Just like a year ago, we are presenting the list of ebooks that were most downloaded from Project Gutenberg in the last 30 days – just in time for Christmas.

Almost 7.8 million free ebooks were downloaded from Project Gutenberg since mid-November 2023. Apart from all-time classics, you will find on the list three picaresque novels by Tobias Smollett and a short story by Philip K. Dick.

Founded in 1971 by Michael Hart, Project Gutenberg is the longest established digital library.

Currently, the site offers free access to over 70,000 eBooks that can be read online or downloaded in a variety of formats, for all possible ebook apps and e-reading devices, including Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Rakuten Kobo.

The site provides useful stats about ebook downloads, Top 100 Ebooks in the Last 20 Days, where you can see the most popular titles based on how many times they were downloaded or read online.

Between November 15 and December 15, 2023, users downloaded from Project Gutenberg 7,776,391 ebook files.

On the list, you will find such classics as Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, or Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

For the second year in a row, three books by T. Smollett made it to the Top 20 Most Downloaded Ebooks, including The Adventures of Roderick Random. These three books alone were downloaded 108,000 times in the last 30 days.

Tobias Smollett was a Scottish poet and author living in the 18th century. He is best known for his picaresque novels – stories of an anti-hero’s adventures in a disreputable world. They usually feature a roguish protagonist who is forced to rely on his wits, charm, and cunning to survive misadventures.

You can download ebooks from Project Gutenberg to any e-reader or book-reading app. Make sure to pick up the file called EPUB3. This file format is compatible with Kobo, Apple Books, Nook, Google Play Books, and Amazon Kindle, among other platforms.

Top 20 free ebook downloads for Christmas 2023

1. Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Published in 1818, this famous classic novel follows a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein who creates a hideous sapient creature out of body parts of the dead.

The creature is rejected by society and ultimately seeks revenge on his creator.

The book combines elements of the Gothic novel and the Romantic movement, and is considered one of the first true science-fiction stories.

Number of downloads: 83,710

⇢ Download

2. Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen

The world’s beloved novel of manners is set in rural England at the beginning of the 19th century and follows the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and her love interest Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

We follow the five Bennet sisters as they navigate their way through their family’s financial struggles, the pressures of marriage and society, and their own personal feelings.

Through witty dialogue and character development, Austen explores themes of love, class, and pride.

Number of downloads: 58,559

⇢ Download

3. Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

Herman Melville

A classic novel by Herman Melville tells the story of the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, for revenge on the giant white sperm whale that on the ship’s previous voyage bit off Ahab’s leg at the knee.

The novel is a great exploration of themes of fate, revenge, and the power of nature. It has been adapted into numerous films and television shows over the years.

D. H. Lawrence called Moby-Dick “one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world” and “the greatest book of the sea ever written.”

Number of downloads: 57,192

⇢ Download

4. A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens

First published on December 19, 1843, this novella is considered one of the most popular and beloved Christmas stories of all time.

The story follows the miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show him the error of his ways, and how to be a better man.

The tale of redemption of the human spirit has been adapted for stage, film, and television many times over the years.

Number of downloads: 56,917

⇢ Download

5. Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare

Written by Shakespeare early in his career, the tragedy follows two young star-crossed lovers whose families are engaged in a long and bitter feud.

The play is set in Verona, Italy, and it revolves around the forbidden love between Romeo Montague, a young man from the Montague family, and Juliet Capulet, a young woman from the Capulet family.

The play is one of Shakespeare’s most famous and well-loved works, and it has been adapted for stage, screen, and opera countless times. It is a story of love, loss, and the destructive power of family feuds.

Number of downloads: 53,359

⇢ Download

6. Middlemarch

George Eliot

Middlemarch is a novel by George Eliot, set in the fictional Midlands town of Middlemarch during 1829–1832 and follows several intersecting stories with a large cast of characters.

The novel explores the social and political changes in England during the early 19th century, particularly the impact of industrialization and the reform of local government.

Middlemarch is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels in the English language.

Number of downloads: 47,070

⇢ Download

7. A Room with a View

E. M. Forster 

Set in Italy and England, the story is both a romance and a humorous critique of English society at the beginning of the 20th century.

The novel brought Forster recognition when it was first published and is now considered a modern classic.

The story centers on Lucy Honeychurch, a young upper-middle-class Englishwoman, and her experiences with love, independence, and travel.

Number of downloads: 46,322

⇢ Download

8. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare 

This is a comprehensive collection of the writings of William Shakespeare. It includes all of his plays, sonnets, and other poems, as well as various other works attributed to him.

The book includes, among others: The Sonnets, All’s Well That Ends Well, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. The Comedy of Errors, The Merchant of Venice, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are also included.

This free ebook is an invaluable resource for any student or fan of Shakespeare’s work.

Number of downloads: 43,412

⇢ Download

9. Little Women

Louisa May Alcott 

Little Women is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, originally published in 1868. It follows the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March, and their experiences growing up in Massachusetts during the Civil War.

The book has been adapted for stage and screen numerous times and has been lauded for its strong female characters and its exploration of themes of love, family, and independence.

Number of downloads: 42,078

⇢ Download

10. The Enchanted April

Elizabeth Von Arnim

The Enchanted April is a 1922 novel by British writer Elizabeth von Arnim.

It tells the story of four very different women who rent an Italian villa for the month of April and, through the beauty of the surroundings, find contentment, joy, and transformation.

The novel was adapted into a film in 1992, starring Miranda Richardson and Joan Plowright.

Number of downloads: 39,864

⇢ Download

11. The Blue Castle

L. M. Montgomery 

A 1926 novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, best known for her novel Anne of Green Gables.

The book tells the story of Valancy Stirling, a 29-year-old spinster who is stuck in a restrictive life, but finds freedom and adventure when she begins to explore the world around her.

Number of downloads: 39,252

⇢ Download

12. Cranford

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

First published in 1851, the novel is set in the fictional town of Cranford, a small market town in the north of England.

We follow the lives of the town’s many female inhabitants, who are mostly middle-class and elderly spinsters, as they go about their everyday lives and gossip about their neighbors.

The novel is known for its humorous, gentle satire of Victorian life and its strong female characters.

Number of downloads: 37,176

⇢ Download

13. The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom

T. Smollett

The novel, first published in 1753, follows Ferdinand Count Fathom, a handsome and charismatic con artist who is adept at convincing people to part with their wealth.

After being sent away from his home in England, Fathom continues to travel across Europe and experience numerous adventures.

Through the course of the novel, Fathom is forced to confront his own moral boundaries and ultimately selects a path of redemption.

Number of downloads: 37,088

⇢ Download

14. The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

T. Smollett

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, first published in 1771, is widely considered to be one of the first picaresque novels in English literature.

The novel follows the adventures of its protagonist, Humphry Clinker, as he and his companions journey from London to Scotland and back again.

Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters and settings, and the novel offers a vivid picture of life in 18th century Britain.

Number of downloads: 36,499

⇢ Download

15. The Adventures of Roderick Random

T. Smollett

Here is another novel from T. Smollett. It follows the exploits of Roderick Random, a young man from a well-to-do family who is disinherited and forced to make his own way in life.

Random goes on a series of adventures, ranging from romance and duels to a naval battle and a stint in a debtors’ prison. 

The novel is noted for its realistic and humorous depiction of 18th-century life and for its exploration of themes such as social mobility, corruption, and injustice.

Number of downloads: 36,151

⇢ Download

16. History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Henry Fielding

This comic novel by English author Henry Fielding, first published in April 1749, follows Tom Jones, an illegitimate foundling, from infancy to adulthood. 

Tom’s journey takes him through various social circles and tests of morality, eventually leading him to true love and a fulfilling, prosperous life.

