Our Picks From Goodreads’ Most Popular Books of the Past Decade: From Kristin Hannah to Taylor Jenkins Reid
The books readers couldn't put down this decade—see which ones we loved the most
Key Takeaways
- Goodreads just revealed its most popular books of the past decade, by genre.
- ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ has racked up over 4 million ratings.
- Two picks —’Remarkably Bright Creatures’ and ‘Project Hail Mary’—are now films.
The popular book app Goodreads just announced their most popular books over the past decade and all we can say is that Goodreads readers have great taste! The list of 120 books features incredible stories that had readers staying up way past their bedtimes, sobbing into their pillows and immediately texting friends “you HAVE to read this.” We combed through the full list and pulled our top 10 picks across several genres—see how many you’ve already devoured (and which ones just landed on your TBR) below!
Contemporary fiction: ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ by Shelby Van Pelt
This Read With Jenna pick, now a major motion picture starring Sally Field, is one of those buzzy books that’s worth the hype—even if you think you’d never be interested in a book about an octopus. The story follows Tova, an older woman determined to figure out what happened to her son, who disappeared at sea decades ago. But she cannot do it alone. She will need help from Marcellus, an eight-legged octopus who narrates parts of the story in his own delightfully grumpy voice. Creative, entertaining and deeply moving, this novel, published in 2022, has captured the hearts of over 1 million Goodreads readers.
What Goodreads users are saying: “This is the kind of novel that invites you to sit with it. To think, to feel, to remember. It reminded me that healing does not always come in big, sweeping gestures. Sometimes it is found in quiet acts of kindness, in unexpected friendships and in finally letting ourselves look backward so we can move forward. If you love character-driven stories with emotional depth and a touch of wonder, this one is worth your time.”
Suspense: ‘Yesteryear’ by Caro Claire Burke
In this 2026 Good Morning America book club selection, readers follow “trad wife” Natalie Heller Mills—a mother of six and a successful social media influencer. But when Natalie wakes up one morning in time to an old, rundown house with people that look like her family but act completely differently, she begins to wonder: What happened and where is she? What follows is a deceiving story that will leave readers guessing.
What Goodreads users are saying: “This book had me guessing from the very beginning….. I had absolutely no idea where this book was heading. But I loved where it went. All the different elements from the social influencing, tradwife and pioneer lifestyle were woven together in a nice arc. There was just something about this one that piqued my interest and I’m so glad I picked it up. This is definitely one that I can see being talked about for sure.”
Historical fiction: ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Originally published in 2017, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has over 4 million ratings on Goodreads. The plot follows struggling journalist Monique Grant, who is stunned when the reclusive Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo chooses her to write her biography. As Evelyn reveals the truth about her seven marriages and her complicated relationship with actress Celia St. James, secrets emerge that will change both women’s lives.
What Goodreads users are saying: “This is why I read. For the joy and privilege of coming across an exquisite story like this and being swept up in its magic. This book had me good and hooked, right from the first page. It’s the sort of story I know I’ll come back to again and again, savoring it anew every time.”
Science-fiction: ‘Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir
This bestselling novel, originally published in 2021 and recently adapted into a blockbuster film starring Ryan Gosling, follows astronaut Ryland Grace—the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from Astrophage, a deadly alien organism consuming the sun’s energy. But there’s a problem: Ryland wakes up with amnesia and doesn’t remember who he is or why he’s millions of miles from home. As his memories slowly return, Ryland must piece together his mission and find a way to save humanity before time runs out.
What Goodreads users are saying: “I’m not sure how Andy Weir came up with the idea for this book, though I can’t help but wonder at its sheer audacity. It was compelling from the first page, and it just got better and better. It was utterly unputdownable. When I’m reading a book, I’m always looking for that special rare experience where the book touches me and I walk away irrevocably changed. This book made me laugh, think, hope, and marvel. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Historical fiction: ‘The Women’ by Kristin Hannah
Set in 1965, this moving 2024 novel follows 20-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath after she decides to serve in the Vietnam war with the Army Nurse Corps. While the overwhelming horrors of war test her every day, Frankie’s greatest challenge begins when she returns home to an America that has changed—and doesn’t know how to welcome her back. A powerful story of the brave women who courageously served their country.
What Goodreads users are saying: “I LOVED this book so much. I learned so much about the Vietnam War. Kristen had me googling info like I was back in High School and honestly I loved it. This book is more than just a war story. It captures female friendships, PTSD and represents a world we used to live in not too long ago.”
Science-fiction: ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ by Matt Dinniman
Coast Guard vet Carl’s life hits rock bottom when his girlfriend dumps him and sticks him with her prize-winning show cat, Princess Donut. But things get even worse when aliens invade Earth and force Carl into a deadly intergalactic game show. Now he and Princess Donut must survive a video game-style dungeon filled with traps, monsters and twisted challenges, all of which are broadcasted as reality TV to billions of viewers across the galaxy. The stakes? Make it to the end or die trying. Can Carl and the cat make it out alive? A thrilling novel that was published in 2020.
What Goodreads users are saying: “This book brought my tween-adulthood back to me. I could not get enough of it. The characters are awesome, the world building is superb, and you just know there are at least a couple more books coming because it feels like these two are the winning team and they still have a long way to go.”
Memoir: ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover
This bestselling 2018 memoir follows Tara Westover, who grew up in a survivalist Mormon family in rural Idaho with no formal education. Determined to escape, she teaches herself enough to gain admission to college, where she discovers a world beyond anything she’s ever known. As Tara pursues education and independence, she must choose between her family and her future. A powerful story of resilience, self-discovery and transformation.
What Goodreads users are saying: “A monumental memoir that should be required reading for all. There’s really no words to describe it, but I’d start with moving, inspiring, shocking and un-put-downable. Stop wasting your time reading this review and start reading the book! IT’S SO GOOD!!!”
Romance: ‘Love and Other Words’ by Christina Lauren
This heartfelt story of first loves, friendships and betrayals by bestselling author duo Christina Lauren was originally published in 2018 and is a must-read. Macy works as a pediatrics resident, and in her off time, she’s planning her wedding to a successful older man. But when she bumps into Elliot, her first true love, whom she hasn’t seen in years, her entire world shifts. Alternating between past and present timelines, the story explores whether Macy and Elliot can find their happy ending—or if some loves are meant to stay in the past.
What Goodreads users are saying: “Christina Lauren’s book, Love and Other Words, is worthy of attention for its extraordinary character development and excellent writing. This book tugged at every heartstring. Macy and Elliot have amazing once-in-a-lifetime chemistry, and their slow-burn romance is perfect.”
Thriller: ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides
Part psychological thriller, part detective mystery, this inventive 2019 novel will leave readers stunned. Alicia Berenson seems to have it all: She’s a celebrated painter married to a fashion photographer, living in a gorgeous London home. Then one night, she shoots her husband Gabriel five times in the face—and never speaks again. Confined to a psychiatric facility, she remains silent until criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber arrives, determined to unravel the truth behind her shocking crime.
What Goodreads users are saying: “The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a dazzling, fascinating, compelling and absolutely fabulous psychological thriller novel that was quite the immersive and thrilling book to read. Right from the very beginning I knew that this book was going to be a gripping page-turner for me and I’m happy to say that it totally held my attention right to the very end, making this quite the compulsive and all-consuming read.”
Romance: ‘Reminders of Him’ by Colleen Hoover
After five years in prison, Kenna Rowan desperately wants to meet her daughter. But those she hurt—including her late boyfriend’s family—refuse to forgive her. The only person willing to help is Ledger Ward, a former football player and her ex’s best friend. As Kenna and Ledger grow closer, they must decide if redemption and love are truly possible. A swoon-worthy tale that was originally published in 2022.
What Goodreads users are saying: “Reminders of Him is such a phenomenal read that gives you all the feelings you didn’t think would come out. I loved all the characters and Ledger is certainly someone to swoon for. I can now say I am a fan of this author and have more of her books lined up to be read this year.”
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