Ramona author takes first and second spots on 2015 best sellers list
“Go Set a Watchman,” “All the Light We Cannot See,” “The Nightingale” and other nationally acclaimed books are all top sellers, according to the the Independent Booksellers Association’s Best Sellers List of 2015.
Unicorn Books and Gifts has sold plenty of these titles this year, but readers in Ramona have really supported our local authors in a big way during 2015. We found that our top 10 best sellers’ list includes an eclectic variety of local and nationally known authors. The big surprise, although it shouldn’t be, is our very own Joyce Strand, who holds the number one and number two positions in our top 10.
Strand is a great writer, best known for her Jillian Hillcrest mystery series, which have sold well nationally, and the new spin-off, the Brynn Bancroft mysteries. The latter takes place in and around a winery.
With her debut of “Landscape for Murder” taking place at The Ramona Art and Wine Festival in early November, it is no wonder that she sold out and had to send someone back for more. One reader, who picked up a signed copy at the festival, suggested it for a book club. Being local, Strand was invited to join in on their discussion as a guest.
Another one of her books that debuted earlier this year, “The Judges Story” is a historical fiction about a Judge in the late 1930s trying to do the right thing during a time of poverty, escalating world war and prejudice. It is a wonderful vignette of early Ventura, Calif., wrapped in a mystery. This book was also chosen by a local book club for its selection.
Number three on the list is the Dr. Seuss classic, “Oh the Places You will Go.” The rise of this well-known children’s book can, most likely, be attributed to the recent trend of buying the book when the child starts school and having each teacher write something about them. Years later, you can surprise the graduate with a sentimental and thoughtful gift. It is also still the most popular high school and college graduation gift.
Charles LeMenager’s “Ramona and Roundabout” sold well enough to take the fourth spot on our top 10 list. The second edition has been updated to include the wineries and more recent Ramona additions. An influx of new residents who want to know the background of our town may account for the upward sales of this well-known history about Ramona.
Taking fifth place is a personal favorite, “I Will Always Write Back” by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka. This national best seller is a true story about two kids who become pen pals as part of a seventh-grade assignment. She lives in upper middle class suburbia in Pennsylvania. He lives in abject poverty in a hut with a dirt floor in Zimbabwe.
They continue writing to each other long after the project is over and become the best of friends. At first she has no idea what his life is like and he is afraid to tell her. But, over time, through years of letters, they learn from and help each other in amazing ways. Keep tissues nearby.
“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” is another national best seller that comes in sixth place on our list. Marie Kondo is a Japanese professional organizer with some unique and intriguing ideas on how to clear out the clutter.
Confident in her KonMari method, she takes cleaning to a whole new level. Kondo even tells you how to deal with the mountains of paper you can never get a handle on. This book will surely have you loving your sock drawer in no time.
Seventh place is occupied by “The San Diego Motorsports 100 Racing Years” by Jim McVicar and Mary Van Doren. The Thursday night American Graffiti Cruisers group, who made Ramona’s Main Street their drag this past summer, sparked an interest in this book at the shop. The art of Bob McCoy graces the cover and the hundreds of photos inside tell the history of San Diego racing.
Eighth place is held by “Shelter Us.” This deep and moving novel, about how far a woman will go, after personal tragedy, to help someone she doesn’t even know, was written by San Diego author Laura Nicole Diamond. You will need the tissues for this one, too.
Number nine is a true crime story by recent local transplant, Cathy Scott. “Murder of a Mafia Daughter” is an account of the murder of Las Vegas socialite Susan Berman and her connection to Robert Durst. This captivating look into this sensational case is a well-researched biography by an award-winning investigative journalist, and supporter of our shop.
The 10th and final spot belongs to a two-way tie between Ken Woodward’s “Rubaboo” and Sally Richard’s “Ghosthunting Southern California.” Both of these books are nonfiction references that have great local appeal.
Other notable local author releases this year were “Lizzy’s Lions,” S.D. Howard’s second paranormal romance, and Judy McGrath’s sequel novel “Morning Star Journey.” Both launched in November and are expected to grow in sales.
All these books and more are available at Unicorn Books and Gifts in store at 738 Main Street and online at www.unicornbooksandgifts.com. If you are interested in our book club, contact us at 760-788-3700.
Stacy Bart owns Unicorn Books and Gifts.