Top 5 Most Read Books on Goodreads for the week of May 25, 2026

New Releases

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Published: April 7, 2026

Burke's debut novel has made a sensational mark in its first week, adding 35,548 ratings to reach a current total of 215,409 — a remarkable 20% growth. This compelling tale of a modern woman thrust into a 19th-century reality disrupts the conventional notion of time travel, drawing readers into a gripping narrative that challenges societal norms.

Stats: 179,861 → 215,409 (+35,548)

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Published: May 5, 2026

With a substantial increase of 16,336 ratings this week, Fortune's romance has swiftly gathered 64,041 ratings, showing a robust 34% growth. Its heartwarming exploration of friendship and love set against the backdrop of a wedding weekend captures the fluctuating emotions of young adults, resonating well with readers looking for depth amidst the drama.

Stats: 47,705 → 64,041 (+16,336)

A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman

Published: May 12, 2026

Dinniman’s latest installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series has been met with enthusiasm, gaining 10,800 ratings for a total of 31,142 — a staggering 53% growth. The blend of humor and absurdity in an escalating dungeon scenario demonstrates the appeal of well-established series as fans eagerly anticipate new content.

Stats: 20,342 → 31,142 (+10,800)

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

Published: March 24, 2026

Although it adds a more modest 10,580 this week, Jimenez's story continues to perform well with 187,389 current ratings, reflecting a solid 6% increase. Its exploration of personal choices and relationships indicates a steady interest from readers navigating complex emotional landscapes.

Stats: 176,809 → 187,389 (+10,580)

Backlist Risers

The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker

Published: May 19, 2026

Parker's sequel has surged impressively with a growth of 3,567 ratings this week for a total of 5,692 — a hefty 168% increase. The anticipation following the beloved predecessor is clear as readers flock to this vibrant fantasy world filled with magic and complex characters.

Stats: 2,125 → 5,692 (+3,567)

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig

Published: May 26, 2026

Haig's exploration of time travel and nostalgia has captured 874 new ratings, a remarkable 89% growth considering its early days only. As readers engage with the concept of reliving pivotal life moments, this book shows a captivating pull toward reflective storytelling in contemporary narratives.

Stats: 987 → 1,861 (+874)

The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff

Published: May 19, 2026

Gaining 3,014 ratings for a total of 7,696, Damoff's family drama showcases a solid 64% growth. Its examination of personal and familial conflicts against the backdrop of a physical disaster significantly resonates with audiences seeking depth in contemporary storytelling.

Stats: 4,682 → 7,696 (+3,014)

Broken Dove by Dani Francis

Published: May 12, 2026

Francis's sequel to Silver Elite has drawn 3,973 new ratings, reflecting a healthy 44% growth as total ratings reach 12,944. This surge indicates that readers are eager for more from the universe of complex loyalties and dystopian challenges the series presents.

Stats: 8,971 → 12,944 (+3,973)

The Takeaway

This week marks a notable momentum for new releases, with significant growth across several early offerings, most particularly seen in titles like Yesteryear, which topped the charts with a breathtaking 20% increase. However, backlist titles like The Ballad of Falling Dragons also demonstrate that established favorites continue to thrive; its 168% rise signals a strong ongoing interest in series and sequels amidst the readers’ landscape. Overall, the data suggests a vibrant mix of both rediscovery in backlist titles and fresh engagement with new releases this week.