Daddy's Little Girl

In the book fair business, it’s a known fact that a majority of the buyers are women. Shoppers at heart, they seem to have (or take) more time to linger over lyrical pages of prose in a novel, or push buttons on a talking book being considered for a grandchild. I love the women who turn out at my book fairs because I know it means titles will move off the shelves. It’s not the money—it’s the satisfaction in knowing I’ve made their day and hear, “This is just what I was looking for.”

That said, my heart is most touched by the young dads who buy books for their children. They are a study in opposites, when dressed in a 3-piece suit.

Mid-week I conducted a 2-day fair in the lobby of a somewhat ritzy office building downtown. As expected, shoppers filled the aisles during lunch time. The rest of the day, people scurried to and fro, briefcases in hand, off to important meetings and appointments. They’d stop but a moment at the bestseller rack or cookbook display, then back on pace toward a job task. Whenever a businessman approached the cash register, I expected he’d pay for a copy of a business book or the latest profile of an athlete who makes millions. But not always. When a smartly-dressed man places a copy of “Chicken Little” or “Pooh Stories” on the countertop, it is a treat. His soft side shows, and it’s something to see.

One of the best parts of the retail book business is talking with the customers—and overhearing conversations amongst them. Picture this: two fortyish lawyer-looking types head my way, a bit rushed, it seems. One wants to pay for his books, the other waits beside him. The buyer comments about the World War II DVD set he’s buying, his voice casual as he talks about his interest. But his demeanor switches to excitement when he points out his second choice, a book called, “Third Grade Detectives #6: The Secret of the Green Skin.” He tells his friend it’s for his daughter—“She’s in third grade and loves to read! I saw this title and knew I had to buy it for her!” His pleasure is heart-warming to me because love for his daughter is apparent in his selection, and he wasn’t afraid to share that with his gray-haired friend. In my mind, I see an enthusiastic little girl, hugging and kissing daddy who brings a new book home for her to read.

I suppose it’s why I’ve always treasured books so much. They are a means of connection and emotion between people of all ages and for all times. Dad may have a busy day at the office, but if he can spend a few dollars at a book fair, he takes home much more than white pages glued between two covers.