The novel was well-received when it was first published, and it has since become one of the most beloved novels in the English literature.

Number of downloads: 36,151

⇢ Download

17. My Life — Volume 1

Richard Wagner

My Life is an autobiography by German composer Richard Wagner.

First published in German in 1889, it contains a detailed account of Wagner’s life and works, as well as his personal reflections on his life and times.

Number of downloads: 34,290

⇢ Download

18. Twenty Years After

Alexandre Dumas

Twenty Years After is a historical novel by Alexandre Dumas, first published in 1845. It is the sequel to The Three Musketeers and part of the D’Artagnan Romances series.

The novel follows the adventures of d’Artagnan’s sons as they fight to protect France from the machinations of Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister of King Louis XIV.

The novel also follows the fortunes of the other musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, and their respective families.

Number of downloads: 34,289

⇢ Download

19. The Eyes Have It

Philip K. Dick

From one of the most important figures in 20th century science fiction comes a short story was first published in 1953. It follows a man who is utterly convinced that the world is being overrun by aliens.

Through the eyes of the protagonist, the story blurs the boundaries between imagination and actuality, presenting a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of truth and the fallibility of human perception.

Number of downloads: 33,555

⇢ Download

20. The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter is a classic novel by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850.

The book tells the story of Hester Prynne, a young woman who conceives a child while living in an oppressive Puritan society.

The novel examines the effects of societal pressure on an individual, as well as themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.

Number of downloads: 31,412

⇢ Download

Keep exploring. Here are other lists and tips:

These library-themed products from Zazzle online store are extremely easy to customize. All you have to do is add your own text!

Are you looking for a library-themed gift that you can adjust to a specific occasion, sense of humor, or taste? You can customize any of the following designs by just adding your own text.

On the web, you can find thousands of products designed to be great gifts for librarians or library lovers. 

The thing is that you may still not find the right one. The fonts are too childish, the colors are too bright, the message is fine… but you would change it a bit.

To solve this problem, I have spent several recent weeks on creating custom library-themed designs that you can quickly adjust to your specific needs. And all you need to do is replace the blank text with your own one.

User customization is one of the greatest things about Zazzle – one of the leading online sites connecting designers and consumers.

On Zazzle, you will be able to quickly change the text and see the product as you would receive it. Obviously, you can pick up a different background color of the t-shirt.

What’s even more important, you can transfer any of these designs to dozens of other products, including personal accessories, different apparel items, or home decor.

All newly added, customized products can be found in this Zazzle collection: Personalized Library Gifts by Geek Updated.

Tip: You can transfer any of these designs to any other product that’s offered on Zazzle. Just use the “Transfer this design” option.

How can I personalize a design on Zazzle?

Many designs on Zazzle can be quickly personalized by replacing a blank text with the one you want.

If this option is available, you will see a large “Personalize” button next to the product image.

When you type the text, it will appear almost instantly on the product image!

Do you want to add your own graphic element, change the font color or size? Just hit the “Edit using Design Tool” button to open a design dashboard.

All the designs in the following list let you quickly replace the text with your own one.

Customized gifts for librarians

The best spot to enjoy life is [personalize] t-shirt

Libraries matter because they make people wiser, healthier, and happier. This cozy, minimalist, lively artwork says: “The best spot to enjoy life is the reading room of my library”.

Not clever enough? Just use the “Personalize” button to start typing your own message. You can change both the beginning and end of the sentence. So, how would you phrase it? ⇢ Customize

Drink coffee and support libraries personalized mug

This modern, college-style artwork says: “Drink coffee and support libraries. They are awesome!”. You can type your text in as many as five areas. Just use the “Personalize” button to start typing.

The design works well on both light and dark backgrounds. Available in five different colors. ⇢ Customize

Urban library support squad t-shirt personalized

Are you supporting libraries and librarians? Now you can express it. This vintage artwork shows an engraved image of a skyscraper city. The text goes: “Urban Library Support Squad”. You can replace both the “library” and “squad” texts. ⇢ Customize

Celebrate [personalize] Day Every Day t-shirt

Celebrate the happy day every day! This vintage artwork lets you express your support for libraries all year long. The text goes: “Celebrate Library Day Every Day.”

The design lets you customize two fields. You can also pick up several colors of the t-shirt. ⇢ Customize

Calm down and [personalize] mouse pad

Can’t find what you are looking for? This cozy artwork comes with handwritten typography that says: “Breathe, calm down, and just ask the librarian”. A great idea for a library supporter or as an accessory for a library’s reading room.

You can customize every single text in this design. The only limitation is your imagination. Start creating! ⇢ Customize

Periodic table of the earth’s most awesome humans : [personalize] t-shirt

Are you looking for a clever way to express appreciation of your librarian? Use “The Periodic Table of the Earth’s Most Awesome Humans.” The only entry in this table is “Lb – Librarian”.

You can customize the text by replacing the abbreviation and profession with the name of your favorite librarian. ⇢ Customize

Silently [personalize] t-shirt

After you’ve silently corrected all the grammar errors around you, it’s time for something new. This cute, vintage artwork says: “Silently making a list of your overdue books”.

There are many ways you can use the “silently” meme on a t-shirt. Got an idea? Just start typing. ⇢ Customize

Library announcement foam board personalized

Are you a fan of a vintage typography? Check out this artwork that sports the 19th century display font and says: “Believe it or not, but in this library, we are using the silence to calm the loud guys down”.

All text fields in this design can be customized so that you can adjust the message to even the most specific needs. A light colored version of this vintage-style typography artwork is also available on Zazzle. ⇢ Customize

All I need is love and [personalize] sweatshirt

Love is the most important thing in life… but sometimes it’s not. This vintage, gothic artwork says: “All I need is love and another reason to go to the library today”. A great gift idea for a library supporter in your life.

Not clever enough? Just use the “Personalize” button to quickly add your own text. You can transfer this design to any other apparel. All you have to do is pick up the right type in the Style section on the right. ⇢ Customize

[Personalize] matter t-shirt

Who or what matters to you the most? Now you can easily express it. This vintage artwork is fully editable. You can place your text in three text areas. Libraries matter, bookstores matter, banned books matter. Act now! ⇢ Customize

Minimalist typography fully customized

Are you looking for a minimalist typography artwork that could be easily customized with a library-themed text you provide? This modern, sleek artwork says: “I’m here, but my mind is still at the library”. You can change it whatever you want, be it a library quote, a name of your favorite librarian, or the name of the upcoming event.

This artwork lets you write down your message in a thin, elegant font, as well as add a background icon, for instance a letter or symbol. ⇢ Customize

Visit a library more than once personalized tote bag

Everybody says: “It’s a good day.” Do the opposite. This cute, positive artwork has a twist. It says: “It’s definitely not a good day to visit a library just once”. Obviously, you can change the message to anything you find funnier, brighter or more relevant. ⇢ Customize

I’m not a librarian [personalize] t-shirt

Librarians are all unique individuals with their own passions, interests, and personalities. This modern handwritten typography artwork provides just one of the many possible descriptions: “I’m not a librarian. I’m just a walking knowledge machine with a built-in snooze button”.

Not funny or clever enough? Use the “Personalize” button to quickly add your own text. There is also a dark-themed color version available on Zazzle. ⇢ Customize

The list first appeared on Reader Updated blog.

Keep exploring. Here are other lists and tips:

In this updated overview, you’ll see gorgeous iPhone covers that will remind you of the joy of reading books anywhere, anytime.

Even if you don’t feel like spending a couple of minutes in a queue with a good book opened in an e-reading application on your iPhone, you can still express you are a book lover.

In the list below, you will see iPhone covers that would make great gifts for bookworms or librarians.

