TheBestseller
Observatory

Best Sellers

Hardcover Nonfiction

Week of October 5, 2003

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LIES (AND THE LYING LIARS WHO TELL THEM)
Al Franken
Cover of LIES (AND THE LYING LIARS WHO TELL THEM)

LIES (AND THE LYING LIARS WHO TELL THEM)

by Al Franken · Dutton

7 wks at #1 · 5 on list

Al Franken, one of America's savviest satirists has been studying the rhetoric of the Right. He has listened to their cries of 'slander', 'bias' and even 'treason'. He has examined the Bush administration's policies of squandering our surplus, ravaging the environment, and alienating the rest of the world. He's even watched Fox News. A lot. And in this fair and balanced report, Al bravely exposes them all for what they are: liars. Lying, lying, liars.

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1
THE GREAT UNRAVELING
Paul Krugman
Cover of THE GREAT UNRAVELING

THE GREAT UNRAVELING

by Paul Krugman · Norton

2 wks on list

The Self-Organizing Economy In the last few years the concept of self-organizing systems—complex systems in which randomness and chaos seem spontaneously to evolve into unexpected order—has linked together researchers in many fields, from artificial intelligence to chemistry, from evolution to geology. Now leading economist Paul Krugman shows how principles that explain the growth of hurricanes and embryos can also explain the formation of cities and business cycles; how the same principles of “order from random growth” can explain the strangely simple rules that describe the sizes of earthquakes, meteorites, and metropolitan areas. Weaving together strands from many disciplines, from location theory to biology, The Self-Organizing Economy offers a surprising new view of how the economy structures itself in space and time.

5
NEW
THREE WEEKS IN OCTOBER
Charles A. Moose and Charles Fleming
Cover of THREE WEEKS IN OCTOBER

THREE WEEKS IN OCTOBER

by Charles A. Moose and Charles Fleming · Dutton

1 wks on list

In this New York Times bestselling book, the police chief who led one of the most suspenseful manhunts in American history takes readers behind the headlines into the notorious “D.C. sniper” case that held the nation spellbound. In October 2002, ordinary Americans feared for their lives, too frightened to pump gas at the local station or let their children play outside. For twenty-three nightmarish days, a series of random sniper killings terrorized the Washington, D.C. area and launched the largest manhunt in American history—under the harsh glare of a media frenzy. Three Weeks in October follows Charles Moose’s efforts to crack a seemingly unsolvable case. As a stunned nation watched, Chief Moose stood tall in the face of horrific events—a courageous presence whose tenacity brought snipers John Allen Muhammed and Lee Boyd Malvo to justice. But this is also the inspirational story of Moose’s rise from a young African American cop battling prejudice to a respected chief of police—who couldn’t stop until he captured two of the most bizarre killers America has ever known. “Compelling . . . A very candid story . . . Well worth reading.”—The Washington Post “Fascinating.”—The Daily Oklahoman “Gutsy, endearing, no-nonsense . . . [cuts] through all the hubbub to show that behind the provocative headlines was little more than a simple, heartfelt man just trying to do the best job he could.”—Publishers Weekly

6
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SHUT UP & SING
Laura Ingraham
Cover of SHUT UP & SING

SHUT UP & SING

by Laura Ingraham · Regnery

1 wks on list

An examination of America's liberal elites argues that high-placed leftists in the nation's media and entertainment industries are endangering the nation with help from the United Nations.

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WHY AMERICA SLEPT
Gerald Posner
Cover of WHY AMERICA SLEPT

WHY AMERICA SLEPT

by Gerald Posner · Random House

3 wks on list

Examines the terrorist attacks of September 11th and why the disaster was not prevented, discussing how breakdowns in intelligence and political infighting allowed terrorists to carry out an unprecedented attack on American soil.

9
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THE BOUNTY
Caroline Alexander
Cover of THE BOUNTY

THE BOUNTY

by Caroline Alexander · Viking Press

1 wks on list

The carpenter has a very fine cat who is known as "Mrs. Chippie"... -- from the diary of Commander F. A. Worsley, captain of Shackleton's Endurance When Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance became trapped in the Antarctic ice, all twenty-nine members of the crew were pushed to their limits of survival, including Mrs. Chippy, the ship's estimable cat. Fortunately for posterity, Mrs. Chippy left a diary of the ordeal. Closely based on the true events of Shackleton's heroic journey, and illustrated with authentic photographs taken by Frank Hurley, expedition photographer, Mrs. Chippy's Last Expedition is a firsthand account of one of the greatest adventures in history--from a unique point of view.

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1
AFTER LIFE
John Edward with Natasha Stoynoff
Cover of AFTER LIFE

AFTER LIFE

by John Edward with Natasha Stoynoff · Princess

3 wks on list

John Edward takes his talents to new levels and new countries in After Life, the sequel to Crossing Over. Published for the all-essential Christmas season and the ensuing January sales, this limited edition of the international bestseller After Life is guaranteed to fly off the shelves and become a keepsake. As on his highly rated hit show Crossing Over with John Edward, John will connect you with celebrities both here and on the other side - because, as he happily notes, there are no red-velvet ropes or VIP sections over there

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UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN
Jon Krakauer
Cover of UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN

UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN

by Jon Krakauer · Doubleday

10 wks on list

NOW A MAJOR TV SERIES STARRING ANDREW GARFIELD True crime in the American heartland. Under the Banner of Heaven is a riveting account of Mormon fundamentalism and renegade prophets, from the bestselling author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air. Brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty insist they were commanded to kill by God. In Under the Banner of Heaven, Jon Krakauer's investigation is a meticulously researched, bone-chilling narrative of polygamy, savage violence and unyielding faith. An incisive look inside isolated Mormon Fundamentalist communities in America, this gripping work of non-fiction illuminates an otherwise confounding realm of human behaviour. PRAISE FOR UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN 'A provocative look at the twisted roots of American fundamentalism.' Will Self, Evening Standard 'Books of the Year' 'Excellent . . . a lucid, judicious, even sympathetic account not just of Mormon Fundamentalism but of the seductive power of fanaticism in general.' Daily Telegraph 'Remarkable . . . for anyone interested in the wilder frontiers of spiritual conviction, this book is a must.' Independent 'Powerfully illuminating. . . . Almost every section of the book is fascinating in its own right, and together the chapters make a rich picture. . . . An arresting portrait of depravity.' New York Times Book Review ' Illuminating . . . provocative. . . . Krakauer is an adept chronicler of extremists [and] the tour guide of choice for secular quests.' Los Angeles Times Book Review

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5
TREASON
Ann Coulter
Cover of TREASON

TREASON

by Ann Coulter · Crown Forum

13 wks on list

“Liberals’ loyalty to the United States is off-limits as a subject of political debate. Why is the relative patriotism of the two parties the only issue that is out of bounds for rational discussion?” In a stunning follow-up to her number one bestseller Slander, leading conservative pundit Ann Coulter contends that liberals have been wrong on every foreign policy issue, from the fight against Communism at home and abroad, the Nixon and the Clinton presidencies, and the struggle with the Soviet empire right up to today’s war on terrorism. “Liberals have a preternatural gift for always striking a position on the side of treason,” says Coulter. “Everyone says liberals love America, too. No, they don’t.” From Truman to Kennedy to Carter to Clinton, America has contained, appeased, and retreated, often sacrificing America’s best interests and security. With the fate of the world in the balance, liberals should leave the defense of the nation to conservatives. Reexamining the sixty-year history of the Cold War and beyond—including the career of Senator Joseph McCarthy, the Whittaker Chambers–Alger Hiss affair, Ronald Reagan’s challenge to Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall,” the Gulf War, and our present war on terrorism—Coulter reveals how liberals have been horribly wrong in all their political analyses and policy prescriptions. McCarthy, exonerated by the Venona Papers if not before, was basically right about Soviet agents working for the U.S. government. Hiss turned out to be a high-ranking Soviet spy (who consulted Roosevelt at Yalta). Reagan, ridiculed throughout his presidency, ended up winning the Cold War. And George W. Bush, also an object of ridicule, has performed exceptionally in responding to America’s newest threats at home and abroad. Coulter, who in Slander exposed a liberal bias in today’s media, also examines how history, especially in the latter half of the twentieth century, has been written by liberals and, therefore, distorted by their perspective. Far from being irrelevant today, her clearheaded and piercing view of what we’ve been through informs us perfectly for challenges today and in the future. With Slander, Ann Coulter became the most recognized and talked-about conservative intellectual of the year. Treason, in many ways an even more controversial and prescient book, will ignite impassioned political debate at one of the most crucial moments in our history.

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5
KATE REMEMBERED
A. Scott Berg
Cover of KATE REMEMBERED

KATE REMEMBERED

by A. Scott Berg · Putnam

11 wks on list

'For more than twenty years, Katharine Hepburn imparted many of the details of her life to me suggesting that I weave them into a book - one that would appear upon her death. Sad to say, the time has come to publish that book. But I find comfort in knowing she lived a very rich 96 years; and I have tried my best to honour her wish of making the book as true to her spirit as possible - as inspiring, as loving and as fun.' Scott Berg KATE REMEMBERED is a loving tribute and a tender farewell that reveals an unusual relationship in a unique life, one fully lived - and largely according to Katharine Hepburn's own rules. More importantly, it sets down many of the stories of that life as she saw them, full of sentiments she felt should not be made public until after her death. Ultimately, this book is not only a story of the poignant final twenty years in which Scott Berg knew Katharine Hepburn, but also a tale of a great theatrical personality and the better part of the century that was the stage for her distinguished life.

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MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS
Tracy Kidder
Cover of MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS

MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS

by Tracy Kidder · Random House

1 wks on list

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • 20th Anniversary Edition, with a new foreword by the author • “[A] masterpiece . . . an astonishing book that will leave you questioning your own life and political views.”—USA Today “If any one person can be given credit for transforming the medical establishment’s thinking about health care for the destitute, it is Paul Farmer. . . . [Mountains Beyond Mountains] inspires, discomforts, and provokes.”—The New York Times (Best Books of the Year) In medical school, Paul Farmer found his life’s calling: to cure infectious diseases and to bring the lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need them most. Tracy Kidder’s magnificent account shows how one person can make a difference in solving global health problems through a clear-eyed understanding of the interaction of politics, wealth, social systems, and disease. Profound and powerful, Mountains Beyond Mountains takes us from Harvard to Haiti, Peru, Cuba, and Russia as Farmer changes people’s minds through his dedication to the philosophy that “the only real nation is humanity.” WINNER OF THE LETTRE ULYSSES AWARD FOR THE ART OF REPORTAGE

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A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING
Bill Bryson
Cover of A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING

A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING

by Bill Bryson · Broadway

20 wks on list

In this book Bill Bryson attempts to understand everything that has transpired from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization.

Historical bestseller data sourced from the New York Times Book Review, archived by Hawes Publications.