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Looking for the most popular books to read? We have compiled the most popular books right now according to Goodreads users.
Goodreads is the largest site for readers to be able to share book recommendations. It also functions as a social network where friends and strangers can share ratings of the books they've read, see what others are rating books, and track progress on yearly reading goals. With more than 140 million users worldwide, Goodreads is the go to for book recommendations.
Based on these book reviews and on Publishers Weekly's best sellers list, we have compiled the most popular books right now.
Love her or hate her, Colleen Hoover has topped charts in 2022, with most weeks having anywhere from 3 to 6 books on Publishers Weekly's Top 10 Best Sellers list. On the romance list specifically she holds 9 of the top 10 slots for highest sales in 2022. Only giving room for Nicholas Sparks' Dreamland.
Another author that has had repeat successes in the last few years has been Taylor Jenkins Reid. Probably best known for her book The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo which was released in 2017. Her writing style brings characters to life in a way that makes fiction seem like non-fiction. She has continued to have a strong following, putting multiple popular books on this list.
If you've already read these books, you'll probably want to check out 45 BINGE-WORTHY BOOKS TO READ IN 2023 or THE ULTIMATE BEACH READS | BOOKS TO BRING ON YOUR NEXT BEACH VACATION.
This post is all about
the most popular books.
Fiction
“Writing fiction is the act of weaving a series of lies to arrive at a greater truth.” ― Khaled Hosseini
With how hectic these last few years have been, I'm sure we could all use a little relaxation. And there is no better way to escape than with the intricate stories that fiction books weave.
These popular books connect us and allow us to share our excitement with others. As much as I love reading, it can be a lonely hobby and I really enjoy the times that I get to talk about a book with someone else that has read it. With these books, there is a very high chance that someone else you know has read or wants to read it.
So lets jump in with the most popular fiction books.
1. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
In this novel, the narrative switches between Sam and Sadie. It follows their friendship over 30 years, which is often complicated by miscommunication, jealousy, and love. Their journey is an accurate depiction of the changing dynamics of friendships and romantic relationships as well as human growth.
Though the novel is centered around their mutual love of video games, you do not have to know much about them to follow along.
2. Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
As promised, Colleen Hoover makes the list more than a few times. Her books have become some of the best selling romance novels. Reminders of Him has been purchased 115,398 times since its release in Jan 2022.
In this novel, Kenna Rowan takes a shot at redemption after a horrible accident which resulted in serving a 5 year prison sentence. When she returns to the town where it all happened in hopes of reconnecting with her 4 year old daughter, she finds that everyone in her daughter's life is determined to keep Kenna out of it.
3. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
With over 2.3 million ratings on Goodreads and an average of 4.42/5 stars, Where the Crawdads Sing is one of, if not the most popular fiction book on the site.
Kya Clark is a barefoot naturalist that others have a hard time accepting. For years they've chosen to refer to her not by name, but only as "Marsh Girl." So when hometown sweetheart, Chase Andrews, is found dead, the locals immediately point their finger to the outsider. Kya must prove her innocence against all odds.
4. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Jess decides that she needs a fresh start, and invites herself to stay with her brother in Paris. But, when she gets there her brother is no where to be found. In this mystery, the neighbors are an interesting and unfriendly bunch, and they know something they aren't telling.
5. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
With over 470k ratings and an average of 4.36/5.0 stars, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is one of the best mystery thriller books on Goodreads.
Pippa Fitz is a high school senior, and for her final project she decides to dig into a murder that happened 5 years prior. Pippa is a strong willed, teenage detective that is determined to solve the case.
This novel is a great mystery book for teens who love Nancy Drew.
6. Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid creates unforgettable stories with strong heroines. She has an incredible way of bringing the reader into the daily lives of these women in a way that makes it difficult to remember you aren't actually there.
In this novel, Carrie is a fierce competitor and a record holding tennis player. After 6 years in retirement she agrees to come back for one last year.
7. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I'm sure by now you've either heard of or seen this title come across your social media. Released in March 2022, this novel has gained momentum for its witty heroine.
Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 1960's, and as such, she isn't often taken seriously by the men in her profession. But what you'll love about Elizabeth Zott is that she is a no-nonsense, go getter that doesn't take no for an answer. She is inspiring, even throughout the tragedies that cloud her life.
8. The Boys From Biloxi by John Grisham
John Grisham has a strong following, with many readers eagerly anticipating his new releases. The Boys From Biloxi is no exception, released in October 2022 and coming in on the best sellers list.
In this novel, two boys who were childhood friends in the 60's found that their lives took different paths around high school. Both followed in their father's footsteps, but one as an attorney and the other as a gangster. The two families have been at odds and are about to face off in a court of law.
9. House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, Book 1) by Sarah J. Maas
As with most popular books, there are loud supporters and loud critics and this series is no exception. Sarah J Maas's 2015 A Court of Thorns and Roses Series is hands-down one of the best fantasy book series. So with the release of a new series in 2020 (Crescent City) there has been a lot of feedback on the series in comparison to her previous work. That being said, Crescent City is wildly popular, and it is up to you to decide if you like it.
The synopsis: A demon murders Bryce's closest friends and she's left devasted. But when the supposed murderer is being bars, the crimes do not stop. So Bryce takes it upon herself to solve the mystery and avenge her friends' deaths.
10. Babel by R.F. Kuang
This novel is best described as dark academia with a splash of fantasy. It is difficult to put into words the work that R.F. Kuang delivers with Babel (ironic, I know lol). But what you need to know is that it is intelligent, powerful, unconventional, well-researched, emotional, and incredibly unique and you should read it.
11. Circe by Madeline Miller
This novel is a popular fantasy book for teens and adults who love Greek mythology. Circe is a black sheep, and when she discovers that her power can threaten the gods she is banished by Zeus. As a woman scorned she practices and perfects her powers. But as danger arises, she must decide if she truly belongs with the gods she is born from or the mortals she has come to love.
12. Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks
As mentioned, Dreamland is the only novel on the 2022 best selling romance novels list that isn't by Colleen Hoover.
This novel switches between two perspectives. The first is Colby, a farmer that desperately wants a career in music and falls in love with a fellow aspiring musician. And the other perspective is from Beverly, a woman fleeing her abusive husband with her 6- year old son. Over the course of one week fate will bring these three people together.
13. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Book Lovers has become wildly famous among bibliophiles. Published in May of 2022, it already has over 539k ratings with an average of 4.23/5.0 stars.
If you're looking for popular romance books, this one is a must read. It features a love story centered around an untraditional, kind of rude heroine that loves books and a brooding editor that she despises. It is an enemies to lovers trope that you will devour.
14. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
With over 758k ratings and an average 4.22/5.0 stars on Goodreads, this novel is one of the best fantasy books of all time.
On the eve of her wedding Addie LaRue prays for freedom to a god - or perhaps a devil - who makes her a deal that will grow to be like a thorn to her. She will live forever, but she will be forgotten by everyone that she meets. But after 300 years, Addie stumbles across a man in a bookstore that remembers her name.
15. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
This novel is all about friends becoming lovers and second chances. Unlike an enemies to lovers trope, Percy and Sam had a breathtaking relationship for 6 years until it fell spectacularly apart. Now with Percy back in her hometown for Sam's mother's funeral, the two have a chance to reconnect.
Chances are you'll devour this book in a day and be left wanting to continue to read about Percy and Sam.
16. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Sea of Tranquility is an incredibly popular science fiction and time travel fiction book. The timeline spans from 1912 on Vancouver Island to 500 years later on a colony on the moon. When four people in different time periods and locations experience the same anomaly, their fates intertwine.
17. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
This novel is another popular sci fi book, as well as apocalyptic fiction. Ryland Grace is hurling through space on a ship with 2 corpses and severe memory loss. The fate of all humanity lies on his shoulders as he tries to complete a last-chance mission as his memory slowly returns.
If you loved The Martian, then you will absolutely love this compelling and well crafted novel. As Ryland rediscovers his identity, his mind is an incredibly entertaining place to be. His inner dialogue is dark and witty super relatable.
18. Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
Hidden Pictures is a compelling mystery novel about a live-in nanny, Mallory, and a 5-year old boy with strange and disturbing secrets. When Mallory first starts watching Teddy he spends his time drawing simple pictures of trees, rabbits, balloons, etc. But as the days progress, Teddy begins drawing dark images that seem to be unraveling a murder that happened long ago. Mallory must try to solve the mystery and save Teddy from whatever forces are influencing him.
19. The Push by Ashley Audrain
The Push is a psychological thriller book that you won't be able to put down.
In the spirit of not ruining the plot, what you need to know is that it is an utterly immersive novel that will challenge everything you think you know about motherhood, about what we owe our children, and what it feels like when women are not believed.
20. It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
This novel is a sequel to It Ends With Us and is a popular booktok book. It is another novel with incredibly strong opinions from readers on both ends of the spectrum. If you've read the prequel you'll know that this novel is Atlas and Lily's chance at a loving, safe relationship. Some feel the novel was a little too safe/dull, but it is up to you to decide.
Despite its mixed reviews it was a highly anticipated release and it has topped Publisher's Weekly's Best Selling Romance Book list since its release in Oct 2022.
21. Verity by Colleen Hoover
While Colleen Hoover usually focuses on romance and the struggles of love, Verity takes a much darker approach.
In this thriller suspense/romance novel Lowen Ashleigh is hired to complete the esteemed work of author Verity Crawford. But as she's sorting through years of Verity's notes and ideas, Lowen comes across an autobiography with a chilling confession.
Verity is Colleen Hoover's second most popular book among readers. (It Ends With Us being the most popular)
22. Fairy Tale by Stephen King
There is no doubt that Stephen King has had a prolific career. And as such, his new releases are highly anticipated. Fairy Tale was released in Sept 2022 and has topped charts since.
In this dark fantasy thriller, Charlie Reade, a high school student with a difficult upbringing, befriends the wealthy Mr. Bowditch. When Mr. Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie a large house and a massive amount of gold. But most shocking, is what is in the shed behind his house. A parallel universe that threatens the safety of Charlie's world.
23. The Silent Patient by Alex Michalides
Published in 2019, The Silent Patient is STILL wildly popular and talked about. I am still patiently waiting in an eight month waitlist at the library for this title. Coming in with 1,359,777 ratings and an average 4.18/5.0 stars.
This popular psychological thriller is about a woman who shoots her husband in the face five times. The motive? No one knows. Alicia refuses to talk about what led her to this horrible decision.
24. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Another well liked Taylor Jenkins Reid novel. If you haven't read any of her work yet, I highly recommend. Her ability to develop a character is unlike anything I've seen.
Malibu Rising is about the famous Riva family and the events that unfold at their yearly end-of-summer party. Each family member has secrets, and they will be exposed.
25. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Have you ever wondered what your life might be like if you'd made different decisions?
Between life and death there is a library. It contains an infinite number of books, each one a story of a another reality. Telling the stories of what your life would have been if you'd made a different decision at any point. As Nora Seed navigates this library she must decide what it is that actually makes life worth living.
Non-Fiction
If you're looking for memoirs, these are the most popular nonfiction books right now.
26. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy dives into what it was like growing up with a mom who wanted nothing more than her child to be a star. She talks about the psychological damage this kind of parenting made on her. And of course, the relief she felt when her mother dies.
27. The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
This novel is the follow up of Michelle Obama's memoir Becoming. It focuses on strategies for staying balanced and hopeful in today's uncertain world. She shares stories, habits, and principles that she has developed to overcome obstacles and adapt to change.
A wonderful novel from a woman that has more positivity and forgiveness towards the world than I ever have.
"When they go low, we go high."
28. Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
If you're a fan of Friends then you probably know that Matthew Perry struggled with addiction during filming. In his memoir he opens up about his lifelong battle with the disease, his darkest moments, and his greatest friends.
This post was all about the most popular books to read right now.
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