10 Most Read Books In The World
Ranked #10 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #292 overall
Do You Know Which Are The Most Read Books In The World?
All of us love to read a good book, but could you name the 10 most read books in the world? Over the last half century hundreds of thousands of books have been produced, but only a select few have become the most popular and most read books in the world. Here you will discover some of the greatest pieces of literary work by highly talented authors.
This is a list of the 10 most read books in the world over the last fifty years. The figures show the number of books printed and sold but does not take into account multiple readings of the same book.
There are a few book titles that have had more copies printed than some of these books, but a vast number of those books were not sold, which of course means that they did not get read.

Most Read Books Review
My name is James Chapman, I am your host at A Passion For Writing and I have compiled this list of the 10 Most Read Books In The World after completing a long project of research to establish exactly which are the most read books in the world.Over many years I have been a writer and avid reader of books, so it gave me great pleasure to undertake this task of the most read books review.
You will find in this list a varied array of subject matter, covering a considerable number of years of some truly talented author's work.
Some of the authors are no longer with us, but the majority are still producing their masterpieces for our ongoing delight.
In this modern fast paced world that we all now live in it is good to see that the enjoyment of reading is still firmly a part of our everyday activities.
Browse through the most read books review and if there are any books that you have not read, but would like to, just click.
Then you can sit back in a comfortable chair with a full glass and do your own personal review of some wonderful literature.
Enjoy your reading.
Number Ten Most Read Book
Diary of Anne Frank
By Anne Frank
Number Nine Most Read Book
Think and Grow Rich
By Napoleon Hill
Number Eight Most Read Book
Gone With the Wind
By Margaret Mitchell
The novel won the coveted Pulitzer Prize and was adapted into a film of the same name that won an Academy Award.
Number Seven Most Read Book
Twilight - The Saga
By Stephenie Meyer
She says 'First, he was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him'.
Number Six Most Read Book
The Da Vinci Code
By Dan Brown
He discovers an intriguing possibility that Jesus Christ may have been married to Mary Magdalene and fathered a child with her. The Da Vinci Code has been made into a movie starring Tom Hanks.
Recommended Reading
Interesting Topics
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- Everything Top 10 is full of fresh, new top ten lists that are like no others. Enjoy your exploration of these unique top ten lists and discover the huge set of topics which are presented for your delight.
- What Old Folk Say
- Whether you are young or old you will love this blog with its interesting topics, views and opinions. Express your point of view; let your voice be heard.
Number Five Most Read Book
The Alchemist
By Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho is not only one of the most widely read, but also one of the most influential authors writing today.
Number Four Most Read Book
Lord of the Rings
By J. R. R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings has been made into a film trilogy that consists of three live action fantasy epic films; The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
Number Three Most Read Book
Harry Potter
By J. K. Rowling
Children and adults alike have been fascinated by this fiction character and cannot get enough of the young hero's adventures.
Number Two Most Read Book
Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-tung
By Mao Tse-tung
Number One Most Read Book

The Bible
The Bible still remains at the top as the most read book in the world.
Some 'Must Read' Short Stories
- Discover the Secrets of the Night
- You would be surprised if you knew what the secrets of the night were. Under the cover of darkness and while most of our world is asleep, there are secret things happening. Come with us and discover the secrets of the night now.
- When the Past Comes Back to Bite You
- The friendship of Rebecca and Anna had lasted over many years, they kept in constant contact, even though they did not have many chances to meet each other, but that was all to change when an unexpected turn of fate occurred.
- Looking into the Eyes of an Orang-utan
- Our expedition party had finally arrived at the location that we had been directed to find. It was deep in the jungle and after we had travelled by jeep for nearly half of the way, we knew that the remainder of our long journey would have to be covered on foot.
- Only Six Hours Before the World Ends, What Would You Do?
- You only have six hours left before the world as you know it will end. So what would you do? Is there anything that immediately comes to mind, or would you like to think about it for a while? Take your time you have six hours, which is enough time to do many things. What would you do?
- The Coffins That Kept Moving
- The Waldicotts were a rich family of planters, who had lived for most of their lives in Jamaica. They had decided a long time ago that when they died, they would all stay together in the rock-hewn tomb that had been built specifically for that purpose.
- Standing at Destinys Door
- Jonathan was a quiet soul, his calmness had a strong affect on all the people that he met, giving them an instant feeling of relaxation. He loved to talk to people and to listen to how they spoke and the expressions he would see them make while they were speaking.
- Shining Light on a Sea of Darkness
- This spectacular sight, for many mariners over hundreds of years, has been likened to the gateway to Hell. And laying just beyond it was the Sea of Darkness, which they truly believed was infested with monsters and the spirits of dead sailors; it was to them the end of the world and through it they could not pass.
- Do Ants Dream?
- Negre was tired, he did not want to work anymore, he just wanted to rest and relax his aching limbs, before he completely collapsed. In the distance he could hear the chattering of the colony, as they were going about their work, occasionally he thought that he heard his name being called, but maybe it was the wind in the trees.
- Footsteps into the Unknown
- The winter was the coldest in anyone's living memory and snow covered the whole area, even the rivers were frozen over and nobody wanted to venture out for many days, until the icy cold winds subsided and it was all beginning to thaw.
- Windows on the World That Was
- The view was spectacular and panoramic, it was a place for people to meet, that was quite unique, because it was located a quarter of a mile above the earth. It was for that reason the exclusive club was so rightly named, Windows On The World.
