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Behind the Bestsellers
Martha Stewart has reached a significant milestone with the release of her 100th book, titled Martha: The Cookbook, which currently holds the top position on the hardcover nonfiction list and ranks fifth nationally. This notable achievement can be traced back to a moment in 1978 when Stewart, then married to Andrew Stewart, the president of Abrams, hosted a party for the publisher. During this event, Alan Mirken, president of Crown at the time, was so impressed by the creative decorations that he extended an invitation that many aspiring authors dream of: “If you ever want to write a book…” This sparked Stewart’s literary journey, leading to the publication of her first book, Entertaining, in October 1982, which quickly gained popularity and was highlighted as one of the season’s hottest titles.
The journey from that initial invitation to her latest work encapsulates not only Stewart’s evolution as a culinary icon but also her lasting impact on the publishing world.
Screen Time
Wicked, the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire that reinterprets the classic The Wizard of Oz, has led to a remarkable expansion of the story’s universe, resulting in three sequels and a spinoff trilogy, along with both a graphic novel and a prequel set for release in March. The popular Broadway adaptation, which has been captivating audiences since 2003, recently saw its musical version adapted for the silver screen in a film that premiered on November 22. Following the film’s release, a tie-in edition of the book climbed to the 12th spot on the trade paperback list, while a special collector’s edition that debuted one week earlier made its first appearance at number 16 on the hardcover fiction list.
Party Lines
As political discourse heats up, especially with the nomination of Pete Hegseth from Fox News for the position of U.S. secretary of defense, The War on Warriors has made a notable re-entry to the hardcover nonfiction chart at position four. This book, featuring bold chapter titles such as “Supporting DEI Means Soldiers DIE” and “Men Need Purpose, Not Inclusion,” reflects ongoing debates within military and social frameworks. Additionally, Dawn’s Early Light, authored by Kevin D. Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, debuted at number 11 on the same list. This book receives a preface from Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, underscoring its relevance in the current political landscape.
NEW & NOTABLE
Skyshade
Alex Aster
#1 Children’s Fiction, #1 Overall
The third installment in Aster’s intriguing Lightlark series has surpassed sales expectations, moving more than twice the number of print copies in its first week compared to its predecessors. The earlier volumes of the series have collectively sold a whopping 664,000 print copies, solidifying Aster’s place in contemporary children’s literature.
To Die For
David Baldacci
#1 Hardcover Fiction, #3 Overall
David Baldacci’s latest thriller delivers a compelling blend of mystery and action, marking the third venture for his character, Homeland Security fixer Travis Devine. A review of the book praised the author for his skillful incorporation of a suspenseful plot, particularly highlighting a young, standout character who leaves a lasting impression.
A version of this article appeared in the 11/25/2024 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Behind the Bestsellers
Source
www.publishersweekly.com