--- description: According to Amazon title: The 21 Most Popular Novels of 2015 So Far image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- * [Ideas](/section/ideas/) ## Ideas Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Books](/tag/books/) ## Books Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # The 21 Most Popular Novels of 2015 So Far by [Talia Avakian / Business Insider](/author/business-insider/) ## Talia Avakian / Business Insider Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Oct 16, 2015 6:57 PM CUT by [Talia Avakian / Business Insider](/author/business-insider/) ## Talia Avakian / Business Insider Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Oct 16, 2015 6:57 PM CUT It’s starting to get chillier, and there’s arguably nothing more cozy than curling up with a good book. The beauty of fiction writing is its ability to take the reader into captivating imagined worlds, from fantasy-like environments to tales set back in time. Every year, Amazon pulls together its [most popular print books of the year​](http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/2015/books/ref=zg%5Fbsar%5Fnav%5Fkstore%5F0%5F154606011?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined"). Based on sales numbers, the list is a good indication of what books people have been reading and talking about the most. The list of fiction includes everything from classics like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s _The Great Gatsby_ to Harper Lee’s newly released novel _Go Set a Watchman_. ### 21\. _Orphan Train_ by Christina Baker Kline  William Morrow _Orphan Train_ is set in 1929, just months before the stock market crash that led to the Great Depression. After a young Irish girl loses her family, she is put on a train to the Midwest with dozens of other orphans. This fictional book is based on the true story of the thousands of children that were shipped to the Midwest at the time, often by their own families. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/Orphan-Train-Christina-Baker-Kline/dp/0061950726/http://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847370/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") _More from Business Insider:_ * [10 books that will expand your brain](http://www.businessinsider.com/10-books-that-will-expand-your-brain-2015-9 "undefined") * [6 books that will change the way you think for the better](http://www.businessinsider.com/books-that-change-the-way-you-think-2015-8 "undefined") * [15 books successful people read to their kids](http://www.businessinsider.com/books-successful-people-read-to-their-kids-2015-10 "undefined") * [The 21 greatest travel books of all time](http://www.businessinsider.com/best-travel-books-2015-8 "undefined") * [I read more than 100 books a year — here’s how you can, too](http://www.businessinsider.com/i-read-more-than-100-books-a-year-heres-how-you-can-too-2015-9 "undefined") ### 20\. _The Catcher in the Rye_ by J.D. Salinger  Little, Brown and Company In this novel, Holden Caulfield tells the story of a few days in his 16-year-old-life, soon after he is expelled from prep school. With a unique style that includes edgy slang, the book reads as if it is the unedited thoughts of the teenager. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Catcher-Rye-J-D-Salinger/dp/0316769487/http://www.amazon.com/dp/1591847370/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 19\. _The Book Thief_ by Markus Zusak  Alfred A. Knopf A New York _Times_ bestseller that is also a major motion picture, _The Book Thief_ is set in 1939 Nazi Germany. As foster child Liesel Meminger steals books to get by, she learns to read and shares them with her neighbors amidst all of the madness that is surrounding them. A remarkable story of how books feed the soul, it’s a must-read for book lovers. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 18\. _A Long Walk to Water_ by Linda Sue Park  HMH Books for Young Readers A New York _Times_ bestseller, _A Long Walk to Water_ starts with two stories, told in alternating sections, from two 11-year-olds living in Sudan. The girl tells her story in 2008, while the boy tells his in 1985. The tales intersect with one another in a way that leaves readers astonished. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/Long-Walk-Water-Based-Story/dp/0547577311/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 17\. _The Giver_ by Lois Lowry  HMH Books for Young Readers Winner of the Newbery Medal in 1994, _The Giver_ tells the evocative story of Jonas, a 12-year-old who lives in a dystopian world lacking in any color and emotion. His community gives him a role that begins to change all that, leading him into visions of a world he never thought possible. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Giver-Quartet-Lois-Lowry/dp/0544336267/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 16\. _Of Mice and Men_ by John Steinbeck  Penguin Books _Of Mice and Men_ is an intimate portrait of two friends dealing with a world filled with misunderstanding and jealousy. It’s a touching and emotional account, as two men who are completely different from one another find themselves together through an difficult journey. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/Of-Mice-Men-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140177396/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 15\. _A Song of Ice and Fire_ by George R. R. Martin  Bantam This box set includes all five of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy novels: _A Game of Thrones_, _A Clash of Kings_, _A Storm of Swords_, _A Feast for Crows_, and _A Dance with Dragons_. The books that inspired the popular HBO series take you into a world packed with kings, battles, myths, and action. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/dp/0345535529/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 14\. _The Alchemist_ by Paulo Coehlo  HarperOne An inspiring tale of self-discovery, _The Alchemist_ tells the story of an Andalusian shepherd boy who wants to find worldly treasures. His desire leads him to riches he could have never imagined. A motivational account of how following one’s dreams can lead to the discovery of great wonders, _The Alchemist_ is an enchanting read filled with wisdom. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0062315005/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 13\. _Lord of the Flies_ by William Golding  Perigee Books _Lord of the Flies_ became a bestseller and required reading in grade schools and universities back in the ’60s. The novel recounts the journey of a group of small boys stranded on a coral island. Once troubles arise, brutal portraits of human nature start to emerge. The book has been controversial over the years and is [listed as number eight](http://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/classics "undefined") on the American Library Association’s list of frequently banned classics. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Flies-William-Golding/dp/0399501487/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 12\. _The Outsiders_ by S.E. Hinton  Speak _The Outsiders_ was written more than 45 years ago and is a dramatic and enduring story of friendship and belonging. The story of a boy who finds himself on the outskirts of mainstream society, the book takes the classic teen world of cheerleaders and jocks to a new level, revealing its darker side. Filled with tension and drama, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Outsiders-S-E-Hinton/dp/014240733X/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 11\. _1984_ by George Orwell  Signet First published in 1949, George Orwell’s account of a chilling future has become a timeless read. Orwell presents readers with a vision of a haunting world that remains captivating from the beginning to end. Though it was written more than 60 years ago, the novel remains a popular choice to this day. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/1984-Signet-Classics-George-Orwell/dp/0451524934/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 10\. _The Nightingale_ by Kristin Hannah  St. Martin's Press Bestselling author Kristin Hannah takes readers into a rarely seen part of WWII, choosing to focus on women’s role in the time period. The book tells the story of two sisters who are separated by years and morals as each goes on her own path in German-occupied France. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Nightingale-Kristin-Hannah/dp/0312577222/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 9\. _Fahrenheit 451_ by Ray Bradbury  Simon & Schuster A frighteningly prophetic novel, _Fahrenheit 451_ is set in a dystopian future where there are no books. For the protagonist, Montag, it all seems normal — until the day he gets a glimpse of the past. With a riveting plot and solid characters, the book draws readers into its imagined world. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/Fahrenheit-451-Novel-Ray-Bradbury/dp/1451673310/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 8\. _Paper Towns_ by John Green  Speak From the author of _The Fault in Our Stars_ comes this story about Quentin Jacobsen, who has spent a lifetime in love with the adventurous Margo Roth. Always admiring her from afar, Quentin finally gets the chance to get close as she plots a campaign of revenge. Before long, Quentin realizes there’s more to Margo than appears. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/Paper-Towns-John-Green/dp/014241493X/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 7\. _The Great Gatsby_ by F. Scott Fitzgerald  Scribner F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book is an iconic piece of literature that takes readers through the glitz, glamour, and dark side of the Jazz Age. As the incredibly wealthy Jay Gatsby chases his longtime love, Daisy Buchanan, readers are given a look inside a series of lavish Long Island parties. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Great-Gatsby-Scott-Fitzgerald/dp/0743273567/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 6\. _The Martian_ by Andy Weir  Broadway Books This New York _Times_ bestseller is a science-fiction novel about fictional astronaut Mark Watney, who becomes one of the first to walk on Mars. Now in another planet, the character is thrown into dangerous circumstances he must face on his own. You’ll find yourself flipping the pages as you wonder what Watney’s fate will be. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Martian-Andy-Weir/dp/0553418025/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 5\. _Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian_ by E. L. James  Vintage The ultra-popular _Fifty Shades of Grey_ series returns with this spinoff that tells Christian’s side of the story. As Ana enters his disciplined and neat world, it remains to be seen whether he will finally dispel the horrors of his childhood, or if he’ll keep himself closed off. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/Grey-Fifty-Shades-Christian-Series/dp/1101946342/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 4\. _To Kill a Mockingbird_ by Harper Lee  Grand Central Publishing An instant bestseller when it was first published in 1960, _To Kill a Mockingbird_ is the story of a sleepy Southern town and a crisis that turns it upside down. Discussing racial injustice, the destruction of innocence, issues of class, and gender roles in the American Deep South, the book takes readers through a literary journey back in time. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/To-Kill-Mockingbird-Harper-Lee/dp/0446310786/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 3\. _All the Light We Cannot See_ by Anthony Doerr  Scribner This Pulitzer Prize-winner from acclaimed author Anthony Doerr tells the touching story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide as they both try to survive the devastation brought by World War II. The novel is both heartwarming and thrilling, as characters are forced to flee from the Nazi occupation in Paris. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/All-Light-We-Cannot-See/dp/1476746583/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 2\. _The Girl on the Train_ by Paula Hawkins  Riverhead Books _The Girl on the Train_ is a gripping thriller about a girl who takes the same train and encounters the same couple every day. One day, she comes across a shocking sight that changes her experience with them forever. For those who liked Gillian Flynn’s _Gone Girl_, this eerie tale is right up your alley. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/The-Girl-Train-Paula-Hawkins/dp/1594633665/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") ### 1\. _Go Set a Watchman_ by Harper Lee  Harper Lee's "new" novel "Go Set a Watchman". Portland Press Herald/Getty Images Harper Lee introduces a new novel two decades after her Pulitzer Prize-winning book _To Kill a Mockingbird_. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights tensions in the South, the novel tells the tale of a 26-year-old girl who returns home from New York City to visit her aging father, only to learn surprising truths about her family and her town. [_Click here to buy_](http://www.amazon.com/Go-Set-Watchman-A-Novel/dp/0062409859/?tag=bisafetynet-20 "undefined") _This_ [_article_](http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-popular-fiction-books-of-2015-2015-9 "undefined") _originally appeared on_ [_Business Insider_](http://www.businessinsider.com "undefined") ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"OpinionNewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4076558/popular-books-amazon-2015/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4076558/popular-books-amazon-2015/"},"headline":"The 21 Most Popular Novels of 2015 So Far","datePublished":"2015-10-16T18:57:59.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T05:01:14.612Z","description":"According to Amazon","url":"https://time.com/4076558/popular-books-amazon-2015/","keywords":["Books","Fiction","Fifty Shades of Grey","novels","Harper Lee"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Talia Avakian / Business Insider"}],"articleSection":"Ideas","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/ideas/","name":"Ideas"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/books/","name":"Books"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4076558/popular-books-amazon-2015/","name":"The 21 Most Popular Novels of 2015 So Far"}}]}] ```