Most of these cases are available for several iPhone models, including the 13 and 14th generation. This list will be updated as cases for the newest generation arrive.

As most iPhone cases on Amazon come with plain product photos, we’ve visualized most of them so that you can have a feel of how they will look in real life. 

Most of the visualized photos link to our Amazon’s Influencer pages, from where you can click on the featured products.

If you would like to have a chance to customize an iPhone case with your own text, make sure to check out the list of the best personalized iPhone cases. All these cases are available on Zazzle – the best online store with products that you can customize in seconds.

If you know of any case worth adding to this selection, please leave a suggestion in the comment below.

Best iPhone case covers for bookworms

Jane Austen handwriting iPhone cover

This vintage design features Jane Austen’s remastered handwriting from her letter to sister Cassandra, written in April 1811. The artwork comes with a first name from her signature and a large stroke made with a red ink. 

This particular variant shows the letters with a golden feel on an organic black background. You can also get the light version, with dark brown letters on an old paper.

The case is a great gift idea for a romance book lover, a librarian, or a fan of all things vintage.

The case is made of two parts, a premium scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell and shock absorbent TPU liner. It’s available for several iPhone models, including the latest ones.

The price is set at $17.99, and it’s one of the most affordable options on Amazon.

Vintage Bookworm BKWRM FRVR iPhone cover

A bookworm is a person who re-reads books forever. This vintage design says “BKWRM FRVR” followed by definitions of the two words: “bookworm” and “forever.”

Engraved reading glasses add a touch of vintage intensity to the design. Other variants – BKLVR and BKNRD – are also available, both in dark and light colors.

This standard case is more than enough to protect your iPhone in most situations, including bumps and mild drops.

Cute bookish drawing iPhone case

From Katoc Zarl comes a cute iPhone case for booklovers who love cute drawing and pastel colors.

This soft case is made with a soft but protective TPU material. It’s transparent, and the artwork is printed with scratch resistant ink on its back.

Other cozy patterns are also available in the series. The price is set to $10, for a case that’s compatible with iPhone 14.

My Kingdom for a power charger iPhone case

“A horse, a horse! Kingdom for a horse!” is a famous saying by William Shakespeare. A horse? Really? This vintage artwork says: “My Kingdom for a power charger”. 

The artwork is inspired by the 17th century book title design. A dark variant is also available.

The case is made of two parts, a premium scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell and shock absorbent TPU liner. It’s available for several iPhone models, including the latest ones.

The price at the time of writing this overview was set at $17.99.

Minimalist clever bookshelf barcode iPhone case

Are you looking for iPhone covers that come with a minimalist design? Take a look at this clever artwork that looks like a standard barcode, but when you take a closer look, you will see books on the shelf. 

The text says: “Read books and be unique.” A version on a beige background is also available.

Just the dropdown menu under “Model name” to pick up the iPhone that you own.

The case is made of two-part shock-resistant material, and is available for $17.99.

Book vs. cal lovers funny iPhone case cover

Are you a book or cat lover? Or maybe both? This cute artwork says it all: “Book lovers never sleep alone. Cat lovers never sleep”.

The cover is available for numerous iPhone models, including the latest ones. The construction prevents from mild drop accidents.

Cozy bookshelf iPhone cover

If you are never enough of images of bookshelves full of books, this case will meet your needs.

The artwork features a vector bookshelf full of books in pastel colors, giving the overall feeling of a cozy reading nook.

The artwork is printed on a sturdy and flexible back cover that’s both slim and sturdy.

“Made of an advanced printing technique, the pattern is clear and bright, and will not rub off and fade.”

The price of the case at the time of updating this post is $11.99.

Slow down and read a book iPhone cover

Isn’t it the highest time to relax and forget about daily problems? This cozy artwork comes with handwritten typography that says: “Keep calm, slow down, and dive into a good book”.

The case is a friendly reminder that your iPhone can be a handy book reader, and you can start reading any time you want, no other device needed.

The cover is available for numerous iPhone models, including the latest ones. The two-part construction prevents from mild shock accidents.

The price for every iPhone model is the same, and the regular level is set at $17.99.

Vintage composition book green VNTG

Are you a fan of the classic composition notebook design?

This vintage-style artwork resembles the front of an iconic vintage notebook, with a letterpress label featuring strokes of red ink, and a unique marbled paper remastered to support seamless product placement.

The artwork is available in green, as well as a few other colors, and on several products, including iPhone covers.

The case protects the device from mild drops, and allows easy access to all ports.

I see a book coffee great day positive iPhone case

This vintage artwork is inspired by 17th and 18th century book title pages design.

The quote was coined in 2026 by Piotr Kowalczyk, and says: “I see a book, I see a coffee, I see a great day ahead.”

Other case covers from Vintage Book Quotes series are also available on Amazon, Zazzle, Redbubble, and Society 6.

The case features a standard design, with a two-layer structure for enhanced shock protection. Available for several iPhone models.

iPhone cover with library due-date pattern

This iPhone cover features an iconic design of a library due-date card, stamped with various return dates.

It’s a perfect present for a librarian or nerdy book lover or reader. Great for nerds who love reading or who love to use their library card to check out books!

The product image shows the case for iPhone 11, but the cover is available for several generations, including the 14th.

The price is set at $17.99, and you can’t expect it to dramatically go down during popular shopping seasons.

Nature coffee and books iPhone cover

Here is something for bookworms who love going to a remote cabin or a campsite, and spend all the time on binge-reading, while enjoying their coffee and a great view of snowy mountains.

This vintage artwork shows an engraved mountain landscape on a pale green background. The text goes: “All I need is nature, coffee, and books. Another great day ahead!” The design has just been released, so it hasn’t earned any reviews yet.

Just like all iPhone cases that are available on Amazon via Merch channel, this one is available for several generations, and costs $17.99.

Keep exploring. Here are other popular lists and tips:

Explore some of the best home decor items for book lovers that are handmade from metal: steel, brass, copper, bolts, or industrial pipes.

If you’re a book lover looking to spruce up your home with literary-inspired decor, you’ve come to the right place.

Here, I’ll explore some of the best home decor items for book lovers. What do they have in common? They are handmade from metal: steel, brass, copper, bolts, or industrial pipes.

Steel is a durable and versatile material that can add a modern and stylish touch to your home. It’s easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for decor that will last for years to come.

Make sure to take a look at the best home decor items that are shaped like books.

Best metal accessories for book lovers

Abstract sculpture of a person reading a book

Unique coffee table or bookshelf sculpture made of bronze. Suitable as a bookend. ⇢ Amazon

Vintage aluminum man with a book

An aluminum figurine showing a man reading a book, handmade in the vintage style of the 1980s. ⇢ Etsy

Steampunk-style sitting robot bookshelf lamp

A vintage decorative lamp created from industrial water pipes to resemble a thinking robot, with its head being a round lamp. A perfect accessory for a home library. ⇢ Amazon

Handcrafted statue of a person reading a book

An elegant, stylish medium-size home decor made of metal, paper, and twigs gathered from the mountains and. A perfect living room decoration. ⇢ Etsy

Bookshelf figurines made of cast iron

These small decorative sculptures show a girl and boy reading books. You can buy the girl separately. ⇢ Amazon

Industrial reading figurine

A loft-style metal sculpture handmade out of scrap metal, nuts, and bolts. Approximately 7 inches high. ⇢ Etsy

Modern abstract statue with a reading girl

A dual color metal ring with a girl reading a book. The product description doesn’t include anything about metal, while it says the sculpture is lightweight. It may suggest the product is actually not metal. ⇢ Amazon

Reading Lord Ganesha handmade sculpture 

A 5.5-inch high small home decor figurine showing Lord Ganesha reading. Handmade in India from quality brass. ⇢ Amazon

