The Literal, The Literary, And The Aviary

(A teenage customer walks in. She looks around for a while, but it seems she can’t find what she’s looking for.)

Me: “Do you need any help, ma’am?”

Customer: “Yes, I’m looking for the book that teaches you how to kill birds.”

Me: “We have a few hunting books in non-fiction if that’s what your looking for.”

Customer: “No. This book is fiction. It’s called How To Kill A Bird or something.”

Me: “Are you talking about To Kill a Mockingbird?”

Customer: “Yes! That’s it! Could you tell me where that is?”