A fab book by poet and writer Jen Campbell (who blogs at 'this is not the six word novel') is through to the final round of the Goodreads Choice Awards 2012 (you can vote here).Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops
includes the classic lines: 'Have you got anything by Jane Eyre?'
'I read a book years ago. I don't remember who it was by or what it was called. but it had a green cover - do you know the one I mean?'
I've heard very similar lines in the library and now she's also looking for more examples for the follow up, I think libraries are included, so here are a couple of mine:
Borrower: Mumble, mumble, mumble...
Librarian: Sorry?
Borrower: Mumble, mumble, mumble..
Librarian: I'm sorry, I still didn't quite catch what you said?
Borrower: I've come without my teeth.
But by far my new favourite was this one I overheard or a weary borrower losing patience with the library's Saturday assistant in his search for a specific volume by Anthony Trollope:
Well can you just give me a list of all your Trollopes, please?Have you any classic lines you've overheard (or said) in bookshops or libraries? Jen would love to hear from you.
I voted for this book too. I haven't read it, but I know the blog! Plan to purchase this very soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to listen out for more at work, too!
DeleteMy grandmother did once go into a bookshop and ask for Jude the Obscene. (Actually not a bad title. I might use that. It would have to be a Fifty Shades kind of book.)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there have been a few Freudian slips at work, too, but I forget them if I don't write them down.... Doh!
DeleteThis made me laugh, as did Frances' comment! I did once go into a library with my youngest daughter. The librarian asked me how old Anna was and I said, 'Oh, she's 12.' 'No, I'm not, Mum,' Anna said. 'I'm 13 now.' The librarian had to check the date of birth and confirmed that Anna was in fact correct. Observant Mum of the Year Award over here, please.
ReplyDeleteFear not - this happens ALL th time... You're not the only Bad Mother out there! Lol
DeleteHa ha ha! Some people are complete joeys ... I suppose that's why we have Darwin awards ;-) I am embarrassed to say that I haven't been in a library for years.
ReplyDeleteShame on you! What about Izzy? It could be your next big adventure together.... quick before they all get closed!
DeleteI'm sorry I don't have any really witty stories. My friend Amy is a children's librarian in the US, and she has plenty of good stories, but most of them have to do with the egregious behavior of her patrons, and nothing to do with their questions or the books they want. My favorite story was the one about the unattended preschooler they found wandering around the children's room. After an exhaustive search throughout the library for his accompanying adult, they finally found Mum in a different part of the building, ensconced in front of one of the computers watching online videos and wearing headphones - which (apparently)explained why she wasn't responding to the the calls and announcements. Her response when the librarians pointed out that they weren't a drop-in nursery and she was responsible for supervising her own child? She stormed out in a huff, declaring that she wouldn't be back. Guess that showed them, right?
ReplyDelete*sigh* sadly I'veseen ths happen a few times too. I feel a 'bad behaviour in libraries' post coming on...
DeleteGreetings, earthling!! Gotta run back to the Elysian Fields, but take anything and everything you wanna from our wonderfull, plethora-of-thot to write the next, great masterpeace -if- I can but kiss your gorgeous, adorable feets and/or cuddle withe greatest, ex-mortal-girly-ever to arrive in Seventh Heaven. Think about it. Do it! Get back with me Upstairs, k? God bless you, doll: pleasure-beyond-measure is waiting in the Great Beyond for you and eye. PS: the musical term MORENDO means dying-away in tone-and-time. How verrry apropos for U.S. …thewarningsecondcoming.com
ReplyDeleteI usually delete the spammy stuff, but am leaving the comment above as it is so gloriously whacky!
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