South Coast readers often have  different preferences in reading material than those elsewhere. Here are the top-five sellers this week at Books By the Bay in North Bend, according to owner Trish Price:

Bill Clinton’s “Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World” is the newest inspirational book by the former president.

“Secret Societies and How They Affect Our Lives Today” by Sylvia Browne investigates Free Masons, Opus Dei, and the Illuminati.   

James Patterson’s newest, “You’ve Been Warned,” is typical Patterson — intrigue, passion, fear, and just plain can’t put it down!

The best book I have read this year is “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen. It mixes true stories of the circus life with issues about love and aging. A wonderful, wonderful story!

“Cowboy & Octopus” by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith is seven stories about friendship, a good joke, truth, beauty and beans. Kids will love this!