Reed's GumTree Bookstore reveals Top 10 bestsellers of 2023

Dec. 26—TUPELO — As 2023 comes to a close, Reed's GumTree Bookstore has announced its top 10 bestselling books of the year.

As is often the case, the books represent a mix of genres, from thrillers to photo essays. Unsurprisingly, the list leans heavily into Mississippi authors like John Grisham (who earns two spots on the list) Rick Cleveland and Robert St. John.

1. "The Exchange: After the Firm" by John Grisham — Tupelo fan favorite Grisham's new legal thriller marks the return of Mitch McDeere, the brilliant hero of "The Firm."

Looking ahead, Grisham is set to release "Camino Ghosts," the third installment in the Camino series, on June 4, 2024.

2. "The Mississippi Football Book" by Rick Cleveland and Neil White — Edited by award-winning sportswriter Rick Cleveland and bestselling author Neil White, "The Mississippi Football Book" includes more than 100 profiles of players, coaches and teams. More than 500 players and coaches are listed in the records section.

3. "A Time to Listen" by Jack Reed, Jr. — For almost 50 years, Jack Reed, Jr., has sat in church pews listening to ministers, teachers, and fellow seekers of truth, making notes in the margins of his well-worn Bible on how to live a meaningful life. The book encapsulates those notes and musings.

"These words represent the building blocks of my theology and philosophy of the kind of life I am trying to live," Reed said. Proceeds from the book are donated to local charities.

4. "Mississippi Mornings: Deep South Breakfasts, Brunches, and Musings" by Robert St. John — Between running seven restaurants, publishing a weekly syndicated column, guiding dozens of groups through Europe each spring and fall and working with his charity, Extra Table, St. John has found the time to publish his thirteenth book, Mississippi Mornings. His ode to the day's most important meal is full of classic Southern dishes and updated twists on familiar favorites. With 12 essays and more than 100 recipes ranging from sweet potato pancakes to crawfish étouffée over garlic cheese grits to cathead biscuits with country ham, this beautiful collection is brought to life with photography by Kate Dearman.

5. "The Boys from Biloxi" by John Grisham — John Grisham earns another spot in the Top 10 with a gripping legal thriller that tells the riveting story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Grisham's trademark twists and turns will keep you tearing through the pages until the stunning conclusion. Life itself hangs in the balance in "The Boys from Biloxi," a sweeping saga rich with history and with a large cast of unforgettable characters.

6. "The Scoutmaster: Lessons in Service and Leadership From an American Hero" by Brooks Eason — Tupelo native Brooks Eason authored this book about Paul Eason, who was a Scoutmaster for more than sixty years. More than 350 young men became Eagle Scouts under his leadership. This book tells the story of a remarkable man and his remarkable life of leadership and service.

7. "The Watercolor Road" by Wyatt Waters — Readers can experience the American South through the expressive paintings and musings of renowned master watercolorist, Wyatt Waters. His rambling and wandering through the southern trail deliver an impressive collection of 133 paintings, 21 essays and an array of adages that depict both the South and his relentless trek to be a better painter as a mindset rather than a destination.

8. "How To Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told" by Harrison Scott Key — Mississippi native Harrison Scott Key, winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor, tells the shocking, spiritually profound story of his journey through hell and back when infidelity threatens his marriage.

9. "Mississippi Gridiron Cathedrals: The Most Historic and Unique High School Football Fields in Mississippi" by Nash Nunnery — Covering nearly every nearly corner of the Magnolia State and many fields of green in between, this book is illustrated by renowned cartoonist and journalist Marshall Ramsey and is loaded with eye-catching original photography. It's a fascinating high school football book you'll return to again and again.

10. "The Many Daughters of Afong Moy" by Jamie Ford — Featured as the 2023 Tupelo Reads book. New York Times bestselling author Jamie Ford's latest novel is a powerful exploration of the love that binds one family across generations.

BONUS PICK: "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt — Featured as the 2024 Tupelo Reads book. Author Shelby Van Pelt will visit Tupelo as part of the program with a public event at the Lee County Library on Feb. 22, 2024.

blake.alsup@djournal.com