History's Best Selling Books of 2007

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2007 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of books! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like Plum Lovin' and A Thousand Splendid Suns, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Janet Evanovich and Khaled Hosseini proved their mettle with Lean Mean Thirteen, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Plum Lovin'

   Released in 2007 by Janet Evanovich, St. Martin's Press

   Plum Lovin'," released in 2007, arrived as a delightful interlude in Janet Evanovich's phenomenally popular Stephanie Plum series, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon in the realm of romantic suspense and cozy mystery. This novella, nestled between the main numbered installments, offered devoted fans a festive, holiday-themed romp that perfectly captured the series' signature blend of laugh-out-loud humor, thrilling escapades, and sizzling romantic tension. Its launch was eagerly anticipated, further cementing Evanovich's reputation as a consistent hit-maker capable of delivering engaging narratives that resonated deeply with a massive readership seeking lighthearted, escapist entertainment. The book's immediate success underscored the enduring appeal of its beloved characters and Trenton setting.

2. A Thousand Splendid Suns

   Released in 2007 by Khaled Hosseini, Riverhead Books

   When 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' launched in 2007, it was one of the most anticipated literary releases of the year, following the monumental success of Khaled Hosseini's debut, 'The Kite Runner.' The novel immediately captured the public's imagination, soaring to the top of bestseller lists worldwide. It wasn't just another book; it was a cultural phenomenon that offered a harrowing yet deeply human look into the lives of women in Afghanistan, becoming an essential read that year for its powerful storytelling and profound emotional resonance during a critical period of global interest in the region. Its release confirmed Hosseini's status as a master storyteller with a unique ability to connect readers to distant realities.

3. Lean Mean Thirteen

   Released in 2007 by Janet Evanovich, St. Martin's Press

   In 2007, Janet Evanovich's 'Lean Mean Thirteen' burst onto the literary scene, proving once again the unyielding popularity of her Stephanie Plum series. As the thirteenth installment, it immediately captured the attention of millions, soaring to the top of bestseller lists and reinforcing Evanovich's status as a master of comedic crime fiction. This novel wasn't just another book; it was a highly anticipated cultural event for a dedicated fanbase eager for more of Stephanie's misadventures, solidifying its place as a significant literary phenomenon of the year.

4. Dear John

   Released in 2007 by Nicholas Sparks, Grand Central Publishing

   Nicholas Sparks' 'Dear John' burst onto the literary scene in 2007, swiftly capturing the hearts of millions and solidifying its place as a quintessential romance novel of the decade. Released at a time when tales of love and sacrifice resonated deeply with a public grappling with ongoing global conflicts, the book became an instant cultural phenomenon. Its poignant narrative, exploring the complexities of long-distance relationships amidst military deployment, tapped into universal emotions of devotion, longing, and the difficult choices people make under extraordinary circumstances. This rapid ascent to bestseller status underscored its powerful appeal and established it as a must-read for fans of emotional storytelling.

5. The Choice

   Released in 2007 by Nicholas Sparks, Grand Central Publishing

   In 2007, Nicholas Sparks once again captivated readers with the launch of "The Choice," a novel that quickly ascended bestseller lists and reaffirmed his status as a master of contemporary romance. Released in late September, the book arrived with significant anticipation, building on Sparks's established reputation for crafting emotionally charged narratives. Its immediate popularity wasn't just a testament to his devoted fanbase but also indicative of a broader cultural appetite for stories exploring the complexities of love, fate, and profound sacrifice. "The Choice" wasn't merely a book; it became a talking point, a staple on bedside tables, and a poignant exploration of life's most difficult decisions, solidifying its place as a significant literary event of its year.

6. Double Cross

   Released in 2007 by James Patterson, Little, Brown and Company

   Released in November 2007, James Patterson's 'Double Cross' immediately surged onto bestseller lists, solidifying its place as a major cultural phenomenon for thriller enthusiasts. As the fourteenth installment in the beloved Alex Cross series, its launch was met with eager anticipation from Patterson's massive fanbase, who had come to expect his signature blend of breakneck pacing and chilling suspense. The book's rapid climb to the top of the charts underscored Patterson's unparalleled commercial prowess and the enduring appeal of his iconic detective, making 'Double Cross' a must-read for anyone following the landscape of contemporary crime fiction and a defining genre release of its year.

