Most Read Books in the World 2023

The “Most Read Books in the World” list is constantly evolving, and what may have been the most popular book in one era may no longer be as widely read in another. However, certain books have stood the test of time and remain popular across generations and cultures. One example of such a book is the Bible, which is widely considered to be the best-selling and most-read book in history. It is a collection of sacred texts that contains the religious beliefs and practices of the Christian faith. The Bible has been translated into numerous languages and is estimated to have sold billions of copies worldwide. Other religious texts, such as the Quran and the Bhagavad Gita, are also among the most widely read books in the world. These texts are considered sacred by millions of people around the world and are an important part of their spiritual and cultural identities.

In addition to religious texts, works of fiction have also captured the imaginations of readers around the world. Classic novels such as Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” and Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” have been widely read and studied for centuries. Meanwhile, modern bestsellers such as J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series and Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” have also found a huge audience in recent years. Overall, the “Most Read Books in the World” list reflects the diverse interests and tastes of readers around the world. It includes works from different genres and time periods, but all of these books have one thing in common: they have captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world and have become an important part of our shared cultural heritage.

Top 10 Most Read Books in the World 2023

With an enormous number of books available and millions being written and published annually, it’s natural to wonder which ones have been read the most throughout history. To answer this question, we undertook the task of compiling a list of the top ten most read books, and here are the results.

1. The Bible

The Bible is a collection of religious texts that are central to the Christian religion. It is divided into two main sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains 39 books that were written before the birth of Jesus Christ, while the New Testament contains 27 books that were written after his death and resurrection. The Bible has been translated into many languages and is estimated to have been translated into over 700 languages. It is also estimated that over 5 billion copies of the Bible have been sold, making it the best-selling book of all time.

In addition to its religious significance, the Bible has had a profound impact on literature, art, and culture. It has been a source of inspiration for countless artists, musicians, and writers throughout history. Despite the Bible’s popularity, there are many different interpretations of its teachings, and its influence has not been without controversy. Nevertheless, it remains an important and influential text that continues to be read and studied by millions of people around the world

2. The Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is considered to be the most read book in the world by the number of its followers. The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, and it is believed by Muslims to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Quran consists of 114 chapters or surahs, each of which is composed of verses known as ayat. The chapters are arranged in order of length, with the longest chapters at the beginning and the shortest at the end. The Quran is written in classical Arabic, and Muslims believe that the original text has been perfectly preserved over the centuries.

The Quran is believed by Muslims to be the final revelation from God to humanity, and it serves as a guide for living a virtuous and fulfilling life. It contains teachings on a wide range of topics, including faith, morality, spirituality, and social justice. Like the Bible, the Quran has been translated into many languages, and it is estimated to have been translated into over 100 languages. However, Muslims consider the original Arabic text to be the only authoritative version of the Quran. The Quran is a highly revered and respected text in Islamic culture, and it has had a profound impact on literature, art, and music throughout the Islamic world. It continues to be read and studied by millions of people around the world, and it is considered by Muslims to be a source of guidance, inspiration, and wisdom.

3. The Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung

The Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung, also known as the Little Red Book, is a collection of speeches and writings by the former Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong. It was first published in 1964 and quickly became one of the most important and widely read texts of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. The book contains a selection of Mao’s speeches, essays, and other writings, organised by topic and presented in short, easily digestible quotes. The topics covered include politics, ideology, military strategy, and more, all of which are framed within the context of Mao’s vision of communism and the role of the Chinese Communist Party in building a socialist society.

The Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung quickly became a cultural phenomenon in China, with millions of copies being printed and distributed throughout the country. It was mandatory reading for members of the Communist Party and was widely used as a propaganda tool to promote Mao’s ideology and to inspire revolutionary fervour. Despite its popularity in China, the Little Red Book has also been controversial, with critics arguing that it promotes a cult of personality around Mao and his authoritarian policies. Nevertheless, it remains an important historical document and has been translated into many languages, making it one of the most widely read books in the world. It is estimated that over 900 million copies of the book have been printed, making it the third most read book in the world after the Bible and the Quran.

4. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

“Harry Potter” series, which is one of the most popular book series in history and is often cited as the fourth most read book in the world. The “Harry Potter” series is a seven-book fantasy series written by British author J.K. Rowling. The books follow the adventures of young wizard Harry Potter and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley as they attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and battle against the dark wizard Voldemort.The series has been incredibly popular since the publication of the first book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (or “Sorcerer’s Stone” in the US) in 1997. The  books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over 80 languages.

In addition to the books, the “Harry Potter” series has been adapted into eight movies, theme parks, video games, and other merchandise, making it a cultural phenomenon that has impacted popular culture in numerous ways. The “Harry Potter” series has been praised for its engaging characters, intricate world-building, and the themes of love, friendship, and overcoming adversity that run throughout the books. It has also been criticised by some for promoting witchcraft and wizardry to children, but the overwhelming response from readers and fans has been positive. Overall, the “Harry Potter” series has had a tremendous impact on both children’s literature and popular culture, and it continues to be read and enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

5. The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien

“The Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R. Tolkien is a beloved fantasy novel that has captivated readers around the world since it was first published in the mid-twentieth century. Here’s some information about the series and its status as the fifth most read book in the world: “The Lord of the Rings” is a trilogy of novels that were first published in 1954 and 1955. The books – “The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “The Return of the King” – tell the story of a hobbit named Frodo Baggins who sets out on a quest to destroy a powerful and evil ring that has the power to enslave the world. The series is set in a richly detailed and imaginative world called Middle-earth, which Tolkien created himself. The books are famous for their intricate world-building, memorable characters, and epic storylines that explore themes of good versus evil, the nature of power, and the importance of loyalty and friendship.

“The Lord of the Rings” has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold an estimated 150 million copies worldwide. It has been adapted into numerous films, video games, and other forms of media, and has inspired countless works of art and literature. In addition to its popularity, “The Lord of the Rings” has had a lasting impact on the fantasy genre and on popular culture more broadly. Its influence can be seen in everything from contemporary fantasy novels to blockbuster movies and TV shows. Overall, “The Lord of the Rings” is a beloved and influential series that continues to captivate readers and viewers around the world. Its status as the fifth most read book in the world is a testament to its enduring popularity and enduring relevance.

6. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, which is often cited as one of the most popular and widely read books in the world. “The Alchemist” is a novel that was first published in 1988. It tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who dreams of discovering a treasure buried in the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he meets a series of characters who teach him important life lessons about following one’s dreams, the importance of persistence and patience, and the power of love and intuition. Since its publication, “The Alchemist” has become a worldwide bestseller, with over 150 million copies sold in more than 80 languages. It has been translated into more languages than any other book by a living author. In 2014, it was even recognized by the Guinness World Records as the most translated book by a living author.

Many readers have been drawn to “The Alchemist” for its inspirational and uplifting message, as well as its themes of personal growth and self-discovery. The book has been praised for its simplicity, poetic language, and powerful storytelling, and has been embraced by readers of all ages and backgrounds. Despite its popularity, “The Alchemist” has also faced criticism from some who argue that it promotes a simplistic and overly optimistic view of life. Nevertheless, it remains a beloved and influential book that has inspired millions of readers around the world to pursue their dreams and live their best lives.

7. The Da Vince Code by Dan Brown

“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, which is often cited as one of the most popular books in recent history and has been reported as the seventh most read book in the world. “The Da Vinci Code” is a thriller novel that was first published in 2003. It centers around a Harvard professor named Robert Langdon, who is called upon to solve a murder and unravel a conspiracy involving the Catholic Church, the Priory of Sion, and the search for the Holy Grail. The book was an immediate bestseller and has since sold millions of copies worldwide. It has been translated into over 40 languages and has been adapted into a major motion picture.

