new york times bestseller paperbacks

'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead was also on the list. It's a powerful and unique take on the story of slavery in America, with the Underground Railroad being an actual railroad in the story, which added a touch of magical realism.

Well, one key is to have a unique and captivating story idea. It should stand out from the crowd and draw readers in right from the start.

Well, for a NYT bestseller, you have to do thorough research. Know your genre well and what readers in that genre are looking for. Build a world that pulls the readers in and keep them hooked till the end.

Well, one characteristic is their wide appeal. They often touch on universal themes like love, friendship, and the human struggle. For example, 'The Kite Runner' which was a bestseller, delved deep into friendship and the consequences of past actions. Another aspect is strong writing. These novels usually have engaging prose that can draw readers in from the very first page. Also, they tend to have well - developed characters that readers can either relate to or be intrigued by.

Some of the books on the list were 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. It's a dystopian novel that explores a totalitarian society where women's rights are severely restricted. It has gained significant popularity and has also been adapted into a successful TV series.

There's also 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens. It's a beautifully written novel that combines mystery, nature, and a coming - of - age story. The vivid descriptions of the marshlands and the character of Kya make it a memorable read. It captured the hearts of many readers and that's why it likely made the list.

Another possible book could be 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It's a thriller that weaves together art, history, and mystery, following symbologist Robert Langdon as he tries to solve a murder and uncover a secret that could shake the foundations of the Christian world.

One more example might be 'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen. It's a family - centered novel that delves into the lives of the Lamberts, a Midwestern family dealing with various issues such as aging, relationships, and the changing world around them.

Many of these books have a strong sense of place. Take 'The Goldfinch' for instance. The detailed descriptions of New York City create an immersive atmosphere. Also, they tend to touch on relevant social or emotional themes that resonate with a wide audience, like love, loss, or the search for identity.

Well, 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens was also on the list. This book is a coming - of - age story set in the marshes. It combines elements of mystery as the main character is suspected of a crime, along with beautiful nature descriptions.