New Yorkers' Favorite Books Revealed in New Study

From mythological adventures to family stories, the most popular books among New York readers are uncovered.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:48am

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A new study analyzing Google Trends data has found the most popular books among New York readers, with the Percy Jackson series and Junot Díaz's "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" topping the lists for young adult and 21st century bestsellers, respectively.

Why it matters

The study provides insight into the reading preferences of New Yorkers, offering publishers and authors valuable data on the types of books that resonate most with readers in the state. Understanding these trends can help shape future book recommendations and marketing