We decided to play the Q&A game with the ABC staff, and asked all sorts of bookish questions. In the coming weeks we will be posting their (sometimes cheeky!) answers here on the blog, so you can learn a little more about us.
Enjoy!
This time around we talk to Lília, blogmistress, buyer for board books, Psychology, Sexuality, and magazines supervisor in The Hague.
What are your top 3 favorite books or authors?
It’s always difficult to decide who to include and which books to leave out. S.K. Dunstall – an Australian sisters duo – is the author of the Linesman series, which I adore. I love everything Nalini Singh writes, from her paranormal romance (nowadays also known as Romantasy) to her mystery/thriller titles. And then it would be a toss-up between Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Romance authors for a third place, because I love many authors at different moments in life.
What is your favorite genre to read?
Romance is definitely at the top of my list, but I also love Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
In which literary world would you like to live/go on vacation?
How to choose? The world of Linesman is quite interesting, with all the music and the lines, but the Psy-Changeling world from Nalini Singh is also super fun.
What is your favorite bookish animal?
Werewolves, for sure.
Do you have any reading tips for our customers?
If you don’t like what you’re reading, choose something else. Life is too short to dwell on something you don’t like and there are too many good books to choose from.
What non-book item at ABC can you not pass by without looking at it?
Booksleeves. But it might be because I make them for the store…
Which book changed your (look on) life?
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin. It made me understand that gender and sexuality can be fluid, and not to judge people for their choices and nature.
What is your favorite part of being a bookseller?
Talking to customers and colleagues, choosing books to order for my sections, and keeping track of the magazines – it’s a lot of work!
What’s your secret for choosing the books you buy for your sections?
Many I choose because they are about something I’m interested in, such as anything about Autism and Trauma for the Psychology section, and anything related to refashioning and fast fashion for the Fashion section when it was still mine. But I also listen to what my colleagues advise, and what customers ask for. It’s a good combination of what you like and a lot of experience.
About the Author: Lilia
