Sign in with Facebook
The Biggest Books from Today's Most Popular Authors
We’re trying a new approach with today’s specially sleuthed-out collection: In an effort to identify the biggest books and hottest authors in current circulation, we’ve crunched the numbers on what Goodreads regulars are reading right now.
In other words, this isn’t a listing of all-time favorites across genres. Rather, it’s a collection of the books and authors that Goodreads members are currently reading, rating, and reviewing. Perhaps most usefully, we’ve identified the top four books from each author, presented in order of reader popularity.
As you’ll see in the listing below, the authors cover a range of genres—from historical fiction to innovative fantasy, contemporary romance to psychological mystery-thrillers. Some are relatively new to the publishing scene, while others have been steadily working for decades.
Click on the book cover images for more information about each title, and feel free to add any interesting ideas to your Want to Read shelf. If you have further recommendations for your fellow Goodreads regulars, post ’em in the comments section.
Sarah J. Maas
Fantasy author Maas specializes in rethinking classic folklore, epic fantasy, and romance traditions for her extremely loyal readers.
Freida McFadden
Both an author and practicing physician, McFadden writes mysteries and psychological thrillers, often with intriguing medical details. Bonus trivia: McFadden’s specialty is brain injuries.
Emily Henry
Three-time Goodreads Choice Award winner Henry rules the romance genre tag with heartwarming love stories, anchored by witty banter and a strong sense of place.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
With her acclaimed “famous women’s quartet” of (recent) historical fiction, Reid has earned her place as a premier chronicler of 20th-century America.
Colleen Hoover
With a steady procession of romance, suspense, and contemporary fiction novels, Texas author Hoover blazed a trail from self-publishing to the bestseller lists via social media and #BookTok buzz.
Kristin Hannah
Former attorney Hannah has authored more than 20 novels and earned multiple Goodreads Choice awards with her carefully crafted historical and contemporary fiction.
R.F. Kuang
Intelligent, inventive, and impossibly prolific, 20-something author Kuang writes historical fantasy (and some literary satire) while earning various degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, and Yale. No, really.
Leigh Bardugo
Mastermind of the frankly astounding Grishaverse series of novels, L.A. author Bardugo creates vividly imagined new fantasy worlds—tsarpunk!—for discerning YA and adult readers.
T.J. Klune
Winner of both Mythopoeic and Lambda awards, Klune has steadily enriched fantasy-romance and adjacent genres with positive queer and neurodiverse representation.
Ali Hazelwood
Hazelwood’s contemporary rom-com novels focus on the personal and professional lives of women in science and academia. More recently: chess and vampires.
Lisa Jewell
London author Jewell specializes in twisty psychological thrillers featuring contemporary issues, complex characters, and family dynamics.
Fredrik Backman
Funny, observant, and universally relatable, the utterly unique novels of Stockholm author Backman have been translated into more than 30 languages worldwide.
Rebecca Yarros
With the supernova sensation of last year’s romantasy Fourth Wing, Yarros has a new devoted following of fans checking out her back catalog of contemporary romance novels.
Have a thought on where to start with a popular author? Share your thoughts with your fellow readers in the comments below!
Comments Showing 1-44 of 44 (44 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Law
(new)
Mar 13, 2024 02:19AM
I've heard of all of them and I've read from 7 out of 13 authors on the list. I want to read from SJM soon.
flag
I’ve read most Kristin Hannah, waiting for her new one, The Women, to arrive today. I’m very excited. Also love Lisa Jewell and Fredrick Backman.
Brandon Sanderson just broke is own Kickstarter record and he is not even on this list?
Posting today's most popular authors without Brandon Sanderson is an interesting choice loll. The man who broke a Kickstarter record and just procured a deal for all authors with audible
Law wrote: "I've heard of all of them and I've read from 7 out of 13 authors on the list. I want to read from SJM soon."I recommend Throne of Glass over A Court of Thorns and Roses. I read all 7 of TOG but struggled through the first two ACOTAR.
Never Lie by Frieda McFadden 🤩🤯💓 After I read this book, all her other books are on by TBR. The above mentioned books of Lisa Jwell are also on my to be read.
I've read 10 of the authors of this list and nothing beats Backman <3
I've read 5 books of Frieda McFadden recently. All have been enjoyable so far. I've got two more checked out and waiting on a couple more. All of Hannah's books are great.
