Trending at the Library October 2013

Sure, it's always interesting to check out the latest bestseller lists. It's nice to know what books people are talking about, right? But I find it fascinating to know what's trending farther down on the charts, because that's where you'll find the quirkier successes.

Recent books skyrocketing to the tops of the charts include memoirs by Malala Yousafzai and Naoki Higashida, a Japanese boy with autistim. Somewhat more predictably, celebrity memoirs by Linda Ronstadt and Billy Crystal are doing well.

Then there's...

The Asylum by Simon Doonan. Subtitled "A Collage of Couture Reminiscences...and Hysteria," this one's a collection of humorous essays about fashion from the "Creative Ambassador" (now there's an enviable job title for you) for Barneys New York. Sounds like just the thing for Project Runway fans.

Daughter of Empire by Pamela Hicks. As the daughter of English aristocrat Edwina Mountbatten, Hicks had a childhood of nannies and world travel. Kirkus notes the book's tone of self-importance isn't surprising as she was head bridesmaid for Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth's wedding. Apparently her reminiscences of India in her youth are a highlight, and when your household guests included the likes of Churchill, you're bound to have some juicy stories to tell.

One and Only by Lauren Sandler. The subtitle says it all: The Freedom of Having an Only Child, and the Joy of Being One. This is why I love looking for books flying under the radar. How often do you get a book about a topic as specific as only children? Let alone one that's sparked media attention. Have you been told that only children are selfish? Maladjusted? Baloney, says Sandler.

Wonder Women by Debora L. Spar. If Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In engaged your interest in the issues of women and the workforce, Barnard College president Spar's perspective also sounds well worth checking out.