Olivia Nuzzi’s book “American Canto” has struggled to achieve sales success despite extensive media coverage and sensational headlines surrounding her alleged affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Various reports indicate that the book sold approximately 1,200 print copies during its first week, falling significantly short of expectations.
Sales Overview
“American Canto” was anticipated to be a top-selling release for the year, yet it failed to secure a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Instead, it garnered only a modest ranking of No. 30 in the political science category, according to Circana, formerly known as BookScan.
Comparative Analysis
In comparison, other recent political books saw better first-week sales. For instance:
- John Fetterman’s “Unfettered” sold around 2,600 copies.
- Michael Wolff’s “All or Nothing: How Trump Recaptured America” reached approximately 3,000 copies.
Both of these titles were considered disappointing in their performance, indicating that Nuzzi’s book has not fared well in a crowded marketplace.
Background on Controversies
Nuzzi stepped into the spotlight following reports of an alleged relationship with Kennedy, who is married to actress Cheryl Hines. These allegations emerged in September 2024 when media reporter Oliver Darcy suggested Nuzzi had acted inappropriately with a former subject she covered.
In the wake of these revelations, Nuzzi publicly accused her ex-fiancé, Ryan Lizza, of leaking her personal details. The media conversation surrounding this alleged affair has been intense, featuring raunchy content, including poems attributed to Kennedy about Nuzzi, but these details were not addressed in her book.
Critical Reception
The book has not only struggled in sales but has also faced harsh criticisms. Reviews have called “American Canto” both “forgettable” and “impressively and aggressively awful,” raising questions about its reception among readers and critics alike.
Experts have suggested that the scandal-filled discussions prior to the release may have caused a disconnect between media hype and consumer interest, leading to the book’s disappointing performance.
Conclusion
In summary, Olivia Nuzzi’s “American Canto” exemplifies the challenges that can arise when media buzz does not convert into consumer sales. With only 1,200 copies sold in its first week, it reflects a need for authors to connect with their audiences authentically, beyond sensational headlines.
