Another book was 'And the Mountains Echoed' by Khaled Hosseini. It tells a story of family and the far - reaching consequences of decisions made. It's set in Afghanistan and other locations, and Hosseini is known for his poignant and engaging storytelling that often delves deep into the human heart.
Well, 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt was also on the list. This novel is quite long and detailed, exploring themes like art, loss, and the human experience. The story follows a young boy whose life is changed after an accident at an art museum, and it's a journey through different stages of his life, with many interesting characters along the way.
Many contemporary fiction works make it to the list as well. These can range from stories about self - discovery and personal growth to those exploring social issues. For instance, books that touch on topics like mental health, race relations, or gender equality in a fictional context. They not only entertain but also make readers think about important real - life matters.
There were many great books. 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr was also on the list. This novel beautifully weaves together the stories of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II, exploring themes of war, humanity, and the power of connection through its lyrical prose.
Another one could be 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It's a science - fiction novel. The story follows an astronaut on a desperate mission to save humanity. It has all the elements of a great Weir novel - scientific concepts explained in an accessible way, high - stakes adventure, and a likeable protagonist.
There are many great books on the list. Margaret Atwood's works are frequently on it. Her book 'The Handmaid's Tale' is a modern classic that has been widely read and studied. It's a dystopian novel that really makes people think about society and power. Novels by Colson Whitehead also do well, like 'The Underground Railroad' which tells a powerful story of the African - American experience in a creative and engaging way.
Another popular one was 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It explores themes of race, identity, and family as it follows the lives of twin sisters who take very different paths in life.
One of the books on the list was 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It was a very popular thriller that had a lot of twists and turns in the plot.
Well, many of them have strong character development. For example, in 'The Underground Railroad', the main character's journey is filled with growth and self - discovery. They also often deal with relevant social issues. Like 'Little Fires Everywhere' tackles issues of race and class in modern - day America.
There was also 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This novel is set during World War II and beautifully weaves together the stories of a blind French girl and a German boy. It was praised for its vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling.
Some of the popular books on the list could be novels by well - known authors like Colleen Hoover. Her books often have engaging storylines that resonate with a wide audience, which helps them get on the list.
Well, one characteristic is high popularity. These books often have engaging storylines that can captivate a wide range of readers. For example, they might have unique characters that readers can easily relate to or be intrigued by. Another aspect is quality writing. The authors usually have a great command of language, whether it's in creating vivid descriptions or in constructing complex and interesting plots. Also, they tend to touch on relevant and current topics, which makes them more appealing to the contemporary audience.