History's Best Selling Books of 2013

Hats off to 2013! Few books commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as Inferno. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Doctor Sleep and Allegiant, consumers eagerly embraced the Y2K fever and early digital revolution. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like Dan Brown and Stephen King set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. Inferno

   Released in 2013 by Dan Brown, Doubleday

   Dan Brown's 'Inferno' exploded onto the literary scene in 2013, marking the highly anticipated return of his iconic symbologist, Robert Langdon. Following the global phenomenon of 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'The Lost Symbol,' expectations were astronomically high, and Brown delivered a thrilling ride that captivated millions worldwide. Its launch was a major cultural event, dominating bestseller lists and fueling discussions across media outlets, solidifying its place as one of the year's most talked-about books. Readers eagerly dove into its intricate blend of art history, secret societies, and contemporary ethical dilemmas, making 'Inferno' an instant sensation and a testament to Brown's enduring appeal in the thriller genre.

2. Doctor Sleep

   Released in 2013 by Stephen King, Scribner

   Doctor Sleep, Stephen King's highly anticipated sequel to his 1977 masterpiece, The Shining, launched in 2013 to significant fanfare, instantly captivating King's vast readership and new audiences alike. Its release was more than just a new book; it was a cultural event, offering a long-awaited continuation of one of horror's most iconic narratives. Fans had waited decades to discover the fate of Danny Torrance, the psychic child who survived the horrors of the Overlook Hotel. The novel quickly ascended bestseller lists, demonstrating King's enduring appeal and the powerful draw of revisiting beloved characters. Its arrival solidified its place as a major literary moment of the year, reigniting conversations about trauma, addiction, and the lingering effects of supernatural terror.

3. Allegiant

   Released in 2013 by Veronica Roth, Katherine Tegen Books

   Allegiant, the highly anticipated grand finale to Veronica Roth's bestselling "Divergent" trilogy, stormed onto the literary scene in October 2013, solidifying its place as a major cultural phenomenon. Readers worldwide had eagerly awaited the conclusion of Tris Prior's journey in dystopian Chicago, creating immense buzz leading up to its release. This Young Adult novel wasn't just another book; it was the culmination of a beloved series that had captivated millions, exploring themes of identity, societal structure, and personal courage. Its launch was a defining moment in the mid-2010s YA boom, marking it as a critical touchstone for a generation of readers eager for its impactful conclusion.

4. Sycamore Row

   Released in 2013 by John Grisham, Doubleday

   The literary world buzzed in 2013 with the release of John Grisham's 'Sycamore Row', a highly anticipated return to the fictional setting of Clanton, Mississippi, and the beloved protagonist Jake Brigance, from his debut novel, 'A Time to Kill'. Published in October, the novel immediately captivated readers, soaring to the top of bestseller lists and becoming an instant cultural phenomenon. Grisham's mastery of the legal thriller genre, combined with the nostalgic return to familiar territory, made 'Sycamore Row' one of the year's most talked-about and fastest-selling books, reaffirming his enduring appeal to millions of fans.

5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck

   Released in 2013 by Jeff Kinney, Amulet Books

   In November 2013, the literary world eagerly awaited the arrival of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck," the eighth installment in Jeff Kinney's beloved series. This book wasn't just another release; it was a cultural event for millions of young readers and their parents. Following the well-established pattern of its predecessors, "Hard Luck" immediately soared to the top of bestseller lists, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Greg Heffley's hilariously relatable struggles. Its launch was marked by massive initial print runs and widespread anticipation, solidifying the series' status as a cornerstone of contemporary children's literature and a consistent phenomenon that captured the zeitgeist of middle-grade life with unparalleled humor and insight.

6. Capital in the Twenty-First Century

   Released in 2013 by Thomas Piketty, Harvard University Press

   Published in English in 2013, Thomas Piketty's 'Capital in the Twenty-First Century' emerged as a pivotal text that galvanized the global conversation around economic inequality. Its release coincided with a period of heightened public awareness regarding wealth concentration, particularly in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, making its rigorous, data-driven arguments exceptionally timely. The book's profound impact lay in its ability to synthesize vast historical data to demonstrate long-term patterns of capital accumulation, thereby moving the discussion beyond anecdotal evidence to a scientific and historical footing. It presented a comprehensive diagnosis of worsening wealth disparities, influencing both academic research and popular understanding of modern capitalism.

7. Crazy Rich Asians

   Released in 2013 by Kevin Kwan, Doubleday

   Kevin Kwan's 'Crazy Rich Asians' launched into a new stratosphere of popularity in 2013, several years after its initial publication, primarily due to the highly anticipated film adaptation. This moment marked a significant cultural phenomenon, transforming the satirical novel into a global talking point. Its blend of escapism, intricate family dynamics, and a lavish peek into Singapore's ultra-wealthy elite captivated audiences worldwide, driving both new readers to the book and reigniting interest among existing fans. The buzz surrounding the movie created an irresistible pull, making the book a must-read for those eager to delve into its vibrant, opulent world.

8. The House of Hades

   Released in 2013 by Rick Riordan, Hyperion Books for Children

   The autumn of 2013 heralded a new wave of excitement for young adult and middle-grade readers with the release of Rick Riordan’s "The House of Hades." As the highly anticipated fourth installment in "The Heroes of Olympus" series, its launch was a major literary event, drawing millions of fans deeper into Riordan's expansive mythological universe. The book wasn't just another chapter; it was a cultural phenomenon that cemented Riordan’s status as a master storyteller, known for his ability to infuse ancient myths with modern wit and thrilling adventure. Its immediate popularity reflected the immense dedication of a global fanbase eager to follow their beloved demigods through their most perilous journey yet.