Dear Reader:

Last weekend I went to a local chain bookstore with my younger son. Clutched in his hands were the gift certificates that he received for his birthday. Note here to busy parents --- gift certificates are great birthday presents, as children feel empowered with their own "money" in hand. He wanted a couple of Captain Underpants books. (For anyone without small children in their lives, Captain Underpants is very cool with seven year olds.) He was very disappointed to see the shelves stocked with the books he already had and none of those that he was looking for.

We moved to another part of the children's department, as I was going to a baby shower and wanted to purchase some of the books that my boys had enjoyed for my gift. I too was disappointed when I saw some of the books too shopworn to buy, or give. Some of them were shrink-wrapped, but still shopworn.

Wondering if any of you have had this same experience. Hence, our question of the week -- Do you have trouble finding the books that you want in stock when you are shopping in bookstores? We also have a poll question asking if you usually know what you are looking for when you go into a bookstore.

The results of our Reading Olympics Poll are in and they can be found here.  2,991 voters logged in to vote for the author who keeps them turning the pages the most. This survey shows the power of readers on the web. The first week we only pitched the Poll in our newsletter and on our own website. First in the lead....John Grisham...for all three slots....then, within about 48 hours, Stephen King took over the gold position while Grisham held silver and bronze. Last Thursday with about 1,000 votes tallied, we alerted the official sites of the authors on our list of the poll. And then we started contacting fan websites for these authors. And then the races really began.

Let's just say that we always have heard that Nora Roberts fans on the web were one powerful group. After the last seven days, there can be NO doubt. Her fans clicked her into the winning position for gold, silver AND bronze! Stephen King was second in the silver category. Grisham followed up with the bronze. Take a look at the results to see where your vote ended up.

Many thanks to all of you who voted. If you have a poll or question idea, please write me at Carol@bookreporter.com.


This Week's Question

Do you have trouble finding the books that you want in stock when you are shopping in bookstores?

Respond to the question of the week by sending mail to: Question@bookreporter.com.


Bookreporter Readers Say...
Have you ever read a book more than once? If so, which book have you re-read the most and how many times? See how readers responded.


This Week's Poll:

When you shop for books, do you always know what you want before you shop? Vote here.

I always know what I plan to buy.
Most of the time I know what I plan to buy.
Some of the time I know what I want to buy.
I usually just know I want to read a book.


Word of Mouth
Tell us what YOU are reading and you could win a copy HELL TO PAY by George Pelecanos. Need more details on how to participate in Word of Mouth? Click here. Send your replies to WordOfMouth@bookreporter.com.

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