Maybe I missed something but does it ever explain as to why Bernard is running a bookshop in the first place seeing as he seems to have no interest in books or in selling them?Did he inherit the shop?Did alcoholism sap his former interest?
He has a great interest in books. He's shown absorbed in a book almost every episode. It's people he doesn't like, especially those who bother him while reading!
shareBernard is a misantrope. I agree with the other answer, as he does love books. He has to deal with people to sell them books, which he hates having to do. It IS a comedy set in a bookstore, not set on a phychiatrist couch.
Ignorance isn't bliss. Ignorance is laziness. So stop being so lazy!