7. The Darkest Evening of the Year

   Released in 2007 by Dean Koontz, Bantam Books

   In 2007, Dean Koontz, a perennial master of suspense, once again captivated readers with the release of 'The Darkest Evening of the Year.' This novel wasn't just another entry in his prolific bibliography; it swiftly became a cultural phenomenon, debuting at the top of bestseller lists and resonating deeply with an eager audience. Its launch cemented Koontz's standing as a writer capable of blending thrilling mystery with profound emotional depth, particularly concerning the bond between humans and animals. The book's immediate popularity highlighted a public appetite for stories that offered both heart-pounding suspense and a touch of heartwarming sentiment, making it a standout release in the literary landscape of its year.

8. Book of the Dead

   Released in 2007 by Patricia Cornwell, G.P. Putnam's Sons

   The release of Patricia Cornwell's 'Book of the Dead' in 2007 was a highly anticipated event, eagerly awaited by legions of fans worldwide. As the fifteenth installment in the beloved Dr. Kay Scarpetta series, it immediately soared to the top of bestseller lists, reaffirming Cornwell's prowess in the forensic crime genre. Its debut was met with significant buzz, marking another successful chapter in the saga of the iconic medical examiner. The novel quickly became a cultural phenomenon among thriller enthusiasts, cementing its place as one of the year's must-reads and demonstrating the enduring appeal of its complex protagonist.

9. Playing For Pizza

   Released in 2007 by John Grisham, Doubleday

   In 2007, John Grisham, already a titan of the literary world, surprised and delighted his vast readership with 'Playing For Pizza,' a refreshing departure from his signature legal thrillers. The novel quickly ascended bestseller lists, becoming a cultural phenomenon for its engaging blend of sports drama, cross-cultural comedy, and a quintessential underdog story. At a time when readers sought escapism and feel-good narratives, Grisham delivered a unique premise that captivated millions. Its launch was eagerly anticipated, not just by his loyal fans, but by a wider audience intrigued by the promise of a lighter, more character-driven tale set against the charming backdrop of Italy.

10. The 6th Target

    Released in 2007 by James Patterson, Little, Brown and Company

    In 2007, James Patterson, already a household name in the thriller genre, solidified his dominance with the release of 'The 6th Target,' the sixth installment in his wildly popular Women's Murder Club series. This novel wasn't just another book; it was a highly anticipated event that leveraged Patterson's brand of breakneck pacing and suspense, instantly capturing the attention of millions. Its launch tapped into a dedicated fanbase eager for more thrilling exploits from Detective Lindsay Boxer and her friends. As a key player in the year's literary landscape, 'The 6th Target' became a cultural fixture, cementing Patterson's reputation for delivering accessible, high-stakes entertainment that readers devoured.

11. The Quickie

    Released in 2007 by James Patterson, Little, Brown and Company

    When James Patterson's 'The Quickie' hit bookshelves in 2007, it immediately captivated readers with its signature blend of breakneck pacing and domestic suspense. As one of the most prolific and popular authors of his time, Patterson had a built-in audience eager for his latest thriller, and this novel did not disappoint. Its premise—a woman witnessing her husband's infidelity only for him to be brutally murdered shortly after—tapped into universal fears of betrayal and vulnerability, making it an instant conversation starter and a prominent fixture on bestseller lists across the nation during its debut year, solidifying its status as a significant cultural read.

12. The Shock Doctrine

    Released in 2007 by Naomi Klein, Metropolitan Books

    Released in 2007, just on the cusp of the most significant global financial crisis since the Great Depression, Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism' stands as a profoundly significant historical work. It meticulously documented a pattern of economic and political exploitation, arguing that neoliberal policies championed by figures like Milton Friedman and the Chicago School have historically been advanced not through democratic consent, but by exploiting societal shock and crisis. Its timing was uncanny, providing a powerful analytical framework for understanding the ensuing economic collapse and the controversial policy responses that followed, establishing its place as a seminal text in critiquing modern capitalism and globalization.