The Theft of America’s Soul by the star of A&E’s reality TV series Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson is #3 on our Religion Nonfiction chart. Robertson, who released a statement in response to PW’s critical review of the book, embarked on a publicity tour that included a book signing events at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Va. where he signed over 600 copies, according to the publisher, as well as an appearance on CBN’s The 700 Club. Additional marketing and publicity included Facebook ads targeting conservative Christians, a Goodreads Galley giveaway, and book-related online Bible studies and devotionals.
Sharing the top 10 but offering a more progressive perspective of theology, Lutheran pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber’s Shameless debuted at #7. “I want people who read this to re-think their ideas about sexual ethics, gender, orientation, extra-marital sex, and the inherent goodness of the human body,” Bolz-Weber told PW last year. In addition to coverage by the New Yorker, NPR's Weekend All Things Considered, and more, the book was promoted via outreach to Bolz-Weber’s 109K fans on Facebook as well as along the author’s speaking engagements, including the 2019 MAKERS conference alongside Gloria Steinem in early February.
Lastly, Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile’s 2016 The Road Back to You came in at #10 in Religion Nonfiction after Grammy Award-winning singer Amy Grant appeared on Cron’s podcast, Typology, to talk about the enneagram—an ancient personality typing system based on ancient Christianity. The book has sold nearly 325,000 copies across all editions since it was first published, according to IVP, as interest in the enneagram continues to grow.
In Religion Fiction, Colleen Coble’s conclusion to the Lavender Tide series, Secrets at Cedar Cabin, debuted at #3 following blurbs from authors Kelly Irvin and Carrie Stuart Parks as well as discounted prices on Amazon, B&N, and more.
