Moments in a bookstore
I've started working at a bookstore, which I've always wanted to do, and I'm really enjoying it. There isn't the pressure that comes with working in clothing retail, but I still get out of my apartment and interact with actual people. There are many frustrations of course, but a great staff and lots of opportunities to judge people - always fun. Every once in a while I see things that really stand out for me.
First, there was an adorable little girl, about 8, who was sitting and reading a chapter book. She was quietly reading in a corner, sitting on the floor, and totally absorbed in her book. My first thought was, "she totally reminds me of myself at that age". Eventually her mom came to collect her and take her home. The girl was all excited about the book and asked/whined that she wanted to take it home with her. Mom said, "not today". Adorable little girl threw a temper tantrum. My next thought: "Yup, just like me as a kid". I'm now scared of a potential child with my genetic material. Who can afford the books?
Second, if you're a creepy old guy, just stay away from the semi-pornographic magazines. I don't want to be standing in the "travel section" and see your icky quivering self not-so-surreptitiously evaluating the topless women through the plastic covering. Just step away from the magazines. Or cough up the $5 and quiver at home. Either way, don't manhandle it and put it back. And if I can't see both of your hands: I'm calling security.
And to wrap up the day we have issue number three. Boisterous, annoying parents of a teenage boy came in to buy him a book about "that Hamlet crap, or something" (Annoying Parents, 2006). Excellent. I helped them find the Cliff's notes, and then they asked (very accusingly), "why the hell should kids have to read this garbage anyway?" Good question Sir. Maybe so they turn out better than you?
I politely inquired if they had a frequent reader card (I know, I know, fuel for the fire!), and they didn't. As Dad happily pointed out "our family doesn't read books!". If I give you my personal card will you encourage your kids to read so they don't end up completely illiterate and useless? But thanks for criticizing what they read and happily keeping them away from books. As their possible future teacher, I thank you. When I'm pulling my hair out and failing them, I'll remember this moment. But don't worry, you can go ahead and criticize the school system.
First, there was an adorable little girl, about 8, who was sitting and reading a chapter book. She was quietly reading in a corner, sitting on the floor, and totally absorbed in her book. My first thought was, "she totally reminds me of myself at that age". Eventually her mom came to collect her and take her home. The girl was all excited about the book and asked/whined that she wanted to take it home with her. Mom said, "not today". Adorable little girl threw a temper tantrum. My next thought: "Yup, just like me as a kid". I'm now scared of a potential child with my genetic material. Who can afford the books?
Second, if you're a creepy old guy, just stay away from the semi-pornographic magazines. I don't want to be standing in the "travel section" and see your icky quivering self not-so-surreptitiously evaluating the topless women through the plastic covering. Just step away from the magazines. Or cough up the $5 and quiver at home. Either way, don't manhandle it and put it back. And if I can't see both of your hands: I'm calling security.
And to wrap up the day we have issue number three. Boisterous, annoying parents of a teenage boy came in to buy him a book about "that Hamlet crap, or something" (Annoying Parents, 2006). Excellent. I helped them find the Cliff's notes, and then they asked (very accusingly), "why the hell should kids have to read this garbage anyway?" Good question Sir. Maybe so they turn out better than you?
I politely inquired if they had a frequent reader card (I know, I know, fuel for the fire!), and they didn't. As Dad happily pointed out "our family doesn't read books!". If I give you my personal card will you encourage your kids to read so they don't end up completely illiterate and useless? But thanks for criticizing what they read and happily keeping them away from books. As their possible future teacher, I thank you. When I'm pulling my hair out and failing them, I'll remember this moment. But don't worry, you can go ahead and criticize the school system.
posted by Lisa at
12:08 a.m.
1 Comments:
As a high school teacher i want you to consider this...the world needs people to do all sorts of jobs.
In my classes I run into kids like your "shakespeare" example. It makes feel better to know that it doesn't matter how good a teacher I am, some kids will ultimately fulfil thier potential no matter how much they read or don't read. After all in every society there is always a need for someone to wear paper head attire and ask those driving expensive imports, "Would you like to supersize that?"
Hang in there kiddo...the bookstore gig won't last forever.
V
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Anonymous, at 4:11 p.m.
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