Two weeks ago I posted on the Top Fiction Hardcover Bestsellers of 2007, and thought I should follow-up with 2007′s top Fiction Paperback Bestsellers! The following list seems to be mass paperbacks…
1. Blood Brothers. Nora Roberts. (2,247,730)
2. Double Cross. James Patterson. Rep. (1,831,296)
3. Angels Fall. Nora Roberts. (1,655,329)
4. Judge & Jury. James Patterson & Andrew Gross. (1,653,623)
5. Beach Road. James Patterson & Peter de Jonge. (1,645,810)
6. Honeymoon. James Patterson & Howard Roughan. (1,638,139)
7. Next. Michael Crichton. (1,600,000)
8. Twelve Sharp. Janet Evanovich. (1,500,000)
9. At Risk. Patricia Cornwell. (1,445,075)
10. The Collectors. David Baldacci. (1,286,410)
11. Two Little Girls in Blue. Mary Higgins Clark. (1,231,500)
12. True Believer. Nicholas Sparks. (1,205,824)
13. Echo Park. Michael Connelly. (1,068,053)
14. At First Sight. Nicholas Sparks. (1,035,993)
15. Dead Watch . John Sandford. (1,005,314)
I read a grand total of… Zero! But I have my share of Nora Roberts (she is just so darn good at what she does…) and have tried and tried to read Nicholas Sparks, but just can’t. Although I did enjoy Three Weeks with my Brother (on CD — my husband and I listened to it as we drove through Napa Valley last year). I loved Mary Higgins Clark in high school, and John Sandford is currently on my husband’s nightstand. (I love asking him what he thinks about whatever he is reading… the typical response is, “It’s o.k.” as opposed to my verbose blog entries…).
So, I’m asking for help again! Which of these titles would YOU recommend? Is it time that I give James Patterson a try? What do 6 million readers know that I don’t (yet)?
I haven’t read any of those books — actually, I don’t think I’ve read any of those authors! I don’t read many best-sellers … not really out of any particular conviction, but because they’re so expensive! Second-hand books are my friends.
Personally, I think James Patterson is drivel. I’ve read maybe one of his books and that’s all I could stand. I mean, Danielle Steele was popular, but I’m not rushing out to get her books either.
Out of all these authors, I’d recommend Michael Connelly, but I’d start with the first in the Harry Bosch series, The Black Echo, but then again, I’m a stickler for reading a series in order.
Christine — Me neither, but I’m starting to wonder if I should sample a few just to see what so many people are reading? Especially since I hear so often that “Americans no longer read” ! Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the heads up on Patterson! I’ll check out Connelly… I really enjoyed your review of Sedaris’ Dress Your Parents, by the way — I’m excited to read his latest!
These are exactly the sort of books I never read. They are mostly mostly mystery/suspense, no? And I am not even sure what sort of books Nora Roberts writes, though I see them everywhere. I’m glad people are reading something…but it’s too bad they don’t broaden their horizons.
So true, Tara! I’m trying to take your advice, too, and so far have really enjoyed stepping out of my usual genres… Nora Roberts writes mostly romance, with a few murder mysteries sprinkled in. I like her character development mostly.
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