An honor or a disservice?

The NY Times ran a piece about the most commonly shoplifted books.

Oddly enough, THE BIBLE tops the list in some stores.  Perhaps people feel entitled to the word of their Lord.  Or perhaps THE BIBLE is overpriced.  I purchased a copy a couple years ago for a project that I was working on, and I spent well over $100 on it. 

Maybe the masses simply cannot afford the book.  

The Telegraph reports that THE VIRGIN SUICIDES is the most commonly shoplifted book in modern times.  I have not read the book, but my wife has and reported that “there are some things I liked about it.”

hardly a ringing endorsement.   

I’m left wondering if authors should feel honored to have their books on a most shoplifted list, or if the act of stealing a book is a sign of disrespect for the author.  

Also, how is shoplifting handled in financial terms?  Is it a loss  for the store, for the author, or both?

I’m not sure.  I mean, it’s nice to be wanted, but at what price?