Reading Material

By Peter Bailey

This reading season has been an especially good one for those who want to cause trouble for the President. Beyond the stir caused by Richard Clarke's new memoir, Against All Enemies, a succession of political tomes written by journalists and former insiders has captured a following, particularly among conspiracy-minded Bush foes. More are on the way, promising an inside look at the Administration and at the family of the man who leads it.

--By Peter Bailey

BUZZ Political analyst Kevin Phillips' attack on the "old-boy network" that created the Bush political "dynasty" was hailed by Beltway Bush bashers

SALES No. 3 on the New York Times best-seller list--and he hasn't even got a talk show

BUZZ Bush's former Treasury Secretary, Paul O'Neill, told tales out of school, prompting hot denials--and an investigation of whether he disclosed classified information. (He was cleared)

SALES Still strong after two months

BUZZ Craig Unger's investigative account of the secret relationship between the Bush family and relatives of Osama bin Laden caused a stir, and could provide fodder for the Dems later in the campaign

SALES Another best seller? Not yet

BUZZ Bob Woodward took a first look at the inner workings of the Bush Administration following 9/11 in Bush at War. Some thought he was too kind. Will his second, Plan of Attack, due out in April, be tougher?

SALES Could make news

BUZZ Gossipy biographer Kitty Kelley has taken on Frank Sinatra, Nancy Reagan and the British royal family. Her next, The Family: The Real Story of the Bush Dynasty, hits stores in September

SALES Timed for maximum impact