Industrial metal man reading a book or newspaper

A loft-style, small decorative figurine handcrafted in the Netherlands from steel bolts, copper plates, and stone. Approximately 3.1-inch high. ⇢ Etsy

Contemporary, handcrafted bookish figurine for a ledge

A 10-inch tall, contemporary bronze decorative sculpture showing a woman reading a book. To be placed on a ledge of a bookshelf or coffee table. ⇢ Amazon

Relaxed, steampunk man reading a book

A cool, industrial lamp showing a man reading an actual book. Handmade from small steel pipes and plastic. A great little decorative element for a bookshelf or bedside table. ⇢ Etsy

Stylish metal ring with a reading man

An elegant, handcrafted cast iron sculpture portraying an avid reader. Contemporary in feel, it fits any spot at a bookworm’s home. ⇢ Amazon

Wishlist: metal glass holder in the shape of a person reading a book 

Highly popular some ten years ago, this awesome metal glass holder and coaster is currently not available anywhere online. I hope one day it will reappear

Keep exploring. Here are other lists and tips for book lovers:

AI-generated books may seriously harm the publishing industry, and digital subscriptions are prone to be hit the hardest.

There is a growing list of books published with the help of artificial intelligence.

Everyone knows the story of Ammaar Reshi, a product manager for a Silicon Valley fintech company, who used ChatGPT and Midjourney to create a children’s book Alice and Sparkle. 

Since August 2022, a Canadian artist Tim Boucher published almost 100 books that were co-created by AI. Boucher says he needs between 6 and 8 hours to create and publish each of his books. Imagine, a single author capable of publishing hundreds of books a year.

Obviously, ChatGPT takes credits for most of what happens in the publishing industry right now.

Currently, there are already almost 1,000 ebooks in the Kindle Store that are co-authored by AI. Specifically, ChatGPT is listed as one of their authors. These books were created by authors responsible enough to admit they use ChatGPT.

And now we come to the essence of the big problem that’s flooding Kindle Unlimited: lots of newly published books were generated by AI, and you don’t even know about it.

What’s even worse, many of these books made it to the top 100 Kindle bestseller lists. It was first discovered by an indie author Caitlyn Lynch on Twitter (here is a cover story on the Vice):

Take a look at the Best Sellers in Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance eBooks top 100 chart. I can see 19 actual legit books. The rest are AI nonsense clearly there to click farm.

How is that possible? It’s directly connected with how digital subscriptions work. As you can download any book at no extra cost, you do it instantly without checking out its content. 

And when you open the book on your e-reader or in a book reading app, you just need to read roughly the length of the free sample to make this book considered as read.

The story about nonsense AI Kindle Unlimited books broke at the end of June 2023, and most of these titles are not on the main Kindle bestseller lists anymore. However, they are still on the top 100 lists for subcategories. Luckily, these books have several things in common, and I will discuss them below.

How to spot AI-generated Kindle Unlimited ebooks

The titles are usually written in capital letters

It may obviously change over time, as the creators of these books with try to adapt. But today, most of these AI books come with titles written in CAPITAL LETTERS.

I am not talking about the title that appears on the cover art, but the title that’s a part of the product page description on Amazon.

Here is a screenshot of the Top 100 Kindle bestsellers in the Teen & Young Adult category. 

Authors have Asian names

If you spot a book that is published by someone called Lam Dich Quan, Phung Linh Vang or Phuong Tuong, it strongly suggests that its content was generated by AI.

Here is the same screenshot with the highlighted names.

Book covers are made from a template

If you browse Kindle bestsellers lists or search results pages, and notice books with the same cover artwork and different titles, the chances are big these books are AI generated.

Obviously, there are many books that use the same cover artwork, naming only the books from the same series, or free Kindle books that are available in the Kindle Store.

However, compared to book series, the same cover art is used not for a few titles but dozens of them.

Again, let’s have a look at the Top 100 Kindle bestsellers in the Teen & Young Adult catgory. 

Same cover art but different authors

If you re still not sure whether the KU book was AI-generated or not, you can compare cover art. If the books with the same cover art template are published by different Asian authors, these books are AI-generated (see the screenshot above).

Books are under 100 pages

I have run through the entire list of Top 100 Kindle bestsellers in the Teen & Young Adult catgory, to spot the AI titles. Then I opened them their product detail pages.

Out of 24 titles in the Top 100 Teen & Young Adult bestsellers that I considered to be AI generated:

▸ Only one title had a print length longer that 100 (FREE MUSIC by Lam Dich Chinh), with 118 pages).
▸ 13 books were shorter than 50 pages.

Why are these books short? It’s not only about the ease of generating the content. In the case of the digital subscription it’s also about meeting conditions of the read title. The shorter the book, the biggers the chances to get the reader swipe past the required length.

Published in 2023, no publisher

The final place to find out, if the book was generated by AI or not is the “Product details” section.

None of the books I have tested included the “Publisher” field in the Product details” section.

If all the conditions listed above were met, and if the book was published in 2023 or later, you can be sure is was not written by a human but by an AI tool.

Keep reading. Here are other lists and tips to explore:

UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day is an international celebration of books, authors, and reading. It is held annually on April 23, the anniversary of the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.

Since 2018, Amazon celebrates the World Book Day by organizing the “Read the World” giveaway. 10 books written by authors from around the world were offered as free downloads for at least a week.

In a press release announcing the Read the World 2022 selection, Amazon shared information that more than 5.5 million Kindle books were downloaded by over 1.2 million unique readers from 190 countries.

It turns out that Amazon’s World Book Day giveaways are no more. This year, Amazon offers 9 Kindle books, but you are eligible for a free download of only one title from the list.

If you are interested in getting more than one book, you will have to pay for the remaining positions in your shopping basket. The good news is that all the recommended books are offered at prices that are reduced for World Book Day 2023 to $4.99.

Technically, the promotion works through applying to your account a credit worth $4.99 (the value of each book on a list). So, if you pick up just one book from the World Book Day 2023 selection, you will get a refund that equals its price. 

The Read the World 2023 offer lasts until April 30th, 2023. I have listed all the titles below, with short blurbs. Which book are you the most interested in?

9 recommended books for World Book Day 2023

The Last Rose of Shanghai

Weina Dai Randel

China

Aiyi Shao is a young heiress and the owner of a formerly popular and glamorous Shanghai nightclub. Ernest Reismann is a penniless Jewish refugee who she hires to play piano, causing a sensation and making her club the hottest spot in the city.

They soon realize they share a passion for jazz and each other, but they are from different worlds, and she is engaged to another man. War and turmoil threaten their love as they must make choices between love and survival. 

The Last Rose of Shanghai is an epic story of love and redemption, set in the vibrant and dangerous atmosphere of Shanghai during an era of political upheaval.

All the Lies They Did Not Tell

Pablo Trincia 

Italy

In 1997, a six-year-old boy from the Bassa region of Italy was questioned by authorities and relayed stories of abuse and satanic rituals. 

As the child’s story progressed, more and more people were implicated in his shocking revelations. Fifteen more children were transferred out of the region and their parents were accused of participating in the satanic sect. 

Allegations of kidnapping, torture, sacrifice, and murder escalated as the Satanic Panic of the 1990s spread. 

Investigative journalist Pablo Trincia returned to the scene of the crime to uncover the truth behind the stories, and his findings are as terrifying as the lies.

Say Her Name

Dreda Say Mitchell, Ryan Carter 

United Kingdom

Eva, a biracial woman adopted 20 years ago, is suspended from work and dealing with the death of her adoptive parents, Cherry and Carlton “Sugar” McNeil. She joins a DNA database in the hopes of uncovering her identity and is thrilled to get a positive match.

