13 Bestselling Books That Deserve the Hype
There are plenty of bestselling books out there, but not all of them live up to the buzz. Some, however, grab your attention from the first page and don’t let go. These are the books that make you stay up way past your bedtime, ignore texts, and seriously consider canceling plans. Here are 13 bestselling books that truly deserve the hype.
1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This novel is a rare blend of mystery, romance, and nature writing, with a protagonist, Kya, who’s as wild and mysterious as the marsh she calls home. Owens’ lush descriptions and the deeply human story of survival and loneliness make this one worth every bit of its runaway success. Plus, there’s a murder mystery that’ll keep you guessing until the last page.
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A magical competition, an enchanted circus, and two star-crossed lovers set the stage in The Night Circus. Morgenstern’s writing feels like stepping into a dream you never want to wake up from. The intricate world-building and imaginative story make this book not only a bestseller but a modern-day fairy tale you’ll wish was real.
3. Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s memoir isn’t just a glimpse into her life as First Lady; it’s a candid, thoughtful, and inspiring look at her journey from Chicago’s South Side to the White House. Her voice is warm, reflective, and refreshingly honest. It’s not just a bestselling memoir—it’s a must-read for anyone interested in personal growth, politics, or powerful storytelling.
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4. Educated by Tara Westover
Westover’s memoir is a stunning account of growing up in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho, where she was denied formal education but eventually earned a PhD from Cambridge University. Her journey from ignorance to knowledge, both academically and personally, is compelling, emotional, and unforgettable. This one deserves every bit of its acclaim.
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5. Circe by Madeline Miller
If Greek mythology is your thing—or even if it’s not—Circe is a spellbinding retelling of the life of the witch Circe, best known for her role in The Odyssey. Miller brings a modern sensibility to the ancient tale, making Circe’s struggle for independence and power as relevant today as it was in myth. It’s beautifully written and truly magical.
6. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson
This no-nonsense self-help book became a bestseller for telling us what we didn’t know we needed to hear: You don’t have to care about everything. Manson’s irreverent yet insightful take on finding happiness through letting go of unnecessary worries is refreshing and downright helpful. It’s blunt, funny, and might just change your perspective on life.
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7. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Ove is the crankiest man on the block, and no one in his neighborhood really knows what to do with him. But behind his gruff exterior is a story of love, loss, and friendship that’s both heartwarming and hilarious. Backman’s storytelling is filled with charm and emotion, making this book one that will tug at your heartstrings in the best possible way.
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8. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Miller appears again on this list, and for good reason. The Song of Achilles takes the epic story of Achilles and gives it a heart, telling it through the eyes of Patroclus, his closest companion. The novel is as tender and heartbreaking as it is epic, making the Greek hero’s story feel deeply human. It’s poetic, moving, and deserving of every bit of its hype.
9. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Told in an interview-style format, this novel reads like a documentary about a fictional 1970s rock band. Reid captures the wild energy and heartbreak of the music scene, creating a narrative so vivid that you’ll want to Google the band to see if they really existed. It’s a fast, immersive read that pulls you in like your favorite album on repeat.
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10. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
The long-awaited sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale doesn’t disappoint. Atwood takes us back to the dystopian world of Gilead, expanding the story in ways that feel timely and necessary. The multiple narrators and intertwining plots make it a gripping, layered read that lives up to its predecessor’s reputation.
11. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This novel about twin sisters who choose vastly different paths—one living as a Black woman, the other passing as white—explores themes of identity, family, and race with nuance and grace. Bennett’s writing is both thought-provoking and engaging, and the story of the Vignes sisters will resonate with readers long after the final chapter.
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12. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
A young boy, a stolen painting, and a life shaped by tragedy and art—Tartt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a sprawling epic that’s as much about loss and survival as it is about finding beauty in the midst of chaos. Her writing is dense but incredibly rich, making The Goldfinch a bestseller that’s worth every bit of your attention.
13. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
If you haven’t read Gone Girl yet, you’ve at least heard about it. This psychological thriller about a missing wife and her suspicious husband redefined the genre with its chilling plot twists and unreliable narrators. Flynn’s sharp, dark storytelling makes this book one that’s impossible to forget—and even harder to put down.
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