Schwartz Bestsellers of 2007--An Annotated List
A Reader's Day Away
Violins at Shorewood
News from 800-CEO-READ: Winners of 800-CEO-READ Business Book
Awards Announced
Join us for a Special Story Time!
Live at Schwartz
Schwartz Select
Great Books at Bargain Prices
Welcome back to our multi-part feature on our top books of 2007. I daresay that like our fiction hardcover bestsellers, there is an interesting tidbit to be told about each of our top ten hardcover nonfiction bestsellers.
1.
A
Family Christmas by Caroline Kennedy
Congratulations to Milwaukee! Our event
at the Milwaukee Public Library was apparently one of the most successful of
her tour. Though I don't normally get to meet the celebrity authors at these
events, I did get to chat about books for a moment, and it turns out Ms. Kennedy
highly recommends Orhan Pamuk's My
Name is Red a historical-literary-political-mystery novel whose popularity
increased substantially when Pamuk was awarded the Nobel Prize.
2.
Don't
Bet Against Me by Deanna Favre
Favre's spiritual memoir of her battle with
breast cancer and her marriage to Brett was, according to BookScan sales numbers,
the biggest book in Southeast Wisconsin in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
3.
The
Secret by Rhonda Byrne
This has sold well all through 2007, and I suspect you haven't seen the last
of it in 2008. The CD
was our bestselling audio book of 2007 and the DVD
was second in sales only to the Milwaukee Public Television production of The
Making of Milwaukee. I suspect we'll see more of Ms. Byrne in 2008--or perhaps
I should say I am visualizing it.
4.
The
Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn and Hal Iggulden
This father-son duo from Great Britain has led to a rash of imitators, most
notably
The Daring Book for Girls. The two were selling neck-and-neck at Christmas
but Boys had the head start, having come out six months prior. If you
like Iggulden's writing style, his novel (without the help of his son) Genghis
Khan is due in paperback in late February. Contact us and we'll let you
know when it comes in.
5.
Animal,
Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
One of several books that came out in 2007 about eating locally. If you liked
this, I would recommend Bill McKibben's Deep
Economy; the paperback is scheduled for March.
6.
Milwaukee
at Mid-Century: Photographs of Lyle Oberwise
A beautiful book whose success
promises future volumes--John Angelos and Marilyn Johnson found a mind-numbing
43,000 slides at Oberwise's estate sale. Having seen some of the earlier slide
shows, I am pretty confident that the Historical Society could release a book
on Oberwise's Christmas photos alone.
7. German
Milwaukee: Its History--Its Recipes by Trudy Knauss Paradis and E.J. Brumder
This publisher decided to release this lovely combination of history, photography,
and recipes by Milwaukee's famous German restaurants and German Milwaukeeans
after finding success with a similar title for St. Louis.
8.
Einstein
by Walter Isaacson
Our big Father's Day success, Einstein is an authoritative and readable
biography from the former managing editor of Time Magazine. Already read this?
Go backwards and try his biography of Benjamin
Franklin.
9.
Green
and Golden Moments by Bob Harlan
The former president of the Packers organization stopped by for two wonderful
events when his book came out last spring. With the help of the team's winning
season, Harlan's story kept selling well for the rest of 2007. The publisher,
KCI Sports, is a welcome new force on the local sports book scene, also responsible
for Where
Have You Gone '82 Brewers?
10.
I
am America (and So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert
As successful as this comic
primer was, it's my belief that this book did not reach it's full potential
due to the WGA writer's strike, which kept the show off the air for the holiday
season. But the book is hilarious, and I've been told several times that the
audio book on CD,
read by Stephen himself, is just as funny.
This past fall during our Reader's Retreat weekend, quite a few attendees asked us if we'd ever consider doing a daylong "mini-retreat." We thought it was a great idea and set to work putting it together.
The first ever Harry W. Schwartz Reader's Day Away with Scribner Publishing will be held March 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the gorgeous Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Like the Reader's Retreat, you'll mingle with publishing insiders, booksellers, fellow book lovers and authors as well as attend fun workshops.
We think it's a fantastic way to escape the winter blues, and with special room rates available--and a gift certificate to the new Well Spa courtesy of The Pfister Hotel--it's easy to make A Reader's Day Away a weekend getaway.
We can't wait to see you!
Last week, on my way into the Shorewood shop, I was stopped in my tracks by an amazing display of violins in our front windows. Set up as a fundraiser for the Shorewood School District's Orchestra program, "The Art of the Violin" exhibit features numerous interpretations of the classic instrument, from Julie Grisar's mosaic violin to Steve Sellar's deconstructed instrument. Kevin Karman's piece is suffused with imagery of childhood while Sonja Juffer's violin is a red and green geometric swirl.
