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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Readers Getting Booked On O.J. Stories

Valerie Takahama Orange County Register

Book buyers can’t seem to get enough of the O.J. Simpson murder case. Simpson’s “I Want To Tell You,” in which he proclaims his innocence, has already flown to the top of the best-seller lists, and “Raging Heart,” Sheila Weller’s examination of the Simpson marriage based on “unprecedented cooperation” from Nicole Brown Simpson’s family, hits the stands amid a flurry of publicity.

Shipped to stores Jan. 27, Simpson’s book is making publishing history. It had a first printing of 500,000 copies and already has gone into a second printing of 100,000.

Not only is it the fastest-selling book in the history of its publisher, Little, Brown & Co., but the Time Warner AudioBooks version read in part by the former football star is breaking sales records as well.

“It’s certainly the fastest-selling (audio book) in Time Warner history, and it may be the fastestselling of all time for audio books,” spokesman Tony Angellotti said.

But “Raging Heart” should give Simpson’s book competition at the checkout stand. It contains “neverbefore-seen” photos and material based on more than 80 interviews. It’s already been the focus of media attention, with disclosures about Simpson’s conversation with exLAPD officer and longtime family friend Ron Shipp, in which Simpson talks about having nightmares about the murder.

The glut of information about Simpson apparently has not dampened enthusiasm for books about other sensational crimes. St. Martin’s Press reports brisk sales for “Sins of the Mother,” a quickie book about Susan Smith, the South Carolina mother accused of murdering her two children.

The 246-page paperback by People magazine staff writer Maria Eftimiades is among the Top 10 best sellers with a national book distributor.