The Bestsellers
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WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? by Spencer Johnson, Putnam, $19.95
Using a children's book style, Johnson tells the story of two mice, two mini-men, and their never-ending search for cheese. The cheese represents the things people want out of life, and the characters portray all the patterns we fall into as we search for our cheese. The format makes the book's "keep life moving by overcoming fear" philo-sophy easy to remember. This quick read of simple ideas will provide at least one character to relate to and some advice to hold on to during a busy day. (94 pp.) By Christy Ellington
The Christian Science Monitor: mixed The New York Times: no review noted Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (USA Today): mixed Audio available 1
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ICEBOUND, by Dr. Jerri Nielsen with Maryanne Vollers, Talk Mirimax, $24.95
Looking for a fresh start after an abusive marriage, Dr. Jerri Nielsen accepted a post as the only doctor at the Amundsen-Scott research station on Antarctica during the winter of 1999. There, snowbound until spring, Nielsen discovered she had cancer. In e-mail contact with US doctors, she treated herself with chemotherapy until the Air National Guard was able to replace her. Vollers' writing tends to the melodramatic, but the details of Nielsen's time at the Pole make for an informative read. (384 pp.) By Mary Wiltenburg
The Christian Science Monitor: mixed The New York Times: no review noted Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (National Post): mixed Audio available
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A SHORT GUIDE TO A HAPPY LIFE, by Anna Quindlen, Random House, $12.95
Award-winning columnist Anna Quindlen draws on her own experience as well as the writings of others in this tiny volume offering advice on how to live a meaningful life. Stunning black-and-white photographs take up 30 of the 50 pages and accentuate the core message: Simplicity and the pleasure of friendship give value to each day. The book can be read in less than half an hour, but the familiar message might take a lifetime to digest. (64 pp.) By Kim Risedorph
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: no review noted Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews: no review noted 2
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AN HOUR BEFORE DAYLIGHT, by Jimmy Carter, Simon & Schuster, $26
Former President Jimmy Carter led a remarkable childhood, characterized by Depression-era simplicity and hard work. Blessed with a keen memory and the humility to recount painful and embarrassing experiences, he reveals a bygone agricultural world and complex relations between whites and blacks. His book quietly illustrates the importance of nurturing children with high expectations, early responsibility, and enduring values. (356 pp.) (Full review Jan. 11)
By Marilyn Gardner
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: no review noted Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (St. Louis Post Despatch): favorable Audio available 5
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THE SECRET OF THE BABY WHISPERER, by Tracy Hogg, Ballantine, $22
Tracy Hogg, who was a maternity nurse and now runs a baby consulting facility called "Baby Technique," has been called the "baby whisperer" for her ability to understand and calm infants. Starting out, the book sounds a bit like a psychic hotline to the baby world. But as it moves on, you see that the basic message is to love, listen to, and talk to your infant. Filled with all sorts of babying opinions, factual information, and a helpful index, this baby book would be an easy aid for a soon-to-be mom. By Christy Ellington
The Christian Science Monitor: mixed The New York Times: no review noted Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (Times Magazine): unfavorable Audio available 14
CONSTANTINE'S SWORD, by James Carroll, Houghton Mifflin, $28
Adolf Hitler and the Nazis were not only anti-Jewish, but anti-Christian. Nonetheless, a vast number of Hitler supporters were Christians. In his magisterial and searching study, Carroll probes the dark question of the link between "ancient Christian hatred of Jews" and "the twentieth century's murderous hatred that produced the death camps." As a Roman Catholic Christian, Carroll feels compelled to examine how the religion that means so much to him became tainted with anti-Semitism. (756 pp.) (Full review Feb. 22) By Merle Rubin
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: favorable Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (Los Angeles Times): mixed 6
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THE DARWIN AWARDS, by Wendy Northcutt, Dutton, $16.95
Travel back in time to the worst mistake you ever made. Now multiply it by 100, add 200 other stories, and you have a glimmer of the contents of "The Darwin Awards." At times amusing, but mostly horrific, this collection of mindless and often suicidal anecdotes is, unfortunately, no joke. From her popular website, Northcutt has assembled reports of "individuals who ensure the long-term survival of our species by removing themselves from the gene pool in a sublimely idiotic fashion." (327 pp.) By Christy Ellington
The Christian Science Monitor: unfavorable The New York Times: no review noted Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (USA Today): mixed 1
BUDDHA, by Karen Armstrong, Viking, $19.95
"Buddha" is an elegant work that seems destined to become the classic source for anyone delving for the first time into the life and teachings of the religious icon. In a blend of history, philosophy, mythology, and biography, Armstrong not only portrays the tumultuous cultural landscape that helped spawn one of the world's most influential faiths, but also plumbs the motivations of the man - Siddhatta Gotama - and vividly depicts his quest for transformative enlightenment. (205 pp.) (Full Review Feb. 22) By Jane Lampman
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: favorable Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (Publishers Weekly): favorable 14
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THE SIBLEY GUIDE TO BIRDS, by The National Audubon Society, Knopf, $35
This is a birder's bird book. It's beautiful. The author's watercolors - 6,600 of them on 810 North American species - and lucid text elevate this guide to instant classic status. The one possible negative: Beginners may find the book has too much information, as if tripping a feathered law of diminishing returns. For some it may be too heavy to be a field guide, but anyone interested in birds will want it at home as a reference. Hardcore birders already know about it. (544 pp.) By Jim Bencivenga
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: no review noted Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (Newsday): favorable BODY FOR LIFE, by Bill Phillips, HarperCollins Publisher, $25
Phillips, founder and editor in chief of Muscle Media magazine, furthers the spread of his dietary expertise in his new book "Body-for-Life." Phillips's 12-week program treats physical wellness as one of many aspects of our lives. His theory is that the success of our physical goals will help us achieve other life goals, too. Arranged with a variety of success stories, charts, and examples, his plan provides a detailed program, with food recommendations and an exercise program. (203 pp.) By Christy Ellington
The Christian Science Monitor: mixed The New York Times: no review noted Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews: no review noted 9
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FAST FOOD NATION, by Eric Schlosser, Houghton Mifflin, $25
Schlosser argues that the fast-food joint near your neighborhood, is more than just a quick-meal fix; it's the end point where several long roads converge. Schlosser, an Atlantic Monthly correspondent, takes us down those roads into meatpacking plants, flavor-engineering factories, and fields of ranchers losing the battle against an industrialized agriculture industry. Schlosser's point is that while fast food may seem cheap and convenient, its enormous cost to society goes unrecognized. (270 pp.) (Full Review Feb. 1) By Julie Finnin Day
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: favorable Kirkus Review of Books: no review noted Selected reviews (Washington Post): favorable Audio available 13
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PARIS TO THE MOON, by Adam Gopnik, Random House, $24.95
"The man in the moon is smiling," or so the song says, and if he is, it's due to Gopnik's book. In 1995, this New Yorker uprooted himself and his family to Paris to act as a portal between two cultures. Capturing his daily life in Paris, Gopnik provides insights on the effect of globalization on one of the world's most fantastic cities. Walking through parks and eating at cafes with Gopnik, readers will feel the spark of understanding a world that's beginning to see we all truly do live under one moon. (354 pp.) By Christy Ellington
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: favorable Kirkus Review of Books: favorable Selected reviews (Publishers Weekly): favorable Audio available 9
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FOUNDING BROTHERS, by Joseph Ellis, Knopf, $26
Imagine a dinner party with the Founding Fathers. Amid displays of loyal brotherhood, the conversation would inevitably be barbed with disdainful comments. Ellis deals with the famous characters candidly, causing a legendary generation of political leaders suddenly to seem more human. Hamilton, Jefferson, Washington, and others spring to life without sagging under the weight of historical detail. Written in a fresh, engaging style, this book makes it easy to remember why character really did matter in the Revolution. (288 pp.) By Kendra Nordin
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: favorable Kirkus Review of Books: favorable Selected reviews (Chicago Tribune): favorable 8
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THE O'REILLY FACTOR, by Bill O'Reilly, Broadway, $23
The host of the popular cable news program of the same name takes on politics, celebrity, race, and religion - and that's just in the introduction! His frank social commentary, disdain for hypocrisy, and challenge to today's popular institutions are refreshing. He claims most mainstream media outlets have gone soft, kow-towing to groups they should be investigating. Unfortunately, his style often reads like fortune-cookie punditry. Like him or not, he is definitely a factor. (224 pp.) By David S. Hauck
The Christian Science Monitor: mixed The New York Times: no review available Kirkus Review of Books: no review available Selected reviews (USA Today): favorable Audio available 10
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TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, by Mitch Albom, Doubleday, $21
A beloved college professor who is dying agrees to meet each Tuesday with a former student and discuss life and death. Albom, a well-known sportswriter, recorded 14 "classes" with his former teacher Morrie Schwartz. Religion, family, friends, and work are carefully considered. Schwartz (now deceased) was interviewed at home by Ted Koppel and appeared on "Nightline." What keeps this uplifting book from being maudlin is Albom's crisp writing and Schwartz's generous heart. (192 pp.)
By Jim Bencivenga
The Christian Science Monitor: favorable The New York Times: mixed Kirkus Review of Books: favorable Selected reviews (Los Angeles Times): mixed Audio available The Book Sense™ bestseller list is based on sales from independent bookstores across America. 1-888-BOOKSENSE
(c) Copyright 2001. The Christian Science Monitor
