I visited a bookstore the other day and as I was browsing, I overheard the bookseller recommending The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo to a customer looking for a gift for a 10-year-old girl. Yep. A 10-year-old. The bookseller went on to say that is was a bestseller and that girls everywhere love it. I was standing two shelves over and practically peed my pants. What???
I edged my way over to see the sort of idiot I was dealing with. The customer looked okay, NORMAL if you will. She then asked if there was any graphic content because this girl’s parents are very religious and careful about what she reads. The bookseller pushed her magenta-streaked hair out of her face, cleared her throat and said that it was a tad mature but very readable.
At this point I was looking for a nice way to butt in, but the customer must have sensed something because she came right over to me and asked me if it was appropriate for a young girl. I went on to explain that there is a very violent rape scene, numerous mentions of sex along with various sexual acts and that the language is quite graphic at times. Oh, and did I mention that in Sweden the book was called Men Who Hate Women and that there is a domestic violence theme running throughout the entire novel?
The customer was very good. She simply said “Thank you”, placed the book back on the shelf and walked out. I can’t say I blame her. I gave the bookseller the evil eye. I mean, what in the world was she thinking? I’m not sure the bookseller has even read it. Perhaps she saw “girl” in the title and thought Little House on the Prairie or something. Can you imagine what would have happened if the customer had decided to BUY it?
Book Chatter 
That’s appalling. How could the bookseller not have even heard what the book is about/contains. I haven’t read it yet (it’s sitting on my shelf) but I’m a book-person so couldn’t fail to be aware of the hype and discussion about it. *sigh* A knowledgeable bookseller is worth their weight in gold (or books. same thing *grin*)
It was unreal to me. Even The Hub, who was standing right next to me and has not read the book knows a bit about it and he is not a reader!
I have the book on my shelf, and so I admit that I wasn’t aware of the rape scene or domestic violence theme, but I do know that I would never have thought to purchase the book for a child. Bravo to you for informing the customer about the book! I can’t believe that bookseller, well actually I can. Its unfortunate that some of these booksellers have no idea what the books their stores carry are actually about. Craziness!
It’s a really good book but not for a child. You’ll have to let me know what you think of it when you read it. I can’t wait for book three to come out.
Not that I’m a prude, but even I decided I didn’t really need to read this after getting to those scenes. I personally am trying to read more deliberately this year and that includes reading things that don’t edify me or anyone else for that matter. I’m not saying I don’t think it wasn’t well-written or wasn’t a good story, but for me, I would like to spend my time on something a little more positive…
…that said, I don’t only read “happy” or “Christian” books either (although that’s okay for those who do).
But yes, a teenager? What the hey was that bookseller thinking? D’oh!
I do enjoy the series but even for me, the violence against women is a bit over the top. Everyone is reading more deliberately this year. I’m trying really hard to do that myself. I’ve said “no” to several ARCs lately that just didn’t fit my reading plan. It’s hard to turn down a book but there is so much that I want to read this year that I simply must be more choosy or it won’t happen!
Oops, I mean a 10-year-old…a teenager, late teenager, maybe, but a 10-year-old…again: the hey!?!
Oh my goodness! I haven’t even read this book yet myself, but it is quite obvious from the reviews that I have read that this would not be suitable for a girl of that age.
Just amazing and how fortunate that you were there. First of all, I have loved all three of the Stieg Larsson books and my mystery book group read and discussed Dragon Tattoo. However, it is obviously an adult book. A very adult book. How hard is it to take the customer to the YA section and point out a few mysteries there. Even Nancy Drew or the great Enola Holmes series. Good for you for making your presence known. I think the book would be appropriate for an older teen, but no a 10-year-old, even one who is a precocious reader. Give the 10-year-old some Agatha Christie. Well done, Ti.
Wow! I wonder if she was confusing it with a different book! (like maybe, Anne of Green Gables)….
Well, the bookseller was young-ish but certainly college age. She didn’t seem to mind me interjecting. I hope she made a mental note for next time.
Unbelievable! Maybe the addition of the word tattoo in the title also meant she thought it was cool?
