'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, 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.
'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty also made it to the list. It combines mystery with elements of domestic drama. The story is set in a seemingly idyllic town but beneath the surface, there are secrets and lies that gradually unfold. It has a great ensemble of characters, and the mystery aspect is really engaging as you try to figure out what really happened at the school trivia night.
Some 'New York Times Bestseller Fiction Novels' include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. This novel is famous for its portrayal of the social manners and the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien is also on the list. It's a high - fantasy epic that has captivated readers with its detailed world - building and epic adventure. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling too. It follows the magical journey of a young wizard and his friends, and has been extremely popular around the world.
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.
Some of the books on the list include 'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver. It's a modern retelling of 'David Copperfield' set in the Appalachian region, exploring themes of poverty, resilience, and the human spirit.