By Beatrix S
Top-selling books are top-selling for a reason: they are good. Even those books that get negative reviews from the critics can be top-selling books; the books were probably entertaining and that’s why people bought them. A top-selling book might not inspire you into figuring out a new life philosophy, but it might bring you into another world, at least for a few days or a few hours. Here are my top picks for 5 top-selling books.
Love Story by Erich Segal is the sweetest and saddest love story ever written. If you're a chronic romantic, then you will enjoy this book. The book depicts the story of Oliver Barrett and Jennifer Cavelleri who were so different, yet overcame all boundaries and found love. The book was published in 1970. What better way to celebrate love than to read a love story? Remember: love means never having to say you’re sorry.
The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson is a bestselling novel written in three volumes. The story behind this book, which has attracted a cult following, is amazing: the author witnessed a girl being raped and couldn’t help her; years later, he decided to write a book about abuse against women. The first book in the trilogy, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, was published in 2005 and has had massive success. The other two novels, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest, were published in 2006 and 2007. The book is about Lisbeth Salander, a private investigator, and a journalist named Mikael Blomkvist, who discover something that might cost them their lives. This is one of the best thriller books I have ever read and I couldn’t sleep for days trying to reach the end of the book to see what happens next. Sadly, the author died suddenly in 2004 without ever seeing the success of his novels.
Twilight by Stepheny Meyer has been a massive success all over the world. Adapted into a movie with the same success, this book is for your adolescent teenage girl for her birthday or for Christmas. The story focuses on Bella, an ordinary girl who falls in love with a vampire called Eduard. The problem is that Eduard and Bella cannot be together, not only because they are different, but also because Eduard has to fight other evil forces. The book isn’t your classic fairytale, but it will keep you interested until the end. The book was refused by the publishers several times until it was published in 2005; despite negative reviews, the book has sold well in many countries.
Lisey's Story by Stephen King is the story of a widower, Lisey, who still lives with the memory of her late husband Scott Landon, a famous writer. Problems start when she is trying to clean the place her husband wrote in; she starts remembering things about herself and about her past. Soon, a crazy fan of her husband’s work starts terrorizing Lisey and she realizes that her problems had, in fact, began much earlier. Her husband had a special supernatural gift, which might give Lisey a clue about what’s happening. Published in 2006, the book will keep you awake, not only because it is a very interesting story, but also because it might give you nightmares!
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is the story of a 14-year-old girl who is raped and murdered while on her way home. The story follows the family’s grief, desperation, hope, and ultimately acceptance of their daughter’s death. The book was so successful it was adapted into a movie, which also received positive reviews. Published in 2002, the book will melt your heart, but it will also show you why a determination to keep living life is important.