I’m never sure what to do in situations like this – when I overhear a bookseller not know an answer, or give an answer that’s just plain wrong. I’ve never heard anything quite so egregious as recommending TGwaDT for a 10 year old(!!), but I’m never sure whether piping up would be helpful, or just rude. In this case, though, everyone involved is lucky you were there and willing to speak up!
I know! I wasn’t going to interject there unless invited to do so. Thank goodness the customer asked me because I was about to jump out of my skin.
Wow, that’s just crazy! The customer was so lucky you were there to set her straight. I must admit I didn’t know this book was so graphic — I think I may avoid it too!
Oh my gosh, that’s awful! It’s a good thing you were there!
Good for you! I’ve often thought of stepping in at bookstores when people are looking for recommendations and the seller is just giving the ‘usual’ suggestions. What I do instead is more passive – sometimes I put books I love and think are unacknowledged on the main tables to get people to see them. HA!
I do that too! I also rearrange shelves so that a particular book is facing out.
I haven’t read this one yet but I know that this one is not appropriate for a youth of any age; really no matter how mature they are or how laid back their parents are. If you didn’t know that, why in the world would a bookseller not steer the customer to the YA section of the store?
WOAH! That’s crazy! What on earth was she thinking…good thing you were there!
OMG…what an idiot! Why would she recommend a book, she obviously had not read. I mean just reading the back cover should be telling enough that it isn’t suitable for a 10 y/old.
OK, this would qualify for a post on WTF Wednesday. I can’t think of anything less appropriate for a 10 year old girl. That chick needs to be fired before she unknowingly steals away the youth and innocence from some unsuspecting little kid. I would liken that to my daughter’s BFF’s mother (who is an idiot) who thought a good family movie would be Kill Bill. I just shake my head, and wish you had to pass a test to be a parent (or a bookseller).
Kill Bill? That’s really bad. I have friends that try to filter out the bad stuff for their kids but their judgement is skewed. They won’t allow SpongeBob but they allow Family Guy. Stuff like that.
Oy vey! This is like the reverse of Adventures in Bookselling…it’s an adventure in book buying, and I’m so ashamed for that bookseller. The book is clearly sold and marketed as a work of adult fiction, and no bookseller worth her snot would recommend this (or, really, any work of adult fiction) for a ten-year-old reader without a very good reason.
Was this in a chain bookshop? I’ve often found the employees in places like Waterstones, Borders etc aren’t the most knowledgeable bunch (although you do sometimes get the odd person who knows what they’re talking about). In fact, most times they don’t say anything that’s why I much prefer going to independent bookshops; they know their stuff and they chat away to you giving great recommendations.
Unfortunately, this was an indie bookstore. I was rather surprised.
wow, the mind boggles. they should have a test to see if you know anything about books before you can work in a bookshop.
That seems like it was clearly a case of the bookseller trying to make a sale without really knowing what she was talking about. It reminds me of my first job selling bait and tackle when I used to lie through my teeth about my knowledge of what was going to catch fish that day (in my defense this was what my boss told me to do). There’s a big difference though, between telling a fisherman a “fish story” about which bait works the best and selling a mature-themed book to someone who’s gifting it to a child. The least the bookseller could have done was admitted ignorance and pointed to a more appropriate book.
I could never have sold bait and tackle. I don’t talk a good game at all! LOL.
It’s hard not to speak up sometimes. I’m sure she sensed your looks and glad you could set her straight. I have answered so many questions in bookstores when staff didn’t know the information. Hard to know about every book though.
Such a great thing you were there. Although I have seen this book all over the place, I have yet to pick it up to look at it or read a review of it. I had now idea what it was about, but think now I will not be reading it. I have such a hard time reading r*pe scenes—(see, I can’t even really type the word!) and drawn out, explicite ones really bother me. There was one in Shanghai Girls that I sobbed through.
Your experience? Just goes to show you need to be careful who you take book advice from!
*smiles*
I agree, that’s appalling. I’m sure she appreciated your honesty.
With all that is going on in this book it might be too much for some adults. Glad you were hovering and there to save the day.
Standing Ovation for Ti!!!! I’m so glad you said something!
I loved that book, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it for children.
Good for you for helping the customer out in the absence of a proper bookseller.
