A young writer in Melbourne found an unexpected career path after years of uncertainty. What began as a temporary gig selling books at events evolved into a permanent role that fundamentally changed their understanding of literature and community.
From rejection to the shop floor
In early 2018, the writer was navigating a period of professional stagnation. They had completed a bachelor of arts in creative writing but struggled to find employment or secure publications. After attempting a master’s degree in media and communications, they felt uninspired and listless, moving between hospitality jobs without success.
The turning point came during a book launch at Trades Hall in Carlton. There, they met Christine Gordon, the programming and community engagement manager at Readings, a well-known independent bookstore chain. The writer had emailed their resume to the store annually since age 16, viewing the shop as a cultural sanctuary. Gordon offered them help with events, providing a foothold in an industry they had long admired.
Initial shifts were irregular. The writer transported boxes of books, an old computer, and an Eftpos machine on a trolley to various venues. One early assignment involved selling books for Jordan Peterson at the Melbourne Recital Centre. The writer admitted to not understanding the appeal at the time, watching people queue for hours to meet the author.
Building connections through books
The role eventually led to permanent shifts at the Readings Hawthorn store, a location the writer had visited frequently as a child. The experience shifted their focus from the text itself to the people reading it. They learned to recommend titles based on vague descriptions, such as a cover being orange, or to suggest specific books for readers in distress.
One memorable interaction involved a grieving husband seeking literature to help him process loss. The writer recommended The Year of Magical Thinking and A Grief Observed by CS Lewis. These conversations highlighted the role of the bookstore as a space for human connection. Elderly customers often called on landlines simply to chat, and the staff once helped a man collect 100 hardbacks for his granddaughter’s 21st birthday.
The writer also managed the graphic novels section, creating a unique categorization system based on themes like feminism and coming of age rather than alphabetical order. This approach reflected a broader understanding of how readers engage with material. The job exposed them to eccentric and intelligent colleagues, many of whom were writers or creatives, who shared knowledge on classical music, history, and queer science fiction.
Community during and after the pandemic
The closure of physical stores during the pandemic underscored the importance of these spaces. When Readings reopened with limited capacity, customers returned as if seeking a sanctuary. The writer realized that reading, which they had previously viewed as an insular pleasure, was actually a tool for fostering community in large cities.
The experience lasted for several years until the writer secured their first journalism position. Despite leaving the shop, they continue to visit bookstores weekly and recommend books to friends. The role remains a defining chapter in their career, illustrating how a job in retail can provide profound personal and professional growth.
Source: The Guardian
