Buy new:
-36% $17.99
FREE delivery Sunday, August 4 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$17.99 with 36 percent savings
List Price: $28.00

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
FREE pickup Sunday, August 4 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest pickup Friday, August 2. Order within 10 hrs 35 mins

1.27 mi | ASHBURN 20147

How pickup works
Pick up from nearby pickup location
Step 1: Place Your Order
Select the “Pickup” option on the product page or during checkout.
Step 2: Receive Notification
Once your package is ready for pickup, you'll receive an email and app notification.
Step 3: Pick up
Bring your order ID or pickup code (if applicable) to your chosen pickup location to pick up your package.
In Stock
$$17.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$17.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.

Return instructions

Item must be in original condition and packaging along with tag, accessories, manuals, and inserts. Unlock any electronic device, delete your account and remove all personal information.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

James Patterson
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: Their stories are better than the bestsellers Hardcover – April 8, 2024

by James Patterson (Author), Matt Eversmann (Author)
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$17.99","priceAmount":17.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"CSqh2MAbDOkB82tHby%2FoYBOYgMbzED6LcfGCwfLL9a8Sx3IJddYf0d5DkDjZVzzNcSgJNqXOEXVJ5UI3l7nVieZLPxlSSVQLZoGC6KZS7W54QtN6OejZ0iMrLtyryUFoO%2BnVywKjh7l0loeF3VPwzw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$17.04","priceAmount":17.04,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"04","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"CSqh2MAbDOkB82tHby%2FoYBOYgMbzED6LZBOUMoNytnarfkSAR%2BbSOfrnFaoN4i1Ho9RoKVIMPTGIndxpy%2FhQBqCGobGqbcO05X87tG2eX1FTGU9lOR5zEZmq0pdOJftK%2FlMruVI1V9bMagOoJhYMqEyrhw9842hhDeRN%2BW455wZWIWG5z93XBw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}],"desktop_buybox_group_2":[{"displayPrice":"$17.99","priceAmount":17.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"CSqh2MAbDOkB82tHby%2FoYBOYgMbzED6LcfGCwfLL9a8Sx3IJddYf0d5DkDjZVzzNcSgJNqXOEXVJ5UI3l7nVieZLPxlSSVQLZoGC6KZS7W54QtN6OejZ0iMrLtyryUFoO%2BnVywKjh7l0loeF3VPwzw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"PICKUP","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":2}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Instant New York Times Bestseller!

This “celebration of the world of books” (Kirkus) is “a real page turner!” (Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan) that "feels like a love letter" (USA Today) to booksellers and librarians—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. 
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Little, Brown and Company
  4. Publication date
    April 8, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    5.9 x 1.19 x 8.55 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0316567531
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0316567534
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details
Save time and resources when buying books in bulk. Your Company Bookshelf Save time and resources when buying books in bulk. Your Company Bookshelf


Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition

Frequently bought together

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: Their stories are better than the bestsellers
This item: The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: Their stories are better than the bestsellers
$17.99
Get it as soon as Sunday, Aug 4
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The 24th Hour: Is This The End? (A Women's Murder Club Thriller, 24)
The 24th Hour: Is This The End? (A Women's Murder Club Thriller, 24)
$15.00
Get it as soon as Sunday, Aug 4
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Eruption: Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
Eruption: Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
$15.98
Get it as soon as Sunday, Aug 4
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Similar items that may ship from close to you

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  1. The Murder Inn: From the Author of The Summer House
    James Patterson
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,647
    Paperback
    $12.88
    Get it as soon as Sunday, Aug 4
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  2. Hard to Kill: Meet James Patterson’s Greatest Character Yet (A Jane Smith Thriller, 2)
  3. For the Love of Books: Stories of Literary Lives, Banned Books, Author Feuds, Extraordinary Characters, and More
  4. Why We Read: A Teacher's Hilarious Memoir on Books
    Shannon Reed
    4.3 out of 5 stars 112
    Hardcover
    $21.10
    Get it as soon as Sunday, Aug 4
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  5. Book Row: An Anecdotal and Pictorial History of the Antiquarian Book Trade
    Marvin Mondlin
    4.3 out of 5 stars 108
    Paperback
    $18.99
    Get it as soon as Sunday, Aug 4
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  6. Librarian Tales: Funny, Strange, and Inspiring Dispatches from the Stacks
    William Ottens
    3.7 out of 5 stars 333
    Paperback
    $15.29
    Get it as soon as Sunday, Aug 4
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
    Only 20 left in stock (more on the way).
Next page

From the Publisher

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians is very touching and beautifully crafted. It is like having the James Patterson Storytelling Fairy Dust sprinkled down upon you and your life. No wait, it IS having the James Patterson Storytelling Fairy Dust sprinkled down upon you and your life!”―Nina Barrett, Owner, Bookends & Beginnings

“I’m thrilled to be included in James Patterson’s The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians. James Patterson was kind enough to come to one of the early Mystery Writers Conferences at the bookstore. I was so in awe of him that I could barely get the courage to speak. In this book, he makes me look smarter than I am. I love it!”―Elaine Petrocelli, President and Co-owner, Book Passage

“A celebration of the world of books. ... and the deep satisfaction of creating a vibrant community for readers. A compendium of warm recollections."―Kirkus

"A lighthearted compendium of first-person reflections from librarians and booksellers about their work and passion for literature... comfort food for bookworms."―Publishers Weekly

About the Author

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.


