Welcome to our new Religion Bestsellers list, which displays the 10 bestselling print books in both fiction and nonfiction every month. The lists are powered by Nielsen BookScan, which measures approximately 85% of the U.S. print book market.
In January, the big story is companion books to the movie, War Room, which premiered in August. Coming in at the top of our Religion Nonfiction list is Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer (B&H) by Priscilla Shirer, who starred in War Room. Inspired by the faith-based message in the film, Shirer’s writing debut is a guide to prayer that is geared toward women.
Also from B&H, The Battle Plan for Prayer by War Room by filmmakers Stephen and Alex Kendrick came in at #4 on the Religion Nonfiction chart. The book uses Scripture to examine the purpose of prayer and its biblical design, while showing readers how to grow closer to God by praying.
The Name of God is Mercy, released by Random House on January 12, took #2 on our Religion Nonfiction list. Selling 43k copies to in January, the book features the Holy Father’s interviews with Vatican reporter Andrea Tornielli, making a case for why “mercy is the first attribute of God.”
Also on the Religion Nonfiction list, Joel Osteen’s December 2015 release Fresh Start: The New You Begins Today (Faithwords) came in at #5. In his 13th book, the megachurch pastor encourages Christians to “live their best lives now.” Additionally, Osteen's prior book, The Power of I Am: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today released in October 2015, took #9 on January's chart.
On the Religion Fiction list, the novelization of War Room by Chris Fabry came in at #6. Titles from Harlequin’s Love Inspired imprint occupied the other nine positions, led by A Husband for Mari, Emma Miller’s second book in her Amish Matchmaker series. Other sub-genres of Love Inspired books include historical and suspense, and Harlequin releases six new titles in each genre every month.
