READERS LOVE OBAMA

From your Chicago Sun Times:

U.S. Sen.-elect Barack Obama, who saw a book he wrote a decade ago jump onto best seller lists after his keynote address to the Democratic National Convention this summer, has landed a three-book deal worth $1.9 million.

Crown Publishing Group and Random House Children's Books, both divisions of Random House Inc., announced Friday that Obama will write two books for adults as well as a children's book he will work on with his wife, Michelle, and their two young daughters.

"Writing is something that Senator Obama obviously enjoys as a hobby, and I think he looks forward to continuing to share both his story and his beliefs with people who are interested in reading those books," said Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs.

Obama will receive an $850,000 advance for each adult books and a $200,000 advance for the children's book. All proceeds from the children's book will go to charity, Gibbs said. He said the recipient had not yet been determined.

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The first book, scheduled for publication in spring 2006, will focus on Obama's political convictions and his journey from law school to community activism to elected office.

"Today, when I see the divisions in this country, when I see unfairness and injustice, when I see misunderstanding or the enormous empathy deficit that damages so much of our politics, I have to do something about it," Obama said in a statement. "It's a lifetime journey and it is the basis for this book."

The big issue is what effect will this have on the value of Oneman's book collection.