My mom asked me recently if she would enjoy this book and I had to be honest and tell her that I had no idea because besides the fact that I had heard the title I actually didn’t know what it was about. After this, I’m pretty sure my mother wouldn’t like it either!
Holy cats!!! I give the graphic content warning when I recc DWTDT to grown-ups. That would also not be my first choice when giving a recc for a 10 yr old.
People like that bookseller give the rest of us a bad rep. 😦
This is an extreme case of course. Most booksellers are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Maybe she was new? I know, no excuse.
OMG! So happy you were there. Definitely not a match for that buyer.
Holy moly! I’m glad you were there to stop the sale! I’m wondering if the bookseller was thinking of another book!? Still..no excuse for obvious ignorance.
I am glad the mother turned to you for your opinion, Ti. Hopefully the salesclerk will know next time not to lie to customers.
Thank goodness you were there! I felt slightly traumatized having read DRAGON and I am definitely of age.
It may just be me, but I tend to pipe up with book opinions – book people seem to love to talk to each other, so I like to think it’s not unwelcome to share your opinion. I was just in the Strand bookstore yesterday considering Pynchon’s latest book and was sold after another customer told me how great it was.
You make a good point. Luckily she turned to me otherwise I’m not sure I would have been able to say something to her there. I probably would have tried to take her aside, in a more private location and given her my opinion there.
wow! I haven’t yet read TGwaDT, but I know enough about it to know it’s not for a 10-year-old.
I had to read the book blurb to ask another question … did the customer look at the book at all, or just the front cover? Nothing on the back mentions these words, but a quick glance at the inside-the-cover blurbs shows “serial killer” and “sexy addictive thriller”.
Yikes! Good thing you were sending out silent “ask me!” vibes, Ti.
Yikes, I’ve read the book and it’s definitely not a childrens book! The bookseller needs a bit of education about what the bookstore is selling. Thankfully the lady asked you about it!
Unbelievable! I would have been giving the bookseller dirty looks as well!
That is just TERRIBLE. Why wouldn’t she just admit she didn’t know? “Very readable.” Good grief!
You’d think she would have at least after the customer made the remark about the family being very religious and strict about what the daughter read “well, no, perhaps it wouldn’t be quite right for her then” or something.
I just started this book and I wouldn’t even think of it for a 10-year-old. Not just because of the reasons you cited but I think it is a somewhat sophisticated story that would not hold a 10-year-old’s interest or be understood. I think that bookseller is seriously out of turn or completely confused about the book. That is outrageous. Thank goodness you were there!!
I just read this post to my husband. He’s read this book and I haven’t. His response was the same as yours. WHAT!!??!! He added that it’s also about a serial killer. That bookseller was either doing that on purpose or just didn’t know wtf she was talking about. I hope her manager happens to hear her inapproprietely recommend the book to the next person and reprimands her.
BTW, when I worked for Borders in my early twenties I had blue streaked hair. It’s one of the only places where you can work and have any color of hair really. It was GREAT!!
You know, I didn’t think about it but you’re right. Not many places allow you to work with colored hair.
Wow. And there’s so many books that the bookseller COULD have recommended. What an idiot.
Good heavens. It took me forever to get to sleep after having read the rape scene. Definitely not appropriate for a ten year old. On any level! Sheeesh. Good for you for telling the customer the truth. I can only imagine what would have happened otherwise!
Unbelievable. I really loved that book, but there’s no way it’s appropriate for a 10-year-old. I would think you’d want to read a book before giving it to your own kid anyway, because how can you trust someone else to know if it’s appropriate for them?
You’re right. I try to read everything before I give it to my son and daughter. Even a couple of chapters help
All I can say is “What an idiot!!” As a bookseller, I am always honest with my customers. When asked my opinion about a particular title (even one I disliked) I am as honest as possible. If I didn’t care for a particular book, I explain why and suggest something else. But maybe I make sure to explain my reasons because we all have different taste in books and maybe mine are the complete opposite of the customer’s. That being said, never in a million years would I recommend this gritty, disturbing book to someone that young! I would love to know what she was thinking. And, like you, wonder if she’s even read the book.