Most Popular Books I’ve Read According to Goodreads
Goodreads is a hub for book lovers, and its most popular books list is a fascinating insight into what readers across the world are picking up. I went through this list and was curious to see how many I had read—and what made them so beloved. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular books I’ve read, their rankings, and why they’ve left such a mark on the literary world.
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Ranked #1 Most Popular)
This book is the defining novel of an entire generation. With an average rating of 4.47 and over 10 million reviews, it’s no surprise that it holds the top spot. I read this in elementary school and, while I haven’t revisited it since, I recently rewatched all the movies. The magic, world-building, and nostalgia factor keep this book a fan-favorite decades later. A reread is definitely on my to-do list!
2. The Hunger Games (Ranked #2 Most Popular)
A dystopian classic that still holds up. I first read The Hunger Games in middle school, and it was one of the books that really cemented my love for reading. The fast-paced action, strong social commentary, and unforgettable characters make it a staple of YA literature. With nearly 10 million reviews and an average rating of 4.34, it’s clear that readers continue to love this series. Plus, with Sunrise on the Reaping coming out soon, the excitement around the franchise isn’t dying down anytime soon.
20. The Hobbit
I only recently read The Hobbit for the first time, and I loved the whimsical yet adventurous tone of Tolkien’s storytelling. The narration feels like sitting around a fire listening to an epic tale, which makes sense given its origins as a children’s story. While The Lord of the Rings gets much of the attention, The Hobbit remains a beloved classic with a charm all its own.
26. Twilight
A book that inspired a cultural phenomenon and countless debates. I first read this in middle school and have since reread it and rewatched the movies multiple times. Despite its divisive reputation, it’s undeniable that Twilight reshaped the YA fantasy genre and introduced many readers to a lifelong love of books. I’m honestly a little surprised it ranks so high on the list given its niche appeal, but with millions of passionate fans, it’s still holding strong.
37. Fahrenheit 451
This was a required middle school read, and I imagine that’s a big part of why it ranks so high. Almost everyone I know had to read Fahrenheit 451 at some point in school. Its themes of censorship and the power of literature make it a book that remains relevant across generations.
38. The Giver
Another middle school classic, The Giver is one of those books that sticks with you. I remember having class discussions about what it would be like to live in Jonas’s world and questioning how I would handle being in his shoes. It’s thought-provoking, haunting, and a staple of dystopian literature.
41. The Outsiders
While many of my classmates loved this book, it was my least favorite required middle school read. That being said, The Outsiders has had an undeniable impact on literature, particularly in the way it portrayed teenage struggles and class divisions.
60. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
A 2024 read for me, and wow—this book lived up to the hype. Taylor Jenkins Reid has become a must-read author for me, and Evelyn Hugo is one of her most compelling works. The old-Hollywood glamour mixed with deep, emotional storytelling makes this a book that resonates with so many readers. It’s no surprise it has earned a place among the most popular books on Goodreads.
74. (tied) A Court of Thorns and Roses
This book changed my reading life. I read ACOTAR in 2021, and it’s what got me into more serious reading. If I hadn’t read this book, I probably wouldn’t have this blog! It’s an amazing fantasy romance with a gripping storyline, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. With a devoted fanbase and a growing expansion of the series, it’s easy to see why it made the list.
74. (tied) The Women
A 2024 read for me, and I’m honestly shocked to see it rank so high given that it only recently came out. It has an impressive 4.71 rating and over 800,000 reviews, which speaks to Kristin Hannah’s incredible ability to write emotional, historical fiction that resonates with readers. While I thought it was a good book, I wouldn’t call it a great one, but its rapid rise in popularity is undeniable.
74. (tied) Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
I read this in 2023 and thought it was a beautifully written book that has the potential to become a modern classic. The way it explores relationships, creativity, and the gaming world makes it unique. I can see why it’s so widely appreciated.
81. Happy Place
One of the few romances on this list! I was surprised to see Happy Place rank so highly, but Emily Henry’s books have a huge following. I loved this book, and with over 1 million reviews, I’m clearly not alone.
88. Lessons in Chemistry
Another book I read in 2023, though I wasn’t a huge fan. That said, its instant popularity makes sense—it had a quick TV deal, multiple special editions, and a compelling feminist storyline that appealed to a broad audience. With over 1.5 million reviews, its impact is undeniable.
Seeing how many of these books I’ve read was a fun trip down memory lane! What I found most interesting was the mix of required reading, fantasy blockbusters, and buzzy contemporary hits. Some of these books have been around for decades, while others are relatively new but already making waves.
How many of these have you read? Are there any books on this list you think should be more popular? Let’s chat in the comments!