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