Patterson Celebrates the Book World with Trues Stories in “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians”

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann

If you are reading these words, you are in a minority — you are in the only 20 percent of people in America who can read a book and habitually do so.

Yet despite the plethora of distractions and obsessions, reading, says iconic author James Patterson, is not on the brink of extinction.

In large part that is because there are “superheroes” out there known as booksellers and librarians working long hours to keep reading alive. And now Patterson has documented some of their amazing, inspiring true stories, along with co-author Matt Eversmann, in the new book, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading (Little, Brown and Co.).

Sharing “Book Joy”

“Today’s booksellers and librarians,” writes Patterson, “are not the sitcom stereotypes who give judgy looks when someone brings the latest bestseller to the counter, or who will shush an overenthusiastic teen to churchy quiet from 60 yards away.”

“Armed with empathy, wit, and professional training, they take the confused, the fearful, the frustrated, and help them become more keen-eyed, sharp-eared and justice-attuned.”

“What they do is crucial for this country, especially right now.” To be a bookseller or librarian, you have to play detective. Be a treasure hunter. A matchmaker. An advocate. A visionary. They are people who “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.”

Patterson takes readers into 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.

Celebrating Book Heroes

In the book, readers will meet the smart and talented people who live between the pages — and who can’t wait to help you find your next favorite book.

The author takes us around the country, introducing us to booksellers and librarians from different corners, hearing their own stories and anecdotes about what they do, who they meet, and those funny tales worth reading about on their own.

Collectively, readers get an unusual glimpse into a profession and industry that doesn’t get enough coverage — or enough credit.

“Day after day after day, they find the right book for the right person, and in so doing, they help save people’s — and our collective — lives. And maybe our sanity.”