“I don’t agree when people say that giving a book is an easy gift. It’s something super intimate! You have to know the person’s tastes, there are a lot of choices… It’s not such a simple gift, it’s a cultural object, with real value,” defends Amandine Martin, who opened the bookstore Les Audacieuses with Camille Mazé, in November. “Some may find it simple because in one place, it is possible to find a book for each member of the family,” smiles the latter. “That’s what we’re here for, the booksellers!” »
Ask the right questions
As booksellers, we must know how to ask the right questions to succeed in finding THE right book. “There is of course the age, the tastes of the person, and their relationship to reading, if they are already a good reader. Which will influence the format, a novel or a comic book,” explains Amandine Martin. “We can base ourselves on a title, which has already been popular. Or on an author, by proposing his new title or a similar author,” adds Camille Mazé.
Wilfrid Séjeau, manager of Cyprès, confirms:
You need to understand the reader’s profile. It’s easier when the person knows the other person’s tastes well. We start by narrowing down the request: novel, essay, coffee-table book, etc. Before addressing the areas of interest.
Jean-Luc Dechauffour, bookseller at the Maison de la Presse, also relies on the exchange: “We try to understand who the gift is intended for, by asking questions about age, interests… We have to manage to sell a book that people like, the one closest to demand.”
Books