However, the book has also been the subject of controversy and criticism. Some religious groups have taken issue with the novel’s portrayal of the Catholic Church, while others have disputed the historical accuracy of some of the book’s claims and assertions. Despite this, “The Da Vinci Code” remains a cultural phenomenon that has captured the imaginations of millions of readers around the world. Its blend of mystery, history, and conspiracy has made it a popular and engaging read for many.

8. The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Myers

“The Twilight Saga” is a series of young adult fantasy romance novels written by American author Stephanie Meyer. The series consists of four books:

1. “Twilight” (2005)
2. “New Moon” (2006)
3. “Eclipse” (2007)
4. “Breaking Dawn” (2008)

The story is centred around Bella Swan, a teenage girl who moves to Forks, Washington, and falls in love with a vampire named Edward Cullen. As Bella becomes more involved in Edward’s world, she learns about the existence of werewolves and a larger conflict between vampires and werewolves. The books were extremely popular and have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. They were also adapted into a highly successful film franchise, with the  first film being released in 2008 and the last in 2012.

The Twilight Saga has been both praised and criticised for its portrayal of romance, feminism, and supernatural creatures. Regardless of any critiques, the series has undoubtedly had a significant cultural impact, influencing other popular YA fantasy romance novels and becoming a beloved franchise for many readers and viewers.

9. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

“Gone with the Wind” is a novel written by American author Margaret Mitchell. The book was first published in 1936 and has since become one of the most popular and beloved novels of all time. The novel is set in the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era, and tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara, the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, and her tumultuous relationships with the dashing Rhett Butler and the honourable Ashley Wilkes. Against the backdrop of the Civil War and the Reconstruction era, the novel explores themes of love, loss, perseverance, and the human cost of war.

“Gone with the Wind” was an instant success upon its release, and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. The novel has since been translated into more than 40 languages and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. The novel has also been adapted into a highly successful film, starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, which was released in 1939 and went on to win ten Academy Awards.

Despite its enduring popularity, “Gone with the Wind” has been criticised for its portrayal of slavery and the Civil War South, with some arguing that it romanticises a time and place characterised by racism and oppression. Nevertheless, the novel continues to be widely read and celebrated for its compelling characters, epic romance, and vivid historical setting.

10. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

 “Think and Grow Rich” is a self-help book written by American author Napoleon Hill, first published in 1937. The book is based on interviews with successful people of his time, including Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, and Thomas Edison, and is aimed at providing readers with a roadmap for achieving success and wealth. The book presents a philosophy of personal achievement based on the idea that success is achievable through a combination of positive thinking, hard work, and persistence. It offers practical advice on goal-setting, developing a positive mental attitude, and taking action to achieve one’s goals.

“Think and Grow Rich” has been highly influential in the field of personal development and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. The book has been translated into multiple languages and has been used as a source of inspiration by millions of people seeking to improve their lives and achieve their goals. Despite its popularity, “Think and Grow Rich” has also been criticised for promoting an overly simplistic and individualistic view of success, and for downplaying the role of systemic barriers to success such as racism, sexism, and poverty. Nevertheless, the book remains a classic in the self-help genre and continues to inspire readers around the world.

Which is the No 1 Most Read Book in the World?

The Bible is considered the most read book in the world, with billions of copies sold and distributed worldwide. It is a collection of religious texts and scriptures sacred to the Christian faith, containing both the Old Testament (which includes the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. The Bible is composed of 66 books, written by various authors over a period of about 1,500 years. It is divided into chapters and verses, and covers a wide range of topics, including creation, history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bible has been translated into over 700 languages, making it one of the most widely translated and distributed books in history. It is also considered one of the most influential books in Western culture, having had a significant impact on art, literature, philosophy, and politics over the centuries.

In addition to its religious significance, the Bible has also been studied for its historical and cultural value, providing insight into the beliefs, customs, and traditions of ancient civilizations. It continues to be a source of inspiration, guidance, and comfort for billions of people around the world. Despite its popularity and influence, the Bible has also been a source of controversy and debate, with different interpretations and translations leading to differences in beliefs and practices among different Christian denominations and individuals.

What are Some of the Other Most Read Books in the World?