- The Mysterious Mists Around Mount Waialeale
- There have been many tales of unsuspecting people just disappearing when these mysterious mists drift over them. And the walkers on the mountain have talked of the fear that they feel when the path beneath them is shrouded by the mists and there is a chill in the air.
- When Evil Walked In the Shadows
- Simone had walked from her place of work to her home many times, but never as late as she was this night. The pressure of a project deadline and a demanding boss had caused her to have to stay late to get as much work done as she could. Now she was hurrying home with only one thought in her mind, to get into her nice warm bed and gain some well deserved rest before she had to return to complete her work tomorrow.
Just Really Great Short Stories
Just Really Great Short Stories
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)![]()
Here is a really great combination of compelling short stories and thought provoking questions for you to read while you have your coffee. Whether you are sitting in your armchair at home, having a break in the office, taking a walk in the park or relaxing in bed you will find this book just right.
Future Contenders For This List
These Are The Books That Are Selling Fast And Will Possibly Earn A Place In The Most Read Books List In The Future
Recommended Reading
Living on the Lost Edge of Time
By James Chapman
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“Great lens! You've obviously put a lot of work into putting this together and it shows.”
Let Us Know What You Like About 10 Most Read Books In The World
Take a few moments and tell us what you think of 10 Most Read Books In The World.
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darkprinceofjazz
Feb 16, 2012 @ 8:37 am | delete
- The book "The Late Great Planet Earth" by Hal Lindsey, has sold well over 30 Million copies world wide, great lens.
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fullofshoes
Feb 16, 2012 @ 8:19 am | delete
- Great lens. I've read quite a few of these... surprising list!
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candidaabrahamson
Feb 15, 2012 @ 5:04 pm | delete
- What a great idea for a lens--and, as an avid reader, I was excited to scroll down and find out what the top 10 were. I didn't find any great surprises--except for the fact that the Potters have new arrived. Thanks for your research.
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iPadGeek
Feb 15, 2012 @ 8:29 am | delete
- Great compilation! And a well put together lens!! :) Kudos!
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joycetmann
Feb 14, 2012 @ 2:09 pm | delete
- I find it troubling that Mao's so-called "little red book" made the list. I certainly hope "The Shack" never makes the list...the essence of Christianity turned into mush. But the lens itself is nicely done. Bravo.
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Edutopia
Feb 13, 2012 @ 12:35 am | delete
- It speaks volumes in an unflattering way that any of the Twilight books made it on to this list. Luckily though it is shaping up to be the flash in the pan that the quality of the writing at best deserves.
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StacyBirch Feb 10, 2012 @ 9:02 pm | delete
- Nice list.
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cilay
Feb 10, 2012 @ 11:55 am | delete
- I have already read most of the books listed in here. Great lens!
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Ryan
Feb 8, 2012 @ 7:59 pm | delete
- How about The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren. I believe it's sold between 30 and 50 million copies or more.
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TheLittleCardShop
Feb 8, 2012 @ 2:03 pm | delete
- Awesome page, love reading about the 10 most read books in the world. I am an avid reader and I am happy to know that some of my favorites are among the top 10. :)
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RobynHanisch
Feb 7, 2012 @ 6:43 pm | delete
- I loved this lens. I love reading and will enjoy catching up on those in the top ten I haven't read.
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jejoju
Feb 6, 2012 @ 7:04 am | delete
- hi hello, I'm glad you put the bible in there, I was begining to wonder. Great lens thank you for sharing.
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BodyLanguageExpert
Jan 30, 2012 @ 11:28 am | delete
- I think these 10 most read books in the World, are definitely some of the greatest books ever wrote. They are aimed at all audiences, and everyone has heard of them.
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buttercupguineapig
Jan 30, 2012 @ 4:19 am | delete
- great lens
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LoKackl
Jan 26, 2012 @ 9:14 pm | delete
- I was reminded today of Gandhi's statement re learning and life: "Live like you will die tomorrow. Learn like you will live forever." Blessed.
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askdaguru
Jan 19, 2012 @ 8:36 pm | delete
- I like this list Nice
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Cryptidoo Jan 18, 2012 @ 10:35 am | delete
- The Alchemist actually sold more like 21 millions copies. The "65 million" seems to have come from a disreading that had been perpetuated on Wikipedia, for an English printing of the book mentioned 65 million but was referring to ALL of the authors novels sold up to the time of that printing of that novel.
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uktvbrackets
Jan 11, 2012 @ 4:10 am | delete
- really good lens
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Noctambulant
Jan 8, 2012 @ 11:35 am | delete
- Amazing lens...an excellent idea well executed...*tips hat* :)
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AskPat
Jan 4, 2012 @ 3:51 am | delete
- Interesting list. Not surprised by the number 1 book, The Bible. Great lens!
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acekyle
Dec 20, 2011 @ 5:10 pm | delete
- I'm not surprised that the Bible is number 1, but I didn't see it coming for some reason either.
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iPadGeek
Feb 15, 2012 @ 8:30 am | delete
- True :) Me neither!
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baby-strollers
Dec 18, 2011 @ 7:00 pm | delete
- The good 'ol bible is still number 1 - there ya go!
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seosmm
Nov 25, 2011 @ 4:27 pm | delete
- Good info. Very nice lens!
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LiliLove
Nov 21, 2011 @ 4:41 pm | delete
- Great lens! Thanks for sharing this list!
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Welcome, my name is James Chapman and I am your host at A Passion For Writing. My mission is to help writers find success. BUY A BOOK TODAY
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