‘Fire and Fury’ release causes frenzy at DC bookstores

A controversial new book about life inside President Trump’s White House hit bookstores on Friday, creating a frenzy at brick-and-mortar retailers as well as in online sales.

Not only is Michael Wolff’s “Fire and Fury” the No. 1 best seller on e-commerce site Amazon, in Washington, D.C., popular local bookstores sold out almost immediately.

Kramerbooks started telling copies at midnight on Friday, creating a party-like atmosphere — and a flurry of social media conversation — even in freezing temperatures. 

The bookstore reportedly had 75 copies available and sold out in two minutes, according to the owner, Steve Salis.

@kramerbooks owner:@MichaelWolffNYC #fireandfury was sold out in 2 minutes after being released Thursday midnight despite the extreme weather. pic.twitter.com/vKIeI9t3Bh

— Amr Hassan (@AmrHSayed) January 5, 2018

Another local bookstore chain, Politics & Prose, had 84 copies on hand Friday morning at the flagship store and another 30 at its new D.C. Wharf location that sold out “within minutes,” according to a spokesperson.

{mosads}

Scattered bookstores around the country reported they are increasing their stock to meet the high level interest, according to Publishers Weekly.

“We have so many special orders placed that I will most likely run out by the end of the day,” Sherri Gallentine, buyer for the California-based Vroman’s and Book Soup, told the publication.

And the book is selling out in the U.K. as well. The legendary Waterstones bookstore in London’s Piccadilly Circus “sold out within minutes,” according to The Bookseller.

The selling frenzy happened on short notice. The publisher, Henry Holt & Company, moved up the release date to four days earlier than its original publication date after excerpts prompted the White House to blast the book as “complete fantasy and full of tabloid gossip.” Trump’s lawyers also sent a cease-and-desist letter to the publisher, attempting to block publication.

“Thank you, Mr. President,” the author tweeted in response to the high interest.