However, she soon finds out that someone is trying to stop her from discovering the truth. She’s drawn into a dark side of society where black women disappear without a trace.

Once, someone wanted a better life for her, but now that she’s torn down the facade of her life, has she come too far to be saved again?

Small Deaths

Rijula Das

India

Lalee and Tilu Shau live in Calcutta’s notorious red-light district, both wishing for a better life. Tilu is in love with Lalee and wants to marry her to liberate her from her street life.

When a fellow sex worker and young mother is brutally murdered, Lalee is offered the chance to take her place as a high-end escort, but it soon turns dangerous.

Tilu is drawn into a rescue mission, and they must go on life-altering journeys to escape a savage fate. 

Small Deaths is a modern noir that reveals the resilience and obstacles of outcasts trying to find dignity, love, and survival.

War and Me

Faleeha Hassan

Iraq

Faleeha Hassan’s memoir is a deeply personal account of her life growing up in Najaf, Iraq, and the enduring effects of loss and fear she experienced.

Despite the violence of war, she found the courage to travel alone to the front lines, searching for her father and brother. After moving to the US, she chose to focus on education for her and her children, rather than the war that had been such a part of her life for so long.

Through her story, readers gain an intimate perspective on the loving bonds of family, and how we can find courage and hope even in the most desperate of situations.

Such a Beautiful Thing to Behold

Umar Turaki

Nigeria

In Umar Turaki’s gripping novel, a mysterious plague known as the Grey has taken hold of the small village of Pilam, leaving the world to quarantine it without mercy.

With victims sapped of strength and color in their eyes, Dunka, the eldest son of a family afflicted by the Grey, takes it upon himself to leave the village in search of a cure. 

Along the way, Dunka meets up with his siblings, now an unlikely family of six, as they bravely face the chaos of violence, hunger, and death.

Ultimately, this novel is a story of survival, love, and the human spirit’s capacity for hope and wonder in the face of adversity.

Broken Summer

J.M. Lee

South Korea

Lee Hanjo is a celebrated artist at the peak of his career but on his 43rd birthday, his devoted wife has disappeared. 

She has published a novel about a similar artist with a questionable morality which is based on Hanjo’s past. He must reflect on a summer from his youth when a deadly lie irreversibly determined the fate of two families. 

J. M. Lee’s novel explores hidden truths, denials and their consequences as those who remain must face the deceptions of the past and experience the vindication and suffering that comes with revenge.

West Side Love Story

Priscilla Oliveras

Mexico

Two familias in Texas, the Capuletas and the Monteros, have been embroiled in a decades-long feud. Mariana Capuleta and Angelo Montero, two young star-crossed lovers, are determined to end the rivalry between their familias. 

To do so, they must compete in the Battle of the Mariachi Bands, despite their forbidden attraction to each other. As the stakes of their competition increase, so does their secret affair. 

But with betrayals, rivalries, and broken ties, they must make sacrifices and weigh the consequences of their actions. Mariana and Angelo must fight to bring peace between their familias and make beautiful music together.

Piece by Piece

David Aguilar, Ferran Aguilar

Andorra

David Aguilar was born with one arm missing, but he refused to let this define him. At just nine years old, he built a prosthetic arm out of LEGO bricks, and he hasn’t stopped creating since.

His inventions, inspired by his passion for building, could help others and make a difference in the world. In this memoir, David shares his story of triumph and success, with humor and heart. 

He talks about his family and friends, the heartbreak and loss he experienced, and how he continues to dream big and build a better world, piece by piece.

Keep exploring. Here are other tips and lists:

All Jane Austen’s novels are available for free from Project Gutenberg, both as ebooks and audiobooks. You can also read them online, right on your computer.

Jane Austen’s novels are beloved for their sharp wit, timeless themes, and memorable characters. 

They are often seen as a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and social satire, and they offer an insightful look at the world of early 19th century England.

You don’t have to pay a penny to start the Austen adventure. Works of one of the most beloved writers in English literature are in the public domain. It means you can read them free of charge – legally.

Below, you will see a list of Jane Austen’s books available as free downloads from Project Gutenberg. The order is based on an average number of downloads in the last 30 days.

What is Project Gutenberg? It’s a volunteer effort to digitize and archive cultural works, to encourage the creation and distribution of ebooks. It is the oldest digital library, with over 60,000 free ebooks.

You can add books to your e-reader or e-reading app by picking up EPUB3. This file format is compatible with Kobo, Apple Books, Nook, Google Play Books – and also Amazon Kindle (mobi is no longer supported). You can download the files with one click to Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

If you don’t want to download the files, you can read Jane Austen’s books directly in your browser. Simply click on “Read this book online: HTML5” link on book detail pages.

Moreover, Project Gutenberg also offers audiobook versions of Jane Austen books. They can be downloaded in Speex, MP3, Apple iTunes, or Ogg Vorbis format.

Are you a Jane Austen fan? Take a look at my design collection that features Jane Austen’s original, remastered handwriting from her letter to sister Cassandra, written in April 1811. You can get it on Zazzle.

Jane Austen novels in chronological order

1. Sense and Sensibility (1811)
2. Pride and Prejudice (1813)
3. Mansfield Park (1814)
4. Emma (1815)
5. Northanger Abbey (1817) – posthumous
6. Persuasion (1818) – posthumous
7. Lady Susan (1871) – posthumous

Jane Austen books – free ebooks and audiobooks

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is Jane Austen’s most famous romance novel. It follows the life and loves of the five Bennet sisters as they navigate the complexities of life in the early 19th century English countryside.

The novel looks at themes of class, marriage, and first impressions, and follows the young women as they attempt to find their place in the world.

Pride and Prejudice is widely regarded as one of the most influential novels of all time and has been adapted into numerous film and television adaptations.

The novel is considered a masterpiece of English literature and is often studied in English classes.

⇢ Ebook ⇢ Audiobook

Emma

Emma is set in Highbury, a fictional village in England, the novel revolves around the meddlesome Emma Woodhouse, who interferes in the relationships of others but eventually comes to recognize and develop her own feelings of love.

Throughout the novel, Emma is determined to find a husband for her friend Harriet, and also to arrange her own romantic future.

The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and social class, and presents a sharp critique of early 19th-century English society.

⇢ Ebook ⇢ Audiobook

Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility was first published in 1811 and is Jane Austen’s first novel.

Set in southwestern England, the follows the lives of two sisters – Elinor and Marianne Dashwood – as they navigate the social expectations of 18th century society.

This romantic novel is widely considered to be one of Austen’s most successful works, and is typically seen as a precursor to the romantic comedy genre. 

Sense and Sensibility is renowned for its vivid characterization, exploration of complex emotions, and the use of irony and satire.

⇢ Ebook ⇢ Audiobook

Persuasion

Persuasion is Jane Austen’s novel published posthumously in 1818.

In the novel, Austen examines the effects of time on love and relationships. Anne Elliot is a 27-year-old unmarried woman whose family has fallen on hard times. 

Anne is approached by an old suitor, Captain Wentworth, who she rejected eight years earlier. His return to the social scene forces her to reconsider the choices she has made in the intervening years. 

The book is seen as a continuation of Jane Austen’s exploration of the themes of social class and female agency set forth in her earlier novels.

⇢ Ebook ⇢ Audiobook

Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey is set in the late 18th century and follows Catherine, a voracious reader of Gothic novels, as she visits the city of Bath and the nearby estate of Northanger Abbey.

While in Bath, she meets the Tilneys, a wealthy family who invite her to stay at their estate, Northanger Abbey.

There, Catherine finds herself drawn into a world of horror, suspense, and romance, as she struggles to make sense of the strange and sometimes sinister events that occur around her.

