Publishing News

"In Pursuit of Elegance: Why the Best Ideas Have Something Missing" by Matthew E. May; Broadway Books (224 pages)

Here are the best sellers for the week ending Saturday, July 4, compiled from data from independent and chain bookstores, book wholesalers and independent distributors nationwide.

Hip, hip hooray! Facebook just announced a new series of privacy settings that will give users much more control over who can see what on Facebook.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Growing up in Los Angeles, Harry Brant Chandler developed a deep love for the history of Southern California, and especially the stories of visionaries who came here and in the raw canvas of the still-developing region saw nothing but opportunity.

If you walked into the right RadioShack store last weekend, you could get an Acer Aspire "netbook" computer for free. The catch: You would have to sign a two-year contract for mobile Internet service from AT&T, at $60 a month plus an activation fee.

It's that time of year when those who write about books are deluged by those who publish books. The real winners are those who write the books.

"A Rogue Of My Own" by Johanna Lindsey; Pocket Books (2009), 356 pages, $25.99 (hardcover)

"The Job-Hunter's Survival Guide: How to find hope and rewarding work, even when 'there are no jobs'" by Richard N. Bolles; Ten Speed Press ($9.99)

"Real Life & Liars" by Kristina Riggle; Avon, 327 pages, $14

It's summertime, and the reading is easy. We asked several wine mavens in the Minneapolis area to recommend a book for folks to read on their summer vacation or staycation: