Following the old adage, one could say that the third time's a charm for Suzanne Somers's diet book #3. One could say it, that is, if it weren't for the fact that her first two books have already demonstrated that they've got, er, legs. Eat Great, Lose Weight, published by Crown in 1997, spent a total of 21 weeks on our list in its hardcover and trade paper editions; 1999's Get Skinny on Fabulous Food bettered that figure, as it were, with a 25-week hardcover run, five of those in the top spot. (Crown notes that the two books have sold to date more than two million copies.) Now the Somersizing juggernaut continues with Suzanne Somers' Eat, Cheat, and Melt the Fat Away, which was published by Crown on April 17 (copies in print: 360,000) and debuts today at #5. The indefatigable author, despite her illness, is hitting the promo trail in a big way, making nice on the airwaves with Joan Rivers, Judith Regan, Regis and Kelly, Bill O'Reilly, Rosie O'Donnell, Larry King, the ladies of The View, the folks at NBC's Today and Dateline, etc. Print coverage for Somers's latest has included Parade, People, More and Success magazines, and two separate TV satellite tours have saturated some 40 markets. More info on this talented actress-turned-entrepreneur can be found on her Web site, www.suzannesomers.com.
With reporting by Dick Donahue.