⇢ Ebook ⇢ Audiobook

Mansfield Park

Jane Austen wrote Mansfield Park at Chawton Cottage between 1811 and 1813.

The story centers on Fanny Price, who is sent to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle at their estate, Mansfield Park.

Despite her poverty-stricken upbringing, Fanny grows into an intelligent and moral young woman.

As she navigates her relationships with her family, she develops a strong sense of self-awareness and morality. The novel explores themes of love, marriage, class, and morality.

⇢ Ebook ⇢ Audiobook

Lady Susan

Lady Susan is Jane Austen’s novella, most likely written in 1794, but published for the first time in 1871.

The main character, Lady Susan, is a beautiful and manipulative widow, who schemes to find wealthy husbands for both herself and her daughter.

The novella explores themes of love and marriage, as Lady Susan examines the different paths she can take to find a suitable partner.

It’s worth noting that Lady Susan is considered one of Austen’s most enigmatic and controversial characters.

⇢ Ebook ⇢ Audiobook

Bonus: The Letters of Jane Austen

Letters of Jane Austen insight into the life and mind of the writer, and offer a glimpse of the world she lived in.

One of the collections of the letters was selected by Sarah Chauncey Woolsey from Austen’s nephew Lord Edward Bradbourne, and published in 1908 by Little, Brown, and Company.

The collection includes letters written between 1796 and 1817. Among them, there are several letters to her sisters, including Cassandra.

The final letter is from Cassandra Austen to her niece Miss Knight, after the death of Jane.

⇢ Ebook

Book cover images: Project Gutenberg, Wikimedia Commons.

Jane Austen Collection on Zazzle

Jane – a collection featuring Jane Austen’s original, remastered handwriting from her letter to sister Cassandra, written in April 1811. 

The design is available in dark and light colors on dozens of products, including t-shirts, leggings, notebooks, stickers, wireless chargers, laptop sleeves, and iPhone cases.

Keep exploring. Here are other popular lists and tips:

Every year, at least a few of the books that enter the public domain are worth adding to your reading list or reading challenge.

When the book is in the public domain, you can use or reuse it without limitations. It’s because the book’s intellectual property rights have expired or are not applicable any longer.

And every year, at least a few of these publications are books are worth adding to your

Book Riot has just released a list of the books that enter the public domain in 2023 in the United States. Unfortunately, they link to paid versions of these books on Amazon – which is against the idea of the public domain.

Why should you buy a book today, if you can get it free of charge in a few months, on public domain platforms, such as Project Gutenberg or Internet Archive?

And the 2023 public domain book list is highly attractive. You can find here Franz Kafka’s Amerika, Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne, Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse, Pomes Penyeach by James Joyce or Ernest Hemingway’s Men Without Women.

All you have to do is wait for these titles to be released by the public domain sites. I recommend checking out Project Gutenberg every few weeks. You can add the list of books added in the last 30 days as a bookmark to your browser. On a Mac computer, press Command+D, and on a PC press Control+D.

For your convenience, I have included the links to search term (title+author) on Project Gutenberg. Once the book is released, you will be able to find it in the search results page.

You can add books to your e-reader or e-reading app by picking up EPUB3. This file format is compatible with Kobo, Apple Books, Nook, Google Play Books – and also Amazon Kindle (mobi is no longer supported).

Project Gutenberg is a volunteer effort to digitize and archive cultural works, to encourage the creation and distribution of ebooks. It is the oldest digital library, with over 60,000 free ebooks.

Best new books in the public domain in 2023

1. To the Lighthouse

Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse is considered to be one of the most significant works of modernist literature, and a feminist classic.

The book centers around the Ramsay family and their visits to the Isle of Skye in Scotland between 1910 and 1920.

The novel explores the complex relationships between the family members and their thoughts and feelings. The novel is written in a stream-of-consciousness style and explores themes of love, loss, and grief.

⇢ Check

2. Amerika

Franz Kafka

Also known as The Man Who Disappeared, the story takes place in the United States and is about a sixteen-year-old European immigrant named Karl Rossmann.

After an incident with a housemaid, he sent away from his home in Europe to start a new life in America.

He is taken in by two cousins, but quickly finds himself in a strange and often difficult world of constant change and challenge.

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3. Men Without Women

Ernest Hemingway

Men Without Women is a collection of short stories written by Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1927.

The stories focus on the inner lives of men in post-World War I Europe and the United States, exploring themes of masculinity, isolation, and loss.

The collection includes some of Hemingway’s most famous works, such as Hills Like White Elephants and The Killers.

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4. Now We Are Six

A.A. Milne

Now We Are Six is a collection of children’s poetry written by A.A. Milne, the author best known for his books about the teddy bear Winnie-the-Pooh.

The book contains thirty-five poems concerned with the world of childhood. The title poem, “Now We Are Six”, is one of the most famous of all of Milne’s poems.

Other popular poems from the book include “The King’s Breakfast”, “Cradle Song”, “Binker”, and “The Friend”.

⇢ Check

5. Steppenwolf

Hermann Hesse

Steppenwolf is a novel by German-Swiss author Hermann Hesse. It is the story of a man named Harry Haller and his internal spiritual struggle.

The novel is set in Germany in the 1920s and examines the mental and spiritual effects of modern life on the protagonist.

The novel is considered to be one of Hesse’s most important works and is among the most famous and influential novels of the 20th century.

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6. Pomes Penyeach

James Joyce

A is a collection of twelve poems written by James Joyce and published in 1927.

The poems contain a number of Joycean neologisms (“rosefrail”, “moongrey” and “sindark”, for example) created by melding two words into a new compound.

The collection covers a range of topics, including love, death, and nature.

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7. The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

It’s a final collection of twelve short stories, written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and featuring the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.

The stories were originally published in The Strand Magazine between October 1921 and April 1927. 

Among the stories in The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes are: ”The Adventure of the Three Gables,” “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client,” and “The Adventure of the Creeping Man”.

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8. Mosquitoes

William Faulkner

Mosquitoes is a short story set in a wealthy family’s summer home near the Mississippi River in the Gulf Coast region of the United States.

It follows the interaction between the family, who are summer visitors, and the local working-class people who live by the river.

The story explores themes of class, social customs, and the impact of the passage of time on a small town.

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9. Unnatural Death

Dorothy L. Sayers

A mystery novel by British author Dorothy L. Sayers. It’s the third novel in the Lord Peter Wimsey series.

The story follows Lord Peter’s investigation into the death of an elderly woman who had apparently died of natural causes, but whose relatives suspect foul play.

Lord Peter must use his detective skills to uncover the truth and unmask the culprit.

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10. The Big Four

Agatha Christie

The Big Four is a work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie and first published in the UK in January 1927.

The novel features Hercule Poirot, Arthur Hastings and Inspector Japp. The story revolves around a criminal organization known as “The Big Four”, whose members are determined to rule the world.

The structure of the novel is different from other Poirot stories, as it began from twelve short stories that had been separately published.

⇢ Check

Keep exploring. Here are other popular lists and tips:

Almost 7.5 million free ebooks were downloaded from Project Gutenberg since mid-November 2022. Apart from all-time classics, you will find on the list three picaresque novels by Tobias Smollett.

Are you making a list of books to read during Christmas, or include in the New Year’s reading challenge?

Why not checking out the titles that are free to download because they are available in the public domain?

A leading source of free public domain books is Project Gutenberg. Founded in 1971 by Michael Hart, it’s the longest established digital library.

Currently, the site offers free access to over 60,000 eBooks that can be read online or downloaded in a variety of formats, for all possible ebook apps and e-reading devices.

