With the holiday season in full swing, it is no surprise that Borders’ 10 best-selling books in the region include three books on cooking and one on dieting.
The week’s list of nonfiction bestsellers in eastern Michigan and northwest Ohio include “You: On A Diet: The Owner’s Manual for Waist Management” by Mehmet Oz.
The lists also includes “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream,” by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who may be running for president in 2008.
In his book, Obama discusses his perspective on faith, values and politics.
John Grisham’s first try at nonfiction, “The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town,” is also one of the region’s best-sellers.
The top fictional best-sellers include “Next” by Michael Crichton, “For One More Day” by Mitch Albom and “Brother Odd” by Dean Koontz. All three tell very different stories: Crichton focuses on the scientific possibilities of the future, Albom touches on the relationship between mother and son, and Koontz tells a tale of supernatural happenings at a monastery.
Other fiction best-sellers include “Cross” by James Patterson, “Dear John” by Nicholas Sparks and “Wild Fire” by Nelson DeMille.
Books on the national best-selling fiction list that did not make the regional list include “Nature Girl” by Carl Hiaasen and “The Shape Shifter” by Tony Hillerman.
The nonfiction national best-sellers are similar to this region’s top sellers with some exceptions. “I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman” by Nora Ephron, “I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence” by Amy Sedaris and “Why We Want You to Rich: Two Men – One Message” by Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki are three of the national best-selling books that did not make the regional list.
Several University students said they don’t have the extra cash to buy – or time to read – books like “Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook.”
Because of the relaxed atmosphere in the book store, University students said they tend to browse through the selection of books, magazines and music at the Borders on 612 E. Liberty St. without feeling pressure to purchase anything.
“I have only heard of two of the books on this list,” LSA sophomore Emily Gedert said. “I plan on buying ‘For One More Day,’ but I am waiting for finals to be over first.”
Borders nonfiction bestsellers
– “You: On A Diet: The Owner’s Manual for Waist Management,” Oz Mehmet
– “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream,” Barack Obama
– “The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town,” John Grisham
– “Culture Warrior,” Bill O’Reilly
– “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,” Jimmy Carter
– “Marley & Me,” John Grogan
– “Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary Edition,” Irma Rombauer
– “Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook,” Martha Stewart
– “Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You’ll Make Over and Over Again,” Ina Garten
– “Jim Cramer’s Mad Money Handbook,” James L. Cramer