I HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE II

NON-FICTION


2006 Mortenson, G THREE CUPS OF TEA

One man' misson to promote peace one school at a time. The political climate of Pakistan is much in the news currently, so in the past few years this book has soared in popularity, as have both the young adult and children's versions.

2006 Krakauer, J INTO THIN AIR

Originally, this author was best know to readers of outdoor sports magazines. His popularity soared with the publication of this true tale of derring-do, and mortal errors, on Mount Everest.

1998 Bryson, B. A WALK IN THE WOODS

Few had ever heard of this American author, who had spent much of his life living in England, before the publication of this book. Who would want to read about hiking the Appalachian Trail? Oh, but we all discovered we would, because the colorful characters we met along the way had us laughing so hard we cried. At least that's what we told each other, and simply had to find out for ourselves.

1997 Albom, M TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

Would people really want to read about a devoted student's visits to a beloved professor who was dying? Yes, they would, in great numbers. The book touched a chord of curiosity, as well as sympathy, Perhaps it raised the idea of getting in touch with a beloved mentor ourselves sometime before it's too late.

1972 Herriot, J ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL

Set in Yorkshire, England, in the early decades of the twentieth century, these tales of country vets and the stalwart farmers with their sheep and cattle, captured the hearts of American readers immediately. We all were fascinated that an actual practicing veterinarian had such wonderful story-telling skills, capturing the personalities of both humans and animals alike. No one could wait for the next installment, and fortunately several more were forthcoming.

I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

OR......WHY SOME BOOKS BY UNKNOWN AUTHORS GO VIRAL
DUE TO WORD-OF-MOUTH RECOMMENDATIONS.......



FICTION

2010 Donoghue, E. THE ROOM
Who would have thought that a story that takes place in one tiny room could capture the imagination of so many?

2009 Stockett, K. THE HELP

Still on the Best Seller List, this story about Southern households in the 1960's propelled an unknown author out of obscurity. When I read it, I recommended it to everyone I knew. Book Clubs soon discovered it--the rest is history.

2008 Larsson, S. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

No one had ever heard of this Swedish author until readers began talking about his dark, intriguing mysteries with a very strong female character. Two sequels, as well as movies based on their unusual plots, have followed. (There is a rumor that there may be a fourth manuscript, which would have to be published posthumously.)



2007 Genova, L. STILL ALICE

This author originally struggled to find a publisher, so she had it printed herself in paperback. Word got out, however, that this harrowing tale of a Cambridge professor's gradual realization that she has Alzheimer's Disease was riveting and all too realistic. The scene in which she can read street signs, but can't remember how to go home, sums it all up.


2003 Brown, D. THE DA VINCI CODE

The question "Who is Dan Brown?" was quickly followed by "Have you read the DVC?" Soon intense questions about Christian history and theology were being asked by people who had never had much interest in those fields of study before. The author constantly reiterated that it was a work of fiction, but couldn't quell the wild speculation which followed its publication.

Others: Shreve-THE PILOT'S WIFE, Auel,CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR, mcCullough, THORN BIRDS,Puzo, THE GODFATHER, Waller, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY