eBranch Blog

May 02, 2006

New Bestsellers 5/1/06

The following books are appearing on the best seller lists for the first time this week. For a complete listing see our collection of Best Seller Lists.

The Publisher's Weekly Fiction & Nonfiction Audio bestseller lists were updated for May 1.

E = Essence Magazine
NYT = New York Times
PW = Publisher's Weekly
USA = USA Today
* = Titles that have previously appeared on the bestseller lists but are new to our catalog

Fiction

Alexander McCall Smith. Blue Shoes and Happiness
In this latest installment in the beloved series, there is considerable excitement at The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. A cobra has been found in Precious Ramotswe's office. Then a nurse from a local medical clinic reveals that faulty blood-pressure readings are being recorded there. And Botswana has a new advice columnist, Aunty Emang, whose advice is rather curt for Mma Ramotswe's taste. (NYT #2, PW #2, USA #13)

Plum Sykes. The Debutante Divorcee
In 2004, Plum Sykes jet-setted to bestsellerdom with "Bergdorf Blondes," a playful debut that introduced readers to the glamorous world of PAPs (Park Avenue Princesses). Now these fabulous girls are back in a novel that promises to be every bit as beloved as Sykes' smash debut. (NYT #15, PW #10)

Nonfiction

THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION, by Karen Armstrong. (Knopf, $30.) The roots of diverse religious traditions, from the author of "A History of God." (NYT #15)

Thomas L. Friedman. The World is Flat: A Brief History of the 21st Century (Updated & Expanded Edition)
The timely and essential update on globalization, its successes and discontents, powerfully illuminated by one of our most respected journalists. (PW #5, USA #15)

Sebastian Junger. A Death in Belmont
In 1963, with the city of Boston already terrified by a series of savage crimes known as the Boston Stranglings, a murder occurred in the quiet suburb of Belmont, just a few blocks from the house of Sebastian Junger's family - a murder that seemed to fit exactly the pattern of the Strangler. Roy Smith, a black man who had cleaned the victim's house that day, was arrested, tried, and convicted, but the terror of the Strangler continued. (NYT #7, PW #10)

Jon Meacham. American Gospel
From the "New York Times" bestselling author of "Franklin and Winston" comes a short history of God and faith in America. (PW #11)

Rachael Ray. Rachael Ray's Express Lane Meals
Love Rachael but don't even have 30 minutes to get a meal on the table? "Express Lane Meals" are the easiest, speediest recipes ever, from the Food Network's #1 personality. (USA #3)