More than 600 people crowded Waco’s Books-A-Million store Saturday afternoon to get books signed by retired Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North and conservative political commentator Glenn Beck. And that doesn’t count many shoppers who were browsing in other parts of the store.

North was there to sign copies of his “Heroes Proved,” and Beck was signing his “Agenda 21.” Both are works of fiction about crises facing the United States in the future...

...Many were buying the books for Christmas presents and didn’t want to give their names for publication and spoil the surprise. One, a Navy veteran who served between the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, said he is “interested in North’s views on everything military because he’s a former Marine officer. We were chasing the Soviets all over the ocean, and I like his perspective on things.”

Berton and Jean Stengel of Eddy said they had gotten a book signed by North in Missouri, “and our friends asked why we didn’t get them one, too, so that’s what we’re doing.”

The Stengels also were buying Beck’s book. “We agree with most of what they say,” Jean said. Her husband added, “More people should listen to them.”

Raul Pantoja of Waco said, “I agree with most of what Beck says. I don’t get to listen to him too often, but I’ve read ‘Common Sense’ and really liked it.”