1 minute read
BOOKSHOPPING THE ART OF
Words by Ann Moir and Design by Harley Wood
The art of bookshopping is a form of art that should be done by all, but is mastered by readers - who turn the pages and experience a glimpse of what could be a riveting adventure. To master the art form, there are a few things that must be taken into consideration.
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CAUTION
BOOKSHOPPING MAY CAUSE BACK PAIN (FROM BENDING DOWN AND LOOKING AT THE BOOKS), HEADACHES (FROM CALCULATING THE PRICES) AND SINUS INFECTION (FROM SMELLING THE NEW PAPERS).
IF ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS OCCUR. LEAVE THE BOOKSTORE WITH YOUR PARTNER, OR BUY THE WHOLE STORE FOR THEM. THEY WILL APPRECIATE IT. GOOD LUCK, YOU’LL NEED IT.
Firstly, a bookshopper and an onlooker are two very different things. An onlooker will simply walk a lap around the shelves and decide that there is nothing to purchase. Whereas a bookshopper is so different. The individual would start at the high table in the entryway, scan the covers, and read two or three blurbs - if the cover really attracts their attention. The table is such a stupid invention for this purpose, as the height is all wrong. Some tables are only tall enough that they go to the waist of a person, resulting in the bookshopper having to bend over.
The second thing that should be noted is that complete, pin dropping, jaw dropping, can’t-believe-it’s-this-quiet silence. The only thing that can be heard is an occasional sniff and faint sounds of shuffling - as BookShoppers are trying to walk past you. All bookshoppers are polite. You will never meet a rude, sniffly, sour faced reader or bookshopper. It is impossible for bookshoppers not to nudge you, or accidentally bump you. For that, they will apologise and move to the next shelf.
Thirdly, patience is key. To be a bookshopper, you will stand there in front of a shelf for at least an hour before deciding which of the four books you and your bank account are willing to purchase. And finally, bookshopping is only mastered when you force your brother or sister to hold out their arms and hands to hold the pile of books you are collecting. It’s one of the most important aspects of the art form. Once you have mastered all these qualities, only then are you an official bookshopper.