The site provides useful stats about ebook downloads, Top 100 Ebooks in the Last 20 Days, where you can see the most popular titles based on how many times they were downloaded or read online.

Between November 15 and December 15, 2022, users downloaded from Project Gutenberg almost 7.5 million ebook files. Books from the Top 100 ranking were downloaded over 3 million times.

You will find on the list such well-known classic books as The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, or Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Surprisingly, these iconic classics don’t occupy the top of the list. Apparently, users are no longer interested in the books everyone knows. They are heading to Project Gutenberg to discover new books and read lesser-known authors.

Have you heard of Tobias Smollett, a Scottish poet and author living in the 18th century? He is best known for his picaresque novels.

Picaresque novels are stories of an anti-hero’s adventures in a disreputable world. They usually feature a roguish protagonist who is forced to rely on his wits, charm, and cunning to survive misadventures.

Three books by T. Smollett made it to the Top 20 Most Downloaded Ebooks, including The Adventures of Roderick Random. These three books alone were downloaded over 400,000 times in the last 30 days!

You have no other choice. You should add one of Smollett’s picaresque novels to your reading list.

You can download ebooks from Project Gutenberg to any e-reader or book-reading app. Make sure to pick up the file called EPUB3. This file format is compatible with Kobo, Apple Books, Nook, Google Play Books, and Amazon Kindle, among other platforms.

Yes, you should pick up EPUB3 for your Kindle or Kindle app. It’s because Amazon Kindle moved away from mobi format, and now it’s epub that’s officially supported.

Most downloaded free ebooks in December 2022

1. A Room with a View

E. M. Forster 

Set in Italy and England, the story is both a romance and a humorous critique of English society at the beginning of the 20th century.

The novel brought Forster recognition when it was first published and is now considered a modern classic.

The story centers on Lucy Honeychurch, a young upper-middle-class Englishwoman, and her experiences with love, independence, and travel.

Number of downloads: 173,860

⇢ Download

2. Middlemarch

George Eliot

Middlemarch is a novel by George Eliot, set in the fictional Midlands town of Middlemarch during 1829–1832 and follows several intersecting stories with a large cast of characters.

The novel explores the social and political changes in England during the early 19th century, particularly the impact of industrialization and the reform of local government.

Middlemarch is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels in the English language.

Number of downloads: 163,420

⇢ Download

3. Little Women

Louisa May Alcott 

Little Women is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, originally published in 1868. It follows the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March, and their experiences growing up in Massachusetts during the Civil War.

The book has been adapted for stage and screen numerous times and has been lauded for its strong female characters and its exploration of themes of love, family, and independence.

Number of downloads: 149,498

⇢ Download

4. The Enchanted April

Elizabeth Von Arnim

The Enchanted April is a 1922 novel by British writer Elizabeth von Arnim.

It tells the story of four very different women who rent an Italian villa for the month of April and, through the beauty of the surroundings, find contentment, joy, and transformation.

The novel was adapted into a film in 1992, starring Miranda Richardson and Joan Plowright.

Number of downloads: 147,040

⇢ Download

5. The Blue Castle

L. M. Montgomery 

A 1926 novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, best known for her novel Anne of Green Gables.

The book tells the story of Valancy Stirling, a 29-year-old spinster who is stuck in a restrictive life, but finds freedom and adventure when she begins to explore the world around her.

Number of downloads: 142,565

⇢ Download

6. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare 

This is a comprehensive collection of the writings of William Shakespeare. It includes all of his plays, sonnets, and other poems, as well as various other works attributed to him.

The book includes, among others: The Sonnets, All’s Well That Ends Well, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet. The Comedy of Errors, The Merchant of Venice, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are also included.

This free ebook is an invaluable resource for any student or fan of Shakespeare’s work.

Number of downloads: 141,385

⇢ Download

7. Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

Herman Melville

A classic novel by Herman Melville tells the story of the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, for revenge on the giant white sperm whale that on the ship’s previous voyage bit off Ahab’s leg at the knee.

The novel is a great exploration of themes of fate, revenge, and the power of nature. It has been adapted into numerous films and television shows over the years.

D. H. Lawrence called Moby-Dick “one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world” and “the greatest book of the sea ever written.”

Number of downloads: 141,139

⇢ Download

8. The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Complete

T. Smollett

The novel, first published in 1753, follows Ferdinand Count Fathom, a handsome and charismatic con artist who is adept at convincing people to part with their wealth.

After being sent away from his home in England, Fathom continues to travel across Europe and experience numerous adventures.

Through the course of the novel, Fathom is forced to confront his own moral boundaries and ultimately selects a path of redemption.

Number of downloads: 138,321

⇢ Download

9. Cranford

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

First published in 1851, the novel is set in the fictional town of Cranford, a small market town in the north of England.

We follow the lives of the town’s many female inhabitants, who are mostly middle-class and elderly spinsters, as they go about their everyday lives and gossip about their neighbors.

The novel is known for its humorous, gentle satire of Victorian life and its strong female characters.

Number of downloads: 138,019

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10. The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

T. Smollett

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, first published in 1771, is widely considered to be one of the first picaresque novels in English literature.

The novel follows the adventures of its protagonist, Humphry Clinker, as he and his companions journey from London to Scotland and back again.

Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters and settings, and the novel offers a vivid picture of life in 18th century Britain.

Number of downloads: 134,589

⇢ Download

11. The Adventures of Roderick Random

T. Smollett

Here is another novel from T. Smollett. It follows the exploits of Roderick Random, a young man from a well-to-do family who is disinherited and forced to make his own way in life.

Random goes on a series of adventures, ranging from romance and duels to a naval battle and a stint in a debtors’ prison. 

The novel is noted for its realistic and humorous depiction of 18th-century life and for its exploration of themes such as social mobility, corruption, and injustice.

Number of downloads: 132,845

⇢ Download

12. History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Henry Fielding

This comic novel by English author Henry Fielding, first published in April 1749, follows Tom Jones, an illegitimate foundling, from infancy to adulthood. 

Tom’s journey takes him through various social circles and tests of morality, eventually leading him to true love and a fulfilling, prosperous life.

The novel was well-received when it was first published, and it has since become one of the most beloved novels in the English literature.

Number of downloads: 125,892

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13. My Life — Volume 1

Richard Wagner

My Life is an autobiography by German composer Richard Wagner.

First published in German in 1889, it contains a detailed account of Wagner’s life and works, as well as his personal reflections on his life and times.

Number of downloads: 122,418

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14. Twenty Years After

Alexandre Dumas

Twenty Years After is a historical novel by Alexandre Dumas, first published in 1845. It is the sequel to The Three Musketeers and part of the D’Artagnan Romances series.

The novel follows the adventures of d’Artagnan’s sons as they fight to protect France from the machinations of Cardinal Mazarin, the chief minister of King Louis XIV.

The novel also follows the fortunes of the other musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, and their respective families.

Number of downloads: 122,260

⇢ Download

15. Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Published in 1818, this famous classic novel follows a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein who creates a hideous sapient creature out of body parts of the dead.

The creature is rejected by society and ultimately seeks revenge on his creator.

The book combines elements of the Gothic novel and the Romantic movement, and is considered one of the first true science-fiction stories.

Number of downloads: 67,212

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16. A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens

First published on December 19, 1843, this novella is considered one of the most popular and beloved Christmas stories of all time.

The story follows the miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show him the error of his ways, and how to be a better man.

The tale of redemption of the human spirit has been adapted for stage, film, and television many times over the years.

Number of downloads: 61,046

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17. Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen

The world’s beloved novel of manners is set in rural England at the beginning of the 19th century and follows the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and her love interest Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

We follow the five Bennet sisters as they navigate their way through their family’s financial struggles, the pressures of marriage and society, and their own personal feelings.