Read three, want to read three!!I didn't enjoy happy place that much, but the fourth wing series ate
Happy Place
Fourth Wing
Iron Flame: THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING SEQUEL TO THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON, FOURTH WING
CR wrote: "Because the most popular authors need featuring?"Right. If you're even slightly into reading, you've heard of these ad nauseum. While I like some of these, let's feature some oldie but goodie backlist gems or upcoming books from more unknown authors.
grace! wrote: "... Iron Flame: THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING SEQUEL TO THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON, FOURTH WING..."
What is up with that edition title? Calling a librarian ...
Anna wrote: "Brandon Sanderson just broke is own Kickstarter record and he is not even on this list?"I was surprised not to see him too!
Yellowface is such a good book! Highly recommended!
CR wrote: "Because the most popular authors need featuring?"It would be so cool if GR did an indie publisher feature. I follow a ton on Twitter and the publicity would be AMAZING. But GR is owned by Amazon so that won't be happening.
if y'all want an indie published feature article, then go work at Goodreads yourself. On every article that features famous authors, I see people complaining. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!
While I am certain that mine will be the most unpopular comment: I have read many of the domestic / psychological thrillers from many of the most popular authors on this list, I truly believe that theri work sells, well, not because of the excellent writing style, but because:1.
They vilify men in almost every aspect of life. Men are evil, abusive, and if nothing else, cheaters. In those rare instances where women do bad things, it’s always because of some man who abused them either in the present day or in the past. ‘In virtually all of these most popular titles, women are good and men are bad.
2.
In most of the novels, the women are all thin (not over weight)(, and are married to handsome men. So the reader can fantasize that she is the protagonist in the story. Many of the characters in the domestic thrillers live in huge houses, in fancy neighborhood, and do not have money problems. Again, just a fantasy.
Is there really any doubt why many of the most popular female authors are so popular?
Again, this is just my opinion. ‘Their writing may be wonderful as they can keep us in suspense but at the core, all of these stories revolve around the same theme. The only question is which bad man will be revealed in any particular story.
I love reading these novels ai just wish they reflected real life, said life in which women are not innocent and more often than not, good guys (men) do, in fact, finish last at no fault of their own.
Just one man’s opinion.
I am typing this on a tiny screen while I am waiting for an Uber so please forgive the typos.
Mark
How about removing Colleen Hoover (an extremely toxic author) and replacing her with Brandon Sanderson? Would make a lot more sense. Thank you.
What do you guys think? When will Rebecca's third book be published? #2 came out in December 2023.
Fijola wrote: "What do you guys think? When will Rebecca's third book be published? #2 came out in December 2023."Book #3 is coming either late this year or in early 2025.
Mark wrote: "While I am certain that mine will be the most unpopular comment: I have read many of the domestic / psychological thrillers from many of the most popular authors on this list, I truly believe that ..."I’m a woman Mark and I agree with you. I love thrillers but I’m tired of reading about beautiful wealthy couples with fantastic homes and equally beautiful gifted children. Not like anyone I know😂😂
Kayla wrote: "Law wrote: "I've heard of all of them and I've read from 7 out of 13 authors on the list. I want to read from SJM soon."I recommend Throne of Glass over A Court of Thorns and Roses. I read all 7 ..."
I'm the exact opposite. I tore through ACOTAR and have read all but three of the ToG series. I'm only reading them now so I can read CC for more ACOTAR. I don't think the characters are as likeable, ESPECIALLY Rowan. Hate that man.
Mark wrote: "While I am certain that mine will be the most unpopular comment: I have read many of the domestic / psychological thrillers from many of the most popular authors on this list, I truly believe that ..."This is nonsense. Maas and Yarros have problematic female characters, too. Honestly, I would argue MOST of the female authors on this list have problematic female characters who don't have issues stemming from a man. This is a bad take. It makes sense women would write about women. They don't always vilify one or the other. This is a VERY simplistic take and tells me you probably read them LOOKING for that instead of reading for enjoyment or the plot. Women have better things to do then bash men all day.
Unsuprised, but VERY disappointed that none of these authors are Black and only one is BIPOC. Same with queer rep because TJ Klune is NOT it. Also agree with the MULTIPLE comments asking about Brandon Sanderson. This just tells me we have work left to do in diversifying our shelves.