I was so delighted that I wasn't paying attention and almost bumped into Rebecca Schwartz (one of our owners), who was in the store with her son Jeremiah. We each pointed out our favorites, analyzing Ann Ruiz's tropical triptych, Pat King's bright, almost Memphis-y design, and David Powell's organic creation. Please excuse my less than knowledgeable descriptions of these beautiful pieces--I don't do them justice.
You can see this one-of-a-kind window, on display through January 31, at our Shorewood location (4093 N. Oakland Ave.). Then, you can actually bid on one of the works. The silent auction will occur on February 22 and 23 at the Shorewood Community Room at the Village Hall, and then moves to Shorewood High School on Sunday, February 24 where the pasta dinner starts at 5 p.m. and the auction closes at 6:30 p.m.
Of course I can't write anything without mentioning at least one book--I would recommend Stradivari's Genius, an engaging musical history of six violins and a cello and the famed master craftsman who created them.
For more information about the auction, please contact Jane Frederick at 414-332-4387 or Karen Frink at 414-961-2817.
For the first time this year, the 800-CEO-READ Business Book Awards were created which aim to highlight the best business books of 2007. Over 300 titles were submitted to the awards which were reviewed and critiqued by the editorial staff. On January 15, 2008, winners were announced for 13 categories and one title was named the Best Business Book of 2007.
Made To Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath (Random House) was chosen as the overall winner "because it offers exceptional, thought-provoking ideas about communicating messages and making them last," said Founder and President Jack Covert. "We were impressed with how Chip and Dan Heath offer valuable insight to marketers, teachers, salespeople or anyone struggling to present their ideas to an audience."
800-CEO-READ would like to congratulate all the winners and thank all those who participated in the first annual awards.
More information about the awards and the winners can be found at 800ceoread.com/bookawards.
The
2007 800-CEO-READ Best Business Book:Made To Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Random House, 288pp, $24.95
ADVERTISING/MARKETING
Made
To Stick
by Chip Heath and Dan Heath, Random House, 288pp, $24.95
BIOGRAPHIES/MEMOIRS
Bill
& Dave
by Michael S. Malone, Portfolio, 438pp, $26.95
ENTREPRENEURSHIP/ SMALL BUSINESS
No
Man's Land
by Doug Tatum, Portfolio, 256pp, $24.95
FABLES
The
Dream Manager
by Matthew Kelly, Hyperion, 176pp, $19.95
FINANCE/ECONOMICS
A
Demon of Our Own Design
by Richard Bookstaber, John Wiley
& Sons, 276pp, $27.95
GLOBALIZATION
The
Elephant and the Dragon
by Robyn Meredith, W.W. Norton, 384pp,
$27.95
HUMAN RESOURCES/ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
One
Foot Out the Door
by Judith M. Bardwick, Ph.D., AMACOM, 226pp,
$24.95
INDUSTRY BOOKS
The
Last Tycoons
by William D. Cohan, Doubleday, 742pp, $29.95
INNOVATION/CREATIVITY
Group
Genius
by Keith Sawyer, Perseus, 320pp, $26.95
LEADERSHIP
The
Secret Language of Leadership
by Stephen Denning, Jossey-Bass,
304pp, $27.95
NEW PERSPECTIVES
In
Spite of the Gods
by Edward Luce, Doubleday, 383pp, $26.00
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Responsibility
at Work
by Howard Gardner, Jossey-Bass, 368pp, $27.95
SALES
The
Ultimate Sales Machine
by Chet Holmes, Portfolio, 272pp,
$24.95
On Thursday, February 7 at 10:30 a.m. local children's author and illustrator Linda Bleck will be our special guest at story time. We will be featuring her new book Pepper's Valentine Surprise. We will have a reading and make crafts. All ages welcome however our story time is geared toward ages 2-5.
Our Mequon shop is located at 10976 N. Port Washington Rd.
Philip A. Nero
Twice Upon a Time
Thursday, January 24 * 7:00 p.m. reading * Shorewood
Former Milwaukee Journal reporter Philip A. Nero takes you on an adventure
through time in his new novel. It is just days after the president declares
an end to major fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. With images of a new war
rekindling nightmares from an old one, Colonel Ellis finds himself caught in
a freakish thunderstorm that unleashes bizarre forces launching him on a 30-year
tumble through time. Nero is also the author, with PGA professional Don Peterson,
of The Original Baseball Golf Swing Method.
James Conroyd Martin
Against a Crimson Sky
Thursday, January 24 * 7:00 p.m. reading * Brookfield
You were swept away into the romance and turbulence of the 18th century with
his epic debut, Push Not the River. Now, James Conroyd Martin continues
the story of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska with Against a Crimson Sky.