Through witty dialogue and character development, Austen explores themes of love, class, and pride.

Number of downloads: 55,220

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18. The Scarlet Letter

Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter is a classic novel by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in 1850.

The book tells the story of Hester Prynne, a young woman who conceives a child while living in an oppressive Puritan society.

The novel examines the effects of societal pressure on an individual, as well as themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.

Number of downloads: 29,696

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19. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll

A classic novel by Lewis Carroll tells the story of a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar, anthropomorphic creatures.

The tale plays with logic, giving the story lasting popularity with adults as well as children. Its narrative course and structure have been enormously influential, notably in the fantasy genre.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is considered to be one of the most characteristic examples of the genre of literary nonsense. 

Number of downloads: 26,550

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20. The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar Wilde

Dorian Gray is a handsome young man whose life is forever changed after he has a mysterious portrait of himself made.

The portrait ages while Dorian himself stays young and beautiful, and he soon learns the hard way that the consequences of his vanity and hedonism are dire. 

The novel is considered a classic of English literature, and is a cautionary tale about the power of beauty, morality, and the ability of art to influence life.

Number of downloads: 24,172

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All images: Project Gutenberg, Wikipedia.

Keep exploring. Here are other lists and tips:

Haruki Murakami once said, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”

It applies perfectly to reading, but when it comes to picking up a book to give as a gift, you should rather follow the opposite direction – and gift what everyone else is gifting.

Why are most gifted books the best possible way to avoid that ugly moment when someone is unboxing your present and finds it irrelevant? 

There is a general problem with other book recommendation tools: book bestseller lists, book awards, book reviews, or book recommendation from influencers.

Publications included in these lists are great when you are looking for something you’d like to read yourself.

The thing is that not every best selling book would make a great gift. And not every book that’s a great gift would make it to a bestseller list.

The problem with book reviews or book recommendations is even simpler. Someone, even the most renowned authority, can’t know what other bookworms love to read.

What about most gifted books? Thousands of people who have the same goal – find an appropriate gift – can’t be wrong. And you can follow their decisions because they are recommending specific books using their wallets.

Did you know that Amazon has a list of top 100 books ordered as gifts? 

For obvious reasons, the ranking is mostly populated by books for children, but you can also find here the ones that would make a perfect gift for an adult bookworm in your life.

If you’d like to learn more about the most popular books ordered as gifts on Amazon, make sure to read our expensive guide: Things to know about Amazon’s most gifted books and audiobooks.

Most gifted books are the safest gifts you can buy. However, if you still worry that the book you choose will not be met by the burst of enthusiasm, you should look for a non-book gift for a book lover in your life.

Tip: Most books in the following list are available in print (paperback and/or hardcover), Kindle edition, and as an Audible audiobook.

20 most gifted books to buy as gifts this season

1. The Light We Carry

Michelle Obama

In The Light We Carry, Michelle Obama shares stories and reflections on building relationships, finding strength in differences, managing self-doubt, and more.

She offers readers practices like “starting kind” and “going high” to help them adapt to change and overcome obstacles.

The book encourages readers to recognize their own light and use it to live with boldness.

Michelle Obama’s latest book is a rewarding blend of powerful stories and profound advice that will ignite conversation.

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2. Interesting Facts for Curious Minds

Jordan Moore

The book includes 1,572 mind-blowing facts about history, science, pop culture – and everything in between. It’s a great book for people of any age, who are curious about the world.

Interesting Facts For Curious Minds is a book divided into 63 chapters with 25 factoids each, giving readers a mix of science, history, pop culture, and more.

It can be read cover to cover or used to connect with friends and family, making it a great tool to pass time and learn new things.

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3. It Starts with Us

Colleen Hoover

It’s one of the most talked-about and awarded books of 2022, named by USA Today “the queen of the bestseller lists.” It’s the second book in the best selling series, It Ends with Us.

Lily, recently divorced, is unexpectedly reunited with her first love, Atlas, and is thrilled when he asks her out.

She knows, however, that Ryle, her ex-husband, will not be happy about it, and must find a way to balance her new romance with her coparenting relationship with Ryle. 

Both Lily and Atlas’s perspectives are explored as they attempt to make their relationship work despite the obstacles in their way.

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4. It Ends with Us

Colleen Hoover

It’s the first book from Colleen Hoover’s famous romance series. Therefore, I recommend buying for a gift both It Ends with Us (Book 1) and It Starts with Us (Book 2).

Lily has worked hard to move on from her small-town upbringing and is now living in Boston and running her own business.

She meets Ryle Kincaid, a successful neurosurgeon, and despite his aversion to relationships, they share a spark.

But when her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, Lily’s world is thrown into chaos as she has to decide what she truly wants.

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5. Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Ina Garten

In Go-to Dinners, America’s favorite home cook presents delicious, crowd-pleasing, go-to recipes that you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ina Garten’s new book offers recipes for easy, satisfying meals that can be made ahead or with store-bought ingredients.

It provides recipes for one-dish meals, light dinners, family meals, breakfast-for-dinner, and desserts, as well as tips for turning leftovers into something new.

These recipes will give you the confidence to create dinners that will bring everyone to your table.

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6. Fairy Tale

Stephen King

In his newest book, Stephen King goes into the deepest well of his imagination, telling the story about a seventeen-year-old boy who inherits the keys to a parallel world.

Charlie Reade is a seventeen-year-old high school student who lost his mom to a hit-and-run accident and whose dad is an alcoholic.

He meets a dog named Radar and her aging master, Howard Bowditch, and starts doing jobs for him.

When Bowditch dies, he leaves Charlie a cassette tape revealing a secret – that in his backyard shed is a portal to another world.

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7. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

Matthew Perry

A memoir by a beloved star of Friends is a perfect gift, not only for fans of the legendary TV series.

Matthew Perry takes us on his journey from childhood to fame and addiction, detailing his fractured family, desire for recognition, and void that fame couldn’t fill.

He shares stories about his cast mates and other stars, and details his battle with addiction and what fueled it despite having it all.

“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”

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8. The Boys from Biloxi

John Grisham

John Grisham returns to Mississippi with the riveting story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends, but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law.

Two childhood friends in Biloxi, Keith and Hugh, chose different paths – Keith followed in his father’s footsteps and became a prosecutor, while Hugh’s father was the “Boss” of Biloxi’s criminal underground. Their families were headed for a showdown in a courtroom.

Grisham’s trademark twists and turns will keep you tearing through the pages until the stunning conclusion.

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9. Lessons in Chemistry

Bonnie Garmus

A new novel by Bonnie Garmus is among the best books picked by The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, and Oprah Daily.

Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the early 1960s who, against all odds, finds herself the star of a popular cooking show.

She uses her scientific background to revolutionize the way women cook and challenges the status quo.

Laugh-out-loud funny and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

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10. Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver

From the acclaimed author of The Poisonwood Bible comes a brilliant novel that enthralls and captures the heart as it evokes a young hero’s unforgettable journey to maturity.

Many generations ago, Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield from his experience as a survivor of institutional poverty and its damages to children in his society.

Demon Copperhead is a story about a young boy from Appalachia who must overcome the hardships of foster care, addiction, and poverty to find his place in the world.

Despite his struggles, he maintains a fierce spirit and a talent for survival.

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Continued…

11. Faith Still Moves Mountains by Harris Faulkner

12. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

13. Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

14. Atomic Habits by James Clear

15. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

16. 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do by Joe Yogerst

17. Life Skills for Teens by Karen Harris

18. The Book of Unusual Knowledge by Publications International

19. And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle by Jon Meacham

20. Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono

⇢ Most gifted books

Keep exploring. Here are other lists and tips for modern book lovers: