The year 2008 in books introduced readers to several breakthrough new authors. The year's top prize winners were a mix of debut novels and fresh voices on the literary scene. Stand-outs included first-time novelist Junot Diaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and bestselling author Stephenie Meyer's latest Twilight novel, Breaking Dawn.

 

Celebrities made us think twice about their dual roles as writers. Former 90210 star Tori Spelling took a life story of material wealth and shaky marital history and turned it into a runaway bestseller with Stori Telling. Literary titans such as J.K. Rowling proved that there is life after a series ends and humorists such as David Sedaris reminded us how funny social vices can sometimes be.

The 2008 book season was a year where fantasy battled reality for its bestsellers. Fantasy novels, including works by Stephenie Meyer, Christopher Paolini and J.K. Rowling took the top spots in fiction sales. On the non-fiction charts, inspirational and often serious subjects dominated reader interest.

 

The late Professor Randy Pausch wrote an uplifting and life-changing piece with The Last Lecture. Oprah Book Club Picks A New Earth and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle presented readers with new challenges and classic characters. Prevention Magazine unveiled the latest fitness craze to hit America with The Flat Belly Diet and Tori Spelling proved that blondes do have more fun with Stori Telling.