Who is the audience? I don't feel like it was me with 35 years' experience selling books and I don't think many of my customers would care. You know the meme 'You call that a snowstorm? 'Round here we call it Tuesday.'? That's what this book is - stories from booksellers and librarians doing what they do every day. I was annoyed that all the stories are from Americans, but that might just be better than one or two token stories from the rest of the world. James Patterson does so much for booksellers - he publishes bestsellers frequently that drive readers to our stores and he truly seems to appreciate what we do, but this book leaves me uninspired.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Lisa Kahler · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so disappointed in this book. What I was expecting was a fun book of short stories by librarians & book store owners of cool things they’ve found in books, and/or customer requests.

What this book really is, is a self promoting sales pitch by James Patterson. Stories are by librarians and booksellers who basically claim to be “heros”. Many of the storytellers promote Patterson’s other books or what a humanitarian he is.

Book is also very unashamedly political.
Did NOT enjoy this book at all. Glad it was an easy read because the time spent on this book could have been spent on a much better book.

[Liz Dzwonczyk · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needed editing. Almost all the short stories were similar and indistinguishable.
It was nice reading about all these people that work with books but there are only so many ways you can say “I love working with books” before they all run together.

[Brandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians is a great read for book lovers and library aficionados. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this compilation, relating to the feelings of avid readers, being welcomed in bookstores and in libraries by enthusiastic employees, and infuriation at recent and alarmingly, increasing book bans. Books can be educational, they can provide an escape, and they can bring joy. I recommend this collection about the “magic of reading.”

[Dailey Nettles Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pure joy, the stories are so honest and funny and full of hope. I couldn’t put it down. If you love reading, libraries, and bookstores, then this is for you. Even though it’s stories from a ton of people, they all flow really well together. I will be gifting this book to friends and family!

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable book about different people experience and love of reading around North America

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. This book was way too long, and each contributor's story was only around three or four pages long. Many said the same things about books, so those could've been condensed to just a few and then the unique stories would've stood out more. Many booksellers praised Patterson's books, so that felt a bit self-promoting. Nothing surprising or "secret," either. Not worth the time.

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the chapters sound the same. It seems that James Patterson enjoys inserting his own name in other peoples' stories,

[Shelby Friendshuh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ‘nice’ but the first hand accounts felt very purposefully chosen to show the more palatable aspects of these professions. Librarianship is much more complicated and challenging than what was shown here.
The fact that librarians and booksellers love reading and sharing books is not a secret. In fact, loving books (while very useful in librarianship) is not a great reason to go into the field. I suspect that showing the more gritty side to our work is a risk this author wasn’t willing to take.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 and intrusive nature of groups like Moms for Liberty (so much irony in that name) and others.

The best thing about this book is it made me curious to learn even more about the book world. Recommending the right book to someone at the right time is an incredible way to improve the world, and people’s lives, one book at a time. I can see why people get a side job at a bookshop and wind up making a career out of it. It would be so fulfilling to impact people’s lives in that way.

[Hestia Istiviani · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does it feel when you read something that fire up your dreams? 🔥

I applied to Library Science undergrad program with full consciousness. I knew what it takes & how underdog it was (or still?). But I just loooove reading and I want to know why some people love and some people have not found the joy of reading. And during my 4 years of study, I understand my passion: to make more people love (pleasure) reading.

Not a librarian, yet. But reading The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians made me teary almost on every chapter 🥹 It felt like I found my same-vibe peer group, where they never underestimate my dream of being a librarian and/or a bookseller, as long as I can cherish (new) readers and reading activity.

It has 4 sections with stories from around US and Canada about the Booksellers and Librarians. You will meet a librarian who serve in county jail (his was my favorite story!), couple who just moved in to built a bookstore for their community, and many, many inspiring + beautiful people who love books and reading like me.

Honestly, I can't find any word to describe how magical the book is. I felt connected what the contributors said, including some people who gave them side-eye about running business on book (ikr!).

[Phyllis · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointment. After 58 pages I couldn’t read anymore of these short interviews with booksellers and librarians. The writing was pedestrian and predictable, switching between present tense to past tense from paragraph to paragraph. And many of these booksellers gushed and fawned over James Patterson. The book seemed at times to be a promotional piece for the author, who probably just lent his name to the book while co-author Matt Eversmann did all the interviewing and writing (such as it is).

I felt like this book was a “bait and switch” – promoted to be about fellow booklovers, but the stories I read were really very simple anecdotes that didn’t keep my interest.

I can’t recommend this one.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure it was to read this book! I am a retired librarian, having spent time in school, public, and medical/scientific libraries over an almost 40=year career. I so enjoyed reading the stories presented by librarians and booksellers in this book. Readers can learn tricks of the trades and inspirations for future jobs. You can read this book straight through or dip back into it between other books for small doses. Either way will work. Reading it feels like informally talking to colleagues at an annual meeting. I appreciate that Patterson used his power to compile this gem. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing an ARC.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting snippets (chapters) of the lives of real librarians, book store owners & booksellers.
Easy reading.
I just don’t understand why Barbara Peters or Patrick Milligan of The Poisoned Pen Bookshop in Scottsdale, Arizona, wasn’t included in this book.

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, author James Patterson with Matt Eversmann collate vignettes from various librarians (school, public library, and more), bookshop owners, and chain bookstore employees across the US and Canada on the theme of why they enjoy what they do, and what struggle they face in their roles. Common themes include rallying against book censorship, sustaining brick and mortar book businesses in the Amazon age, building communities around reading, and connecting with individual readers of all ages. This was an interesting collection, with many contributors echoing my sentiment of being burned out on fiction after pursuing English degrees in college (I still haven't gotten over my burnout, but many of the others have -- I'm happy for them!). The essays were repetitive at times, similar to the compendium The Sky Is for Everyone: Women Astronomers in Their Own Words where the individual stories begin blurring as they're presented sequentially; the alternative would have been to not use individual stories but instead to isolate themes and write chapters around them, which may have improved the readability of this book for people like me listening to it from start to finish quickly, but in the process, likely lost much of its charm.

Further reading: on reading
Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me by Glory Edim
Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World by Maryanne Wolf
Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out by Shannon Reed

My statistics:
Book 34 for 2025
Book 1960 cumulatively

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ABSOLUTE must read for book lovers, librarians and booksellers. I was pleasantly surprised with the range and diversity of stories from people both in the States AND Canada.

There was also some great queer representation/persepectives and an important focus on the recent trend of book banning/book challenges.

So many heartwarming stories about helping readers find books that speak to them and encouraging literacy, meeting authors, etc.

A PERFECT pick for Independent Bookstore day or as a gift for the favorite book lover in your life. 10/10 recommend!!!

[Carol Irvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this book especially because I love to read 📚

[C.J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Somehow, a book full of first-hand short form essays by book lovers and readers, in which each essay was edited to sound as bland and stylistically similar as the last.