Pros
If you think you know about books, working at HPB will make your realize your knowledge is very limited. It's an amazing learning experience. You're working side-by-side with intelligent, creative people who can make you laugh until your sides ache. The Buy Counter, where you buy books brought in by the public, is a fast-paced, exhilarating, high-stress, treasure hunt. I can't imagine another job that could be so much fun! On top of that, you get first dibs on everything coming into the store, and you get a great discount.
Cons
It's tough for a single adult, living alone, to live off the wages. Rotating shifts and schedules are mandatory, even in cases where it's not necessary. When you begin to excel at one thing, you will be transferred to another department. (This could also be considered a Pro.) The company believes in the motto, "Everybody does everything"... This includes scrubbing toilets and cleaning the feces off the walls in the bathroom when deranged and/or disgruntled customers decide to express themselves. If you've decided not to go into management, after a decade as a bookseller, HPB will treat you the same as if you had been hired yesterday. You will be paid about the same, too. Seniority and experience count for little.