Know what would have been a better article to do? Female authors in male-dominated genres, especially queer or women of colour. Or how about women/femme authors in the genres GR snubbed in the last awards. How about that? Why do we need to know more about the most popular authors when they're already popular?
Domination of American Authors can lead similar live style and narrow minded among the readers. I would love to more new hits from across the world which spread new perspective and different point of view through human kind.
Whitney wrote: "Unsuprised, but VERY disappointed that none of these authors are Black and only one is BIPOC. Same with queer rep because TJ Klune is NOT it. Also agree with the MULTIPLE comments asking about Bran..."What Black and other POC authors should I read from?
This list shouldn't exist and one featuring obscure books from Black and other POC authors should've been made instead. I already know about these authors.
On a side note, would it be a bad take if I say this list has a bias towards white authors?
Would it be a bad take if someone says people should read books they enjoy?
Would it be a bad take if someone said a list of books from Black and other POC authors is reverse racism?
Kamila wrote: "Domination of American Authors can lead similar live style and narrow minded among the readers. I would love to more new hits from across the world which spread new perspective and different point ..."Some Asian, African or Australian authors would've been nice, despite their obscurity.
Celeste Ng, Timothy Ogene, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jane Harper, Trent Dalton, Liane Moriarty or Markus Zusak would be great additions.
Here's my take:The Love Hypothesis was okay. I don't understand how Ali Hazelwood, Rebecca Yarros or TJ Klune got so popular.
Fourth Wing and Iron Flame were horrible and Rebecca Yarros is a problematic author since she stole Gaelic words rather than making her own.
The House of the Cerulean Sea was also bad. It was so bad that I stopped supporting TJ Klune. Reading about a story inspired by the Sixties Scoop, the Canadian equivalent of the Stolen Generations, feels uncomfortable to me.
Unecessary. Show us good books that nobody has ever heard of.
Mark wrote: "While I am certain that mine will be the most unpopular comment: I have read many of the domestic / psychological thrillers from many of the most popular authors on this list, I truly believe that ..."I can understand your feelings, but I remember most of the protagonists in my favorite fantasy books, growing up (LOTR, for example) were male.Thinking back, I appreciated when a female was featured, although I didn't pay attention at the time, just gobbled up the books. I am 71, so... a lot of changes. Try to look at it as just that, and read for the stories! Although I still love Tolkien and L'Engle and many others, I am enjoying this new group of authors, also. Read the ones you enjoy!
Susan wrote: "I’ve read most Kristin Hannah, waiting for her new one, The Women, to arrive today. I’m very excited. Also love Lisa Jewell and Fredrick Backman."I bought it the day it came out, it's great!!
Kelly wrote: "Susan wrote: "I’ve read most Kristin Hannah, waiting for her new one, The Women, to arrive today. I’m very excited. Also love Lisa Jewell and Fredrick Backman."I bought it the day it came out, it'..."
I really want to read my book but I’m on page 146 and I’m struggling with the story. It’s making me sad and upset. What makes me really angry is that we’ve learnt nothing. We still hurt one another.
mwana wrote: "Know what would have been a better article to do? Female authors in male-dominated genres, especially queer or women of colour. Or how about women/femme authors in the genres GR snubbed in the last..."I, on the other hand, am sick of people focusing on 1% of the population and featuring queer folk! Love Brandon Sanderson. Currently reading C J. Masa’s House of Flame and Shadow.
I wouldn't trust bardugo. She waits and then writes future books ridiculing her fans and attacking the people from oppressed backgrounds while she harps and sings praises for the privileged blond monarchist.
Heard of almost all of these, definitely need to read more of them though.
CR wrote: "Because the most popular authors need featuring?"Exactly what I thought! Why isn't Goodreads highlighting new authors?
Elaine wrote: "CR wrote: "Because the most popular authors need featuring?"Exactly what I thought! Why isn't Goodreads highlighting new authors?"
New authors are on other lists.
I just read Yellowface and loved it! A handful of other books by R.F. Kuang have been on my to read list for a while - now I just have to decide which one to read next!
Fouth Wing and Shadow and bone are really good
too bad some of the most popular authors of our time are staunch supporters of Israel's war crimes. I'll pass on their work no matter the frenzy.
Read 26 from this list...need to finished reading the ones on my tbr.