Anna has married her true love, but in the aftermath of the dissolution of Poland
in 1794 life is far from ideal. Tales of intrigue, love and betrayal are entwined
in this vibrant historical novel that follows a proud nation and a strong family
in their struggle for unity. Paperback
Pauline W. Chen
Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality
Monday, January 28 * 7:00 p.m. talk * Shorewood
When Pauline Chen began her career in medicine she was stunned to learn that
a profession premised on caring for the ill also depersonalizes dying--and set
out to do something about it. In Final Exam, Chen writes with both
clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion about her experiences, beginning
in med. school and continuing through practice.
Steve Berry
The Venetian Betrayel
Wednesday, January 30 * 7:00 p.m. reading * Brookfield
The bestselling author of The Alexandria Link is back with a gripping
international thriller that sends Cotton Malone on a perilous quest for the
truth about Alexander the Great. Treasure hunters scour the globe in search
of Alexander's final resting place, unaware that the discovery will unlock a
modern mystery and save the lives of millions. Cotton is about to find out,
but he won't be alone.
Barbara Park
Ma! There's Nothing to Do Here!
Friday, February 1 * 7:00 p.m. reading * Brookfield
The author of the popular Junie B. Jones series takes moms and big brothers
and sisters-to-be into the womb for a rhyming tale told by the baby-in-waiting.
And waiting. It's not exactly a scintillating experience spending nine
months in your mother's womb. You're just stuck there with nothing to do! But
oh the joys you have to look forward to as you await that happy day when you
finally can come out to play! For kids
Meg Rosoff
What I Was
Tuesday, February 5 * 7:00 p.m. reading * Mequon
In her first novel for adults, Meg Rosoff, author of the young adult novel How
I Live Now, delivers a piercing and magical story about friendship and
humanity. In the not too distant future, a one-hundred-year-old man sails the
eastern coast of England and recalls the idyllic circumstances surrounding his
life-altering friendship and the scandal that shattered it.
Alexandra Stoddard
Happiness for Two
Wednesday, February 6 * 7:00 p.m. talk * Mequon
Achieving personal happiness is challenging enough, so how do we do it in a
relationship, when there are two people who deserve to be happy? Help is here
from beloved lifestyle philosopher, Alexandra Stoddard. The essays in Happiness
for Two show couples how to be happy together, connect powerfully and have
fun! Ms. Stoddard will be joined by her husband of many years. They will share
their own happiness for two.
Jeff Kinney
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
Thursday, February 7 * 7:00 p.m. reading * Shorewood
Don't ask Greg Heffley about his summer vacation because he definitely doesn't
want to talk about it. In this sequel to Diary of a Wimpy Kid, he wants
to put the summer, one event in particular, behind him and get on with the new
school year. Unfortunately, secrets have a way of getting out, especially when
a diary is involved and worse--Greg's older brother, Rodrick knows all
about the incident. For middle readers
Patricia Polacco
The Lemonade Club and Ginger and Petunia
Saturday, February 9 * 2:00 p.m. reading * Mequon
Enjoy a lively afternoon of storytelling with Patricia Polacco, author and illustrator
of over fifty books for children including her latest, The Lemonade Club
and Ginger and Petunia. A heartwarming story about the life-giving
power of friendship, The Lemonade Club finds best friends Traci and
Marilyn facing a difficult time when Marilyn is diagnosed with leukemia. With
the help of their beloved teacher and The Lemonade Club, Marilyn is given lots
of support and in turn finds the strength to help another person in need of
comfort. In another story of friendship, Ginger and Petunia takes children
to a delightfully funny town where sophisticated lady Virginia (Ginger for short)
loves the finer things in life, but not quite so much as she loves her pet pig
Petunia. When Ginger is called out of town, Petunia is left to fill Ginger's
shoes--and fancy scarves and dresses--at a gala affair! For kids
Russell Banks
The Reserve
Monday, February 11 * 7:00 p.m. reading * Shorewood
Part love story, part murder mystery, Russell Banks, author of Affliction,
addresses questions of class, politics, art, love and madness in The Reserve.
The lives of an heiress, unhinged by her father's death, and a working-class
artist are intertwined in this compelling novel that moves from the secluded
beauty of the Adirondacks to war-torn Spain and fascist Germany.
Patrick McDonnell
Hug Time
Wednesday, February 13 * 7:00 p.m. presentation * Mequon
Hug Time is the newest heartwarming new tale from the creator of the
nationally syndicated comic strip Mutts and the bestselling book The
Gift of Nothing. Jules the kitten knows that hugs can make the world the
better place. So, he makes a "Hug to-do List"--with the endangered
species at the top--and travels the globe to show them that someone cares. From
Africa, to the North Pole to his own back yard, Jules proves a hug is the simplest--and
the kindest--gift we can give. An autographed book makes the perfect Valentine's
Day gift.
Felicia Sullivan
The Sky Isn't Visible from Here
Thursday, February 14 * 7:00 p.m. talk * Downer Ave.
