Americans Read Over President's Shoulder

Obama's vacation book list drives leaps in Amazon sales rankings
By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 27, 2009 1:46 PM CDT
Americans Read Over President's Shoulder
Passers-by walk past a store-front display featuring memorabilia and books on President Barack Obama in the downtown section of Oak Bluffs, Mass., on the island of Martha's Vineyard.   (AP Photo)

President Obama’s poll numbers are faltering, but his summer reading choices are getting rave reviews, Politico reports. A survey of the Amazon.com standings of the five books the White House announced he would take with him on his Martha’s Vineyard vacation show a drastic improvement in sales. If you’re doubtful about joining Obama’s Book Club, look at these numbers and follow the pack:

  • George Pelecanos, The Way Home: Ranked 33,349 on Amazon Monday, when the announcement came out. The next day: No. 328.
  • Richard Price, The Lush Life: Up from 74,289 to 10,295.
  • Thomas Friedman, Hot, Flat, and Crowded: 231 to 41.
  • David McCullough, John Adams: 14,301 to 7,067.
  • Kent Haruf, Plainsong: 8,155 to 189.
Take that, Oprah.
(More President Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X