Matt Eversmann retired from the Army after twenty years of service. His first book with James Patterson was Walk in My Combat Boots.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company; First Edition (April 8, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316567531
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316567534
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.9 x 1.19 x 8.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
James Patterson

James Patterson

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster “Eruption.” He has told the story of his own life in “James Patterson by James Patterson” and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
288 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the writing style easy to read and the book interesting.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Reading experienceWriting style
14 customers mention "Reading experience"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very interesting, feel good, and sweet. They also say the selections are inspiring, enlightening, and funny. Readers also describe the book as marvelous on a timely and timeless subject.

"...An excellent read." Read more

"...It is a very interesting read." Read more

"Interesting collection of stories; quick read" Read more

"Interesting snippets (chapters) of the lives of real librarians, book store owner’s & booksellers.Easy reading...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style of the book easy to read.

"Interesting collection of stories; quick read" Read more

"...Easy reading...." Read more

"Whitty and well written" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

E. A. Morrison
5.0 out of 5 stars Many stories
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
I was not expecting short bio's on so many book related jobs! I have another book about librarians but with pictures and their stories. An excellent read.
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars lots of similar themes running through the book
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
Loyalty. “Yes, Virginia young & old people still do read - and they read a lot!” Connection to community. Connecting to individual customers. The joy of reading. The joy of changing someone’s life with a book. The horror of book banning. All are topics and themes that run through all of these stories. It is a very interesting read.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Xteach
5.0 out of 5 stars For readers of books
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
Interesting collection of stories; quick read
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book for Librarians and Booksellers
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
Loved this book. Being a retired librarian, I totally enjoyed and related to the stories in this book!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jan R. S.
5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful pleasant reading experience
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
I am a book lover. I have hundreds of books all throughout my home, in every room (yes, including the bathrooms). I volunteered at our local library for about 7 years, tutoring young people in English. One woman I worked with had to read and discuss a story in front of her class. We worked on that story for months! It was so full of metaphors and double meanings that it took forever to finally get to the point. When the day finally came that her turn came in class, she did it...she stood up and spoke of the story and got an "A" for her use of the English Language and her understanding of the story. She barely spoke any English when we first met and now she was practically proficient. Another woman, who also spoke no English was my Learner for about five years; and then became a dear beloved friend (still is). I helped her become a citizen by tutoring her in the books about citizenship and buying some tools for 'flash' quizzes. It was a wonderful day when she came to me and said "I Passed!" The woman who headed the department of English Language Learners was wonderful and beyond helpful with suggestions. When she left, the Library decided not to replace her right away and the Learners who were left without tutors (who quit because of no leadership or help) were bereft with disappointment. I took it upon myself to work with them (5 ladies and 1 young man) until they could fill the position. I went to the library several days a week for about two months when I was told they had done so. But sadly, they really did not. That's a different/other story. This book brought back so many delightful memories of the library; it had felt like my second home. There is no longer a place for me there. But reading this book also brought respite from the chaotic world we are currently living in and reminded me of some of the wonderful books I had read and loved. For those of you who need a break from that world for a little while, submerge yourself in this book; just sit back, take a big breath and enjoy!)
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
BlueDoorLibrary
3.0 out of 5 stars Did we forget about K-12 librarians?
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2024
Each chapter of the book is a story from a bookseller or librarian. There is a short bio saying where the person currently works (or I assume, worked when interviewed for this book). Only ONE person was a school librarian as described in their bios. I found one person that was a school librarian and a medical librarian.

I'm disappointed by the omission.

Think back to the first books you read. Were they gifts? Public library books? School library books? I'm willing to wager that many people first gained access to books at school. Studies show that if children are not interested in reading for enjoyment by the time they leave elementary school, chances are they won't grow up to be adults that like to read. Studies also show that schools with full-time certified librarians perform better on standardized tests.

How could Patterson, Eversmann, and Mooney leave out the people who connect children with books everyday?
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Nick Wilson
4.0 out of 5 stars Quirky…but fun
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a collection of “stories” about people on the front side of books — librarians and booksellers. They discuss the battles they’ve fought for the books the treasure and those who seek to read those books. They share the work that goes on behind the scenes. And what it takes to make ends meet.
I enjoyed this book. It is, however, written in a weird “tense” throughout. There’s no use of the past tense in any of the essays. And it’s a little off-putting. It’s just not the way we usually read about past events. An editorial decision, I’m sure. But one that makes little sense. And makes for a strange read.
Helpful
 Report
Stanley Turner
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Read…
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
I love reading books about those who write books or those who recommend and sell books. This book fits right in that genre. I also picked up a few book recommendations for myself to put on my “to be read list’ which grows exponentially when I read a book like this. Independent booksellers are some of my favorite people, unfortunately there are no bookstores near my home and the library are really not convenient unless one is retired since they close at 4:45pm and are not open on weekends. Fortunately I have a nice library I have built myself over the years. Highly recommended…SLT
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Lisa Ekman
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in Canada on May 3, 2024
Verified Purchase
Originally got the book because a friend is featured in it. Once I started reading others in the book is is a good read
Report
hema
4.0 out of 5 stars readers point
Reviewed in India on June 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
there are wonderful stories from booksellers , librarians. the joy to find a book with little information , is unique. families coming to store , to buy to gift . Each title is like a nugget of gold. The book is interesting for keen readers. Though sometimes anecdotes are repetitive, still I felt delighted reading the book.
Report
Jane M Nickerson
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read for book lovers
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed the different tales from book sellers and librarians. It was a little repetitive in places
Report