THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 26, 1994 TAG: 9406230173
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940626 LENGTH: Medium
Grisham, of course is John Grisham, the lawyer-turned-literary superstar whose recently released book ``The Chamber'' is a mainstay on the bestseller lists.
{REST} ``We're selling not only ``The Chamber'' but a lot of his older books that are out now in paperback,'' says Davis, co-owner of Corolla Book and Card.
While Grisham's success is no shocker, there are some surprising names turning up in beach bags and on vacation home nightstands this summer.
At Manteo Booksellers, books by Jack Kerouac are ``jumping off the shelves.''
``There are a lot of people interested not only in Kerouac, but in all of the Beats,'' says manager Steve Brumfield. ``A lot of young people are interested, thanks in part to the 10,000 Maniacs song (``Hey Jack Kerouac``) and there have been some new releases of his work.''
While Kerouac mesmerizes a new generation, one author has Jack beat by a mile among readers.
``I'm selling a lot of Shakespeare,'' said Buxton Village Books owner Gee Gee Rosell.
Bookstore owners are also reporting big sales on works by former President Richard Nixon, including ``Beyond Peace'' completed shortly before his death. However, books on politics have always been a mainstay among Outer Banks readers, many of whom travel here from the Washington area.
Local authors are also doing well in local stores. David Stick's works on the Outer Banks are always solid sellers, as are children's books by local writer Suzanne Tate and romance novels by Bronewyn Williams. D.C. Poyer's works - many set in the Outer Banks - are also popular, particularly ``Hatteras Blue'' and ``Bahamas Blue,'' and Anne Rivers Siddons' novel, ``Outer Banks.''
``People are always interested in anything local,'' says Davis.
Mysteries are also drawing readers into their tangled web. Richmond-based writer Patricia Cornwell's books are big sellers locally.
While many more contemporary writers have success in the summer, two literary giants with North Carolina ties have a timeless appeal.
``I always sell a lot of Reynolds Price and Peter Taylor,'' said Rosell. ``They will always be popular. People love to buy works by North Carolina writers.''
by CNB