Felicia Sullivan's beautiful, volatile and drug addicted mother disappeared
the night Sullivan graduated from college and has not been seen or heard from
in the decade since. Sullivan, who grew up on the tough streets of Brooklyn
in the 1980s, now looks back on her rough childhood, and offers a testament
to the resilience of the human spirit.
Better
A Surgeon's Notes on Performance
Atul Gawande
Through riveting accounts of medical failure and triumph, the bestselling author
of Complications examines how success is achieved in a complex and
risk-filled profession. Called "a masterpiece" by Malcolm Gladwell, author of
Blink, Better is an unflinching, compassionate, and exhilarating
journey. Paperback
$14.00
Black
Glasses Like Clark Kent
A G.I.'s Secret From Postwar Japan
Terese Svoboda
As a child, Terese Svoboda thought of her ex-G.I. uncle as Superman--muscular
with thick "Clark Kent" glasses. Still physically fit at eighty, he became depressed
in March of 2004 and made the shocking claim that MPs may have executed their
own men in post-war Japan. In this winner of the Graywolf Nonfiction Prize Svoboda
offers a striking and carefully written account of an often-painful search for
information. Using extensive research, Svoboda shows how the vagaries of military
justice can allow the worst to happen and then be buried by time and protocol.
Paperback
$14.00
The
Diving Pool
Yoko Ogawa
Translated by Stephen Snyder
This collection of three novellas by one of contemporary Japan's bestselling
and most celebrated authors explores love, motherhood, obsession and how even
the most innocent gestures contain a hairline crack of cruel intent. Spare,
beautiful, humorous and twisted, The Diving Pool, the first major English
translation of Ogawa's work, is about normal people who suddenly discover their
own dark possibilities.
Paperback
$13.00
Christine
Falls
Benjamin Black
Set in Dublin and Boston in the 1950s, Christine Falls, a Book Sense
Pick when it was originally released, is the story of a surly, hard-drinking
pathologist named Quirke who uncovers a conspiracy that begins with his brother-in-law
and reaches deep into Dublin's Catholic society--and into his own past. Christine
Falls is a nominee for the 2008 Edgar award for best mystery novel.
Paperback
$14.00
The
Expeditions
Karl Iagnemma
In Detroit, 1844, sixteen-year-old runaway Elisha Stone is leaving the hardscrabble
frontier town behind for a surveying expedition to the vast unknown wilderness
of the northern peninsula. A letter intended for his mother instead reaches
his newly widowed father who decides he must set out to find Elisha. The
Expeditions is a powerful story of the complex love between fathers and
sons, and a portrait of a nation moving inevitably toward war.
$24.00
Sheppard
Lee, Written By Himself
Robert Montgomery Bird
Introduction by Christopher Looby
Originally published in 1836, Sheppard Lee, Written By Himself is a
dark satire from the early years of the American Republic. Young Sheppard Lee,
in search of buried treasure finds instead the power to transfer his soul into
other men's bodies. As he experiences early American pursuits of happiness,
each leaves him disappointed yet wanting more. Bird's fable of upward mobility
takes a sinister turn and Lee learns that everything in America--even virtue
and vice--is interchangeable and everything has its price.
Paperback
$16.95
Duma
Key
Stephen King
Following a near-fatal accident, self-made construction millionaire Edgar Freemantle
begins a new life--a geographical cure, according to his psychologist--in a beautiful
but eerily underdeveloped stretch of Florida coast called Duma Key. The only
thing he knows is that he wants to draw. He does and soon moves to painting,
feverishly at times, with a seemingly other-worldly talent. When his paintings
begin to reveal the childhood ghosts of one of the town's mysterious residents,
the damage they are capable of is truly terrifying.
Publisher $28.00
Schwartz
$19.60
The
Secret Between Us
Barbara Delinsky
The latest novel by the author of Family Tree is a powerful story about
family dynamics and the drastic repercussions of a lie gone wrong. After Deborah
Monroe picks up her sixteen-year-old daughter, Grace from a party, their car
hits a man in the dark. Grace was at the wheel, but Deborah decides to send
her home and face the police herself. Her decision becomes a deception that
threatens her family and the special bond between mother and daughter.
Publisher $25.95
Schwartz
$18.17
This is a sampling of the terrific deals we have on good books. Stop in to any of our shops to pick up any of these titles or browse our bargain section.
Brett Favre: A Packer's Fan Tribute
Bart King and Chris Sabatino
Publisher $19.95
SCHWARTZ: $7.99
Falling Through the Earth
Danielle Trussoni
Publisher $23.00
SCHWARTZ: $8.99
The Faith Club
Ranya Idilby
Suzanne Oliver
Priscilla Warner
Publisher $14.00
SCHWARTZ: $7.99
Ida B.
Katherine Hannigan
Publisher $5.99
SCHWARTZ: $2.99