Zondervan Title America the Beautiful Hits #1 on New York Times Bestseller List

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A book that hit the shelves more than a year ago has reappeared in recent weeks as a top choice for American readers. This week, America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great (Zondervan, 2012) is the bestselling nonfiction book in three different categories (Paperback Nonfiction; Nonfiction Hardcover and Paperback Combined; Nonfiction Print and E-book Combined), according to the New York Times.

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After speaking at the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast, bestselling author and renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson received rapid media attention for his keynote address.  Carson candidly commented on the nation's taxation, health care, education, debt, the unnecessary role political correctness plays in American society.

"What an honor it is to know that America the Beautiful resonates with so many readers today," stated Dr. Carson.  "This says to me that the state of our nation is not going unnoticed and citizens want our political leaders to lean on God's Word for answers, not their own.  I truly believe that America's best days are still ahead and we must use our God-given talents to improve our lives, communities and our world."

In America the Beautiful Carson explains that the U.S., as the pinnacle nation in the world today, has many peculiar similarities with historical empires that were in decline, namely an inordinate emphasis on sports and entertainment, a fixation with the lifestyles of the rich and famous, political corruption, and a waning moral compass. He examines what it was about the United States---the child of every other nation---that so dramatically changed the world, and urges that we reclaim those tenets in order to perpetuate this free and prosperous nation.

Tracy Danz, Vice President and Publisher of Zondervan Trade commented, "We are blessed to have Ben as part of the Zondervan family.  We are thrilled with the success of this title and the continued support Ben is receiving across this nation.   His desire to live a life that God calls him to lead is inspirational to me and I truly believe that this book can help change lives."

America the Beautiful calls on all American citizens to use their "God-given talents to improve our lives, our communities, our nation and our world," said Carson.  Since its release in February 2012, "America the Beautiful" has appeared on 23 times on the New York Times Bestsellers list.  This is Carson's first title to reach the number one spot.

Dr. Carson was also the featured speaker at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) which commenced Thursday March 14-Saturday March 16.  This is said to be America's largest gathering of conservative leaders and activists.

For more information on America the Beautiful please visit www.zondervan.com.

To follow Ben Carson on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbencarson

Twitter: www.twitter.com/realbencarson

America the Beautiful

ISBN #: 9780310330912
Pages: 224
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99
Format: Softcover
Political Science/Civics & Citizenship

Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. For more than 80 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The company's products are sold in multiple formats, worldwide in more than 60 countries, translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

SOURCE Zondervan