Description
Book SynopsisWhether curled up on a sofa with a good mystery, lounging by the pool with a steamy romance, or brooding over a classic novel, Americans love to read. Despite the distractions of modern living, nothing quite satisfies many individuals more than a really good book. And regardless of how one accesses that book—through a tablet, a smart phone, or a good, old-fashioned hardcover—those choices have been tallied for decades. In Bestseller: A Century of America’s Favorite Books, Robert McParland looks at the reading tastes of a nation—from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. Through extensive research, McParland provides context for the literature that appealed to the masses, from low-brow potboilers like Forever Amber to Pulitzer-Prize winners such as To Kill a Mockingbird. Decade by decade, McParland discusses the books that resonated with the American public and shows how current events and popular culture shaped the reading habits of millions. Profiles of authors with frequent appearances—from Ernest Hemingway to Danielle Steel—are included, along with standout titles that readers return to year after year. A snapshot of America and its love of reading through the decades, this volume informs and entertains while also providing a handy reference of the country’s most popular books. For those wanting to learn more about the history of American culture through its reading habits, Bestseller: A Century of America’s Favorite Books is a must-read.
Trade ReviewMcParland serves a sumptuous feast for booklovers in this unfailingly lively, perceptive, and informative look at 118 years of best-selling books in America. * Booklist *
McParland discusses U.S. reading habits from the 1890s to the present through a review of titles on various best seller lists . . . Admirably, he discusses both literary works and those considered “lowbrow,” formulaic productions, providing summaries of certain books and biographical details of writers. * Library Journal *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: Reaching the Top of the Shelf: Discovering a Century of Bestsellers Chapter One: Birth of the Bestseller: 1890s thru the 1930s Chapter Two: 1940s: All the Books Fit to Sell Chapter Three: 1950s: Cold War Anxiety: From Holden Caulfield to James Bond Chapter Four: 1960s: New Frontiers: From Harper Lee to Kurt Vonnegut Chapter Five: 1970s: The Age of Narcissism Chapter Six: 1980s: The Rise of the Superstar Author Chapter Seven: 1990s: Means of Ascent: Publisher Consolidation, Superstores, and the Internet Chapter Eight: 2000s: E-Books and the New Millennium Chapter Nine: 2010s: James Patterson, Inc. and The Soul of America Bibliography Index About the Author
