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Top Bestsellers for the Year 2002

(December 3, 2002)

The following titles are the top bestsellers for the year 2002 from Barnes and Noble. It is a good mixture of fiction and nonfiction. The list is compiled by Public Services Librarian, Debbie Musselman.

To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our OPAC. Happy Reading!

  1. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
    RC 54698, BR 14806.
     Susie Salmon, a 14-year-old girl murdered by a neighbor, watches over her family and friends from heaven. While adjusting to a new habitat, she reaches out to them as she observes their struggle to survive their grief. Some descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language.

  2. Self Matters by Phillip C. McGraw.
    RC 54036, BR 14066.
     Explores how to find one's "authentic self" via introspection and other key elements that will lead to a stronger self concept and self esteem. Some strong language.

  3. The Summons by John Grisham.
    RC 53285, BR 13758.
     Law professor Ray Atlee arrives at the family home in rural Mississippi and discovers his elderly father dead as well as three million dollars in cash. Ray decides not to tell his drug addicted brother about the loot. But someone is soon after him and the money. Some strong language.

  4. A Painted House by John Grisham.
    RC 51331, BR 13239.
     Arkansas , 1952. Seven-year-old Luke Chandler, who lives with his parents and grandparents in a house that has never been painted, recounts the events during cotton picking season. As Luke faces the daily grind of harvesting, he witnesses a murder, a birth, and a storm that changes their lives forever.

  5. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson.
    RC 49513, BR 51061.
     Dr. Johnson presents a parable about two mice and two tiny people searching through a maze for cheese. Their behaviors illustrate how different personality types react to change. The author explains why we all should embrace having our cheese moved.

  6. Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin.
    RC 54032.
     Satirical take on rich New Yorkers who hire caregivers to be substitute parents. A New York University student majoring in child development opts for a part-time nanny job to pay her rent and winds up with more family involvement than she anticipated. Some strong language.

  7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling.
    RC 48772, BR 12390.
     During his third year at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter must confront the devious and dangerous wizard responsible for the death of his parents. Harry Potter, Book 3. Series Code POH.

  8. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki.
    RC 50090.
     Investor describes how he learned about money from his PhD father, who could never retain wealth, and also from his friend's father, who was a millionaire with an eighth grade education. Explains how to make your money work for you by mastering financial literacy and taking charge.

  9. Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells.
    RC 45768, BR 14189.
     At forty, Sidda Walker is a famous theater director whose life spirals downward after a New York Times interview implies that her mother, Vivi, was a child abuser. Vivi disowns Sidda, but the Ya-Yas, Vivi's longtime friends, intervene. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. Also available as a descriptive video, DV 493.

  10. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling.
    RC 48437, BR 12276.
     When the Chamber of Secrets is opened again at the Hogswart School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter finds himself in danger from a dark power that has once more been released on the school. Harry Potter, Book 2. Series Code POH. Also available as a descriptive video, DV 503.

  11. Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution by Robert C. Atkins.
    RC 44854.
     Proposes a holistic approach to weight loss through altering the body's metabolism with a regimen high in proteins and low in carbohydrates. Outlines a four stage program using diet, exercise, and vitamin therapy to combat obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

  12. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner.
    RC 54308.
     After her ex-boyfriend discusses her weight problem in a magazine column, successful reporter Cannie feels betrayed. Cannie's family offer little solace, but with her friends' help, the sale of her screenplay, and an unexpected baby, she realizes what is important. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language.

  13. The Last Time They Met by Anita Shreve.
    RC 52100.
     Now in her early fifties, minor poet Linda Fallon is caught off-guard when she encounters her first love, the famous poet Thomas Janes, at a literary festival. Through their conversations, their passionate and tumultuous past unfolds. Some descriptions of sex and some strong language.

  14. The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel.
    RC 53756.
     Ayla and Jondalar, with their two horses and a wolf, arrive at the caves of the Zelandonii, Jondalar's people, and receive a mixed welcome. Ayla, as an outsider with strange customs, strives to win acceptance. Earth's Children, Book 5. Series Code ECS. Some explicit descriptions of sex.

  15. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks.
    RC 49104.
     Fifty-seven-year-old Landon thinks back to 1958, the year that changed his life. Pious, bible carrying Jamie Sullivan asks 17-year-old Landon to costar with her in the Christmas play written by her preacher father. As they spend time together, Landon is shocked to realize he is falling in love.