I think 'The Miracle Worker' is quite popular. It's about Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. It shows the challenges Keller faced as a deaf - blind person in the past and how Sullivan helped her break through those barriers. It has been adapted into plays and movies many times.
One more that is popular is 'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes. The main character, Charlie, has a mental disability. The story shows his transformation after an experimental treatment and the subsequent regression. It was written in a historical context and has been very influential in the way it explores the nature of intelligence and disability.
Well, 'Homegoing' was also very popular. Its multi - generational and multi - cultural story was very engaging. It was able to connect different historical periods and places in a very seamless way, which made it stand out among the other historical fiction books of 2016.
Also, 'Pachinko' was popular. Its multi - generational story of a Korean family was appealing to a wide range of readers. It not only told a great family story but also educated readers about the historical context of Korea under Japanese rule and the experiences of Korean immigrants.
In '100 historical fiction books', 'The Book Thief' is highly popular. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a girl who steals books. It has a unique narrative style. Also, 'The Help' is very well - liked. It shows the racial situation in the American South in the 1960s.
Don DeLillo's 'Falling Man' is also very popular. It has been praised for its in - depth exploration of the trauma and the sense of dislocation that people felt after the attacks. The way it weaves different stories together gives a comprehensive view of the post - 9/11 world.
I would say 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is also very popular. Set during the French Revolution, it shows the contrast between London and Paris at that time. It's a classic that has been loved by generations for its vivid portrayal of that historical period.
Another popular one was 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn. It weaves together two timelines, one during World War I and the other after World War II. It tells the story of female spies and their crucial roles in the war, which attracted a lot of readers interested in both history and strong female characters.
I think 'A Game of Thrones' was really popular. It had a huge following due to its complex world - building and interesting characters. It was adapted into a very successful TV series which also increased its popularity.
Some historical fiction books that are part of a series can also be popular. If there was a book in the 2008 list that was part of a series about ancient Rome, for example, it could be popular. Readers often like to follow a story over multiple books, getting deeper into the history and the characters as the series progresses.
The 'The Alice Network' was also very well - liked. It tells two parallel stories, one during World War I and one after World War II. The connection between the two timelines and the strong female characters made it a favorite among many.
I think 'The Pillars of the Earth' is also very popular. Its detailed description of medieval architecture and the lives of people at that time has attracted a large number of readers. It makes you feel like you are in 12th - century England.