Top 10 Must-Read Books of the Year: A Curated List of Bestsellers
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the books that have captivated readers and left a lasting impact. From fiction to non-fiction, memoirs to self-help, this year has seen a diverse range of titles that have resonated with audiences worldwide. After scouring the internet and analyzing sales data, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 must-read books of the year.
1. “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover
A heart-wrenching love story about a young woman who escapes an abusive relationship and finds love again. This bestselling novel has been a favorite among readers, with over 1 million copies sold worldwide. The book has been praised for its thought-provoking and emotional portrayal of domestic violence and the power of love to heal.
- Genre: Romance, Contemporary
- Pages: 384
- Publisher: Atria Books
- Publication Date: August 2, 2016
- Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.62/5
2. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
A self-help book that offers practical strategies for building good habits and breaking bad ones. With over 5 million copies sold, this book has been a game-changer for those looking to improve their lives. The book provides actionable advice on how to create lasting changes and achieve success.
- Genre: Self-Help, Personal Development
- Pages: 320
- Publisher: Penguin Random House
- Publication Date: October 16, 2018
- Amazon Rating: 4.8/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.62/5
3. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A captivating novel about the life of a reclusive Hollywood star and her seven marriages. This book has been a New York Times bestseller for over a year, with over 2 million copies sold. The book is a sweeping tale of love, loss, and identity, set against the backdrop of old Hollywood.
- Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
- Pages: 384
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication Date: June 13, 2017
- Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.42/5
4. “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave
A gripping mystery about a woman who discovers her husband’s disappearance is not what it seems. With over 1 million copies sold, this book has been a favorite among thriller fans. The book is a twisty and suspenseful tale of love, lies, and deception.
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Pages: 352
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication Date: May 4, 2021
- Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.12/5
5. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
A thought-provoking novel about a woman who discovers a library between life and death, where she can explore different versions of her life. This book has been a bestseller in multiple countries, with over 500,000 copies sold. The book is a poignant exploration of regret, hope, and the choices we make.
- Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
- Pages: 288
- Publisher: Viking
- Publication Date: August 13, 2020
- Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.32/5
6. “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab
A historical fantasy novel about a woman who makes a deal with a mysterious being to live forever, but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. With over 1 million copies sold, this book has been a favorite among fantasy fans. The book is a sweeping tale of love, loss, and identity, set against the backdrop of history.
- Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
- Pages: 448
- Publisher: Tor Books
- Publication Date: October 6, 2020
- Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.42/5
7. “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah
A historical novel about a family’s struggles during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. This book has been a bestseller in multiple countries, with over 1 million copies sold. The book is a powerful tale of love, loss, and resilience, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most tumultuous periods.
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Pages: 416
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
- Publication Date: February 9, 2021
- Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.52/5
8. “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
A powerful novel about twin sisters who grow up to live separate lives, one as a black woman and the other as a white woman. With over 500,000 copies sold, this book has been a favorite among literary fiction fans. The book is a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the complexities of human relationships.
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Pages: 272
- Publisher: Riverhead Books
- Publication Date: June 2, 2020
- Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.32/5
9. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
A beautifully written novel about the Trojan War from the perspective of Achilles’ lover, Patroclus. This book has been a bestseller in multiple countries, with over 1 million copies sold. The book is a sweeping tale of love, war, and identity, set against the backdrop of ancient Greece.
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
- Pages: 384
- Publisher: Ecco
- Publication Date: September 20, 2011
- Amazon Rating: 4.7/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.42/5
10. “Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr
A sweeping novel that weaves together multiple storylines across time and space, exploring the power of stories to connect us. With over 500,000 copies sold, this book has been a favorite among literary fiction fans. The book is a poignant exploration of hope, resilience, and the human condition.
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Pages: 640
- Publisher: Scribner
- Publication Date: September 28, 2021
- Amazon Rating: 4.6/5
- Goodreads Rating: 4.32/5
These books have captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world, and we’re confident that they’ll continue to be widely read and discussed in the years to come. Whether you’re a fan of fiction, non-fiction, or something in between, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Honorable Mentions:
- “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles
- “The Last House Guest” by Megan Miranda
- “The Family Upstairs” by Lisa Jewell
- “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
- “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
Sources:
- Amazon Best Sellers
- The New York Times Best Sellers
- Publishers Weekly Bestsellers
- Goodreads Choice Awards
- Book Riot’s Best Books of the Year
Note: Sales figures are approximate and based on data available up to December 2023.