The life of books is hazardous. There are some that at first go unnoticed by readers, but over time extraliterary events take them to the top of the lists. For example, an award for a particular work may arouse curiosity regarding the writer’s previous work. That happened to the narrator Roberto Bolaño: upon receiving the Novel Anagram and the Rómulo Gallegos for the savage detectivesthe rest of his novels —until then very small editions— were devoured by those who fell under the spell of the Chilean.
Film adaptations are also hooks to capture readers: a film with succulent box office numbers arouses curiosity regarding the text that originated it. Sometimes books are commercial phenomena from the outset and maintain high sales rates for a long time—years or decades. The emblematic case of this is one hundred years of solitudeof Gabriel Garcia Marquez: the multiple editions of the Buendía saga are selling at a good pace.
The lists of best-seller books measure not only the tastes of the public: they also serve to know the dominant ideas and emotions of the times. In addition, book sales are conditioned by , by the success of editorial decisions —cover color, cover image, etc.—, by the essential word of mouth. Not always the best books—those written with intelligence and a good pen—immediately win the favor of the people. Nor are the books with the best sales figures those that will be part of the conversations of generations, what academics call literary canon.
In art, the lists serve to glimpse the concerns and predilections of the readers. This was done with data provided by the bookstores Te Creo, Grammata, Bukz and the Buscalibre platform. The two largest publishing labels in the Colombian market were also consulted: Random House and Planeta. What is left to read?
This pain is not mine
Mark Wolynn
The author postulates the idea that the family inheritance also includes traumas, pains and fears. Like genes, traumas, according to Wolynn, can be passed from one generation to another, conditioning people’s health.
infinity in a reed
Irene Vallejo
Since 2019, this book by the Spanish philologist Irene Vallejo has been a bestseller. It has been translated into numerous languages and received several awards. The text tells the story of the book and does so with a tone close to the non-specialized reader.
It may interest you: The writing of lucidity: a century of José Saramago
As
Carlos Jaramillo
The doctor Carlos Jaramillo offers recommendations to have a diet that helps to maintain health. There are also indications to exercise and be aware of what you eat. The book is part of a trilogy.
How to make good things happen to you
Marian Rojas Estapé
The Spanish doctor Marian Rojas reflects on the happy existence and gives advice. She recommends “exercising the will, putting emotional intelligence into motion, developing assertiveness, avoiding excessive self-criticism”, among other things.
reading is resisting
Mario Mendoza
Since the success of The oblivion that we will be, the work of the Antioquian has kept good sales numbers. This —his most recent novel by him— addresses a cultural moment in Medellín and rescues the figure of Father Luis Alberto Álvarez.
