I imagine you’ve probably read Shaun Bythell’s very funny accounts of running a secondhand bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland – Diary of a Bookseller and Confessions of a Bookseller. I love them and I’m hoping they go on and on. While we wait for another diary, though, there is Seven Kinds of People You Find in Bookshop – published last year, probably with an eye on being a stocking filler. It’s 137 pages and a pocket-sized book, so only takes an hour or so to whip through – but it’s a delightful hour.
As the title suggests, Bythell divides up his usual clientele into seven categories – though each of these has several sub-sections. For example, here is the genus Expert, species Bore:
This type of person often considers him- or herself to be a polymath, and will inveterately share their thoughts with you on any subject you choose to mention, or accidentally mention, once you are aware of their proclivity. It is best to maintain complete silence in their presence, as the slightest thing can trigger a lengthy tirade on the most unexpected of subjects, although often you don’t discover that customers fall into this taxonomic category until it’s far, far too late. They are not averse to listening in on conversations between other customers and interjecting with their (often wildly offensive) opinions, and on many occasions I have had to apologise to innocent bystanders who – having been quietly discussing something – have subsequently been subject to an unsolicited (and possibly racist) rant from a complete stranger who happened to be within earshot.
Bythell is always wonderful at spearing people who have no self-awareness about how difficult they make life for others – though he breaks his curmudgeonly persona every now and then to talk about kinds of people who are very welcome in the shop. He treads the line between wittily grumpy and mean with expertise, never falling on the wrong side of it – but these moments of appreciation are still like the sun bursting through clouds.
Naturally, as a frequenter of bookshops, I read nervously – trying to identify myself. The nearest I came was the posh old lady from the city, with whom I have little in common except for her taste: ‘She would never dream of taking the dog for a walk, and her interests, when she comes into the bookshop and wafts dreamily around, are a light touch of Bloomsbury (particularly Virginia Woolf) with a smattering of the Mitford sisters.’ Ouch!
I will read anything Bythell writes about bookshops and, though this isn’t a proper instalment in the series, it’s enough to keep us going for a while. If it wasn’t in your stocking at Christmas, then treat yourself to a copy to make January a bit more fun.
LOL! It does sound entertaining and I may have to read it to find out what category I would fall into!
Good luck!! I think you’ll come out alright :D
I wishlisted this one. Curious to find out what kind Bythell would deem me to be too.
It is a bit daunting, reading and waiting to find out :D
Is there a type that charges meaningfully towards the fiction shelves and then methodically ploughs though every shelf in case there’s a treasure that was overlooked last time (which may only have been a day or so ago?)
Haha! I think that’s probably covered in the enthusiastic reader at the end – a cover-all that we’re all in :D
Ha! I have still not read the first two books in this series, despite knowing I would undoubtedly enjoy them. Pretty sure I am the old lady from the city too. Oh well.
You’d love them, Ali!
Curious if he likes to sell books. Most writers don´t.
He is a bookseller first and writer second!
How wonderful. I have read Sean Bythell’s Diary of a Bookseller and absolutely loved it. Will have to get this one. Thanks for recommending it.
No worries! Check out Confessions of a Bookseller too, if you haven’t.
Sounds like fun (and I think I need some fun these days)!
I loved his Diary and have his Confessions on my To Read Very Soon Shelf. DIdn’t you visit his shop and meet him a few years ago? I’m eager to make a pilgrimage to Wigtown.
This does sound fun, and I am sure I will end up getting it. I’d be terrified to go in his shop, though!
As a bookseller, I’ve got to say these gems are all too accurate 😅
If you haven’t read his books, you must!