I have never been in a book store before ....

I have probably never read a book ....
and I'm clueless about life in general.

(A customer points out the Dope and Smut shelf. Another customer takes interest and I am forced to have the following exchange)

I have a friend who is graduating with a degree in 17th century European sexual practices. Would you have any books about that?

We do have a History of Sex in the History section downstairs, but that is the only thing that comes to mind. I imagine if your friend has a degree on the subject he probably would want something specialized, not so general. But there may be something down there. The history is the only one that comes to mind.

I don't think that would be smutty enough. Do you think there is something up here?

I don't know, but you can take a look. I think that shelf is more 'how to' than scholarly.

(He wanders into the literature section.)

That section is Literature. The Dope and Smut is just this shelf.

(I walk to shelf because this guy clearly needs help. I need to repeat the above line twice before he comes over and shows a bit of understanding. I look over the shelf.)

Yes, these are mostly 'how to.'

Well, I guess I need to check the dates he was studying. (I don't think that will help any.)

(He looks at the stairs, but won't go down.)

Do you have anything special that can't be found on line?

I am pretty sure you can find anything we have somewhere on line. Some of what is on line is from here.

Well, I guess that is the goal now ... to carry stuff you can't get on line. I better check those dates.

(He finally leaves.)

Am I just not being compassionate enough toward the socially inept?