Lt. Col Charlie Brown said she would enjoy reading a list of the best books ever. Back at the turn of the century- remember that? Y2K et all. LOL The NY Times put out a list of the 100 Best Books of all time (Ulysses was first) and then they put out a list of the 100 Most Popular Books (Bible was First). Only 27 books were on both lists...if I remember correctly.
So my Daughters and I printed out that list, and started reading...a lot. LOL
I had a real head start on them, because of the 100 Best Books, 36 of them were required reading in my School system. Sadly, exactly 1 book was on their HS curriculum. Sigh.

So browsing around today, I found this list of the Ten Most Read Books, of all time ....and lo and behold. I had read them all...and to my delight, Ulysses was not on it. LOL
Here is the list of the Ten Most Read Books!

1. The Bible

With over 5 billion copies sold and distributed, the Bible takes the top spot as the most read and widely distributed book in the world. It is considered the holy scripture of Christianity and is also revered by Judaism. The Bible is a collection of sacred texts that encompass a wide range of literary genres, including history, poetry, prophecy, and moral teachings.

2. Quotations from the Works of Mao Tse-Tung (Mao Zedong)

The second most-read book globally, this collection of Mao Zedong’s writings and speeches has sold over a billion copies. It holds a prominent place in Chinese culture and politics, making it one of the most influential works of the 20th century.

3. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
4. The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
With over 150 million copies sold, “The Alchemist” is a modern classic that inspires readers to chase their dreams and listen to their hearts. Paulo Coelho’s novel is a philosophical and allegorical tale of a shepherd named Santiago on his journey to find his Personal Legend.
6.       The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Dan Brown’s thriller “The Da Vinci Code” has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide, with over 80 million copies sold. The novel’s gripping mix of art, history, and mystery keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
7.       The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight Saga” has become a sensation, with over 120 million copies sold. The series of four books delves into the world of vampires, werewolves, and forbidden love, appealing to a vast audience, including young adults.
8.       Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel has sold over 30 million copies. “Gone with the Wind” is an epic historical romance set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, exploring themes of love, survival, and societal change.
9.       Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s diary, detailing her experiences hiding from the Nazis during World War II, has touched the hearts of millions. With over 30 million copies sold, it serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity.
In a nutshell, these ten books have transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on readers worldwide. Whether through spiritual guidance, epic adventures, or profound life lessons, these literary classics continue to be cherished and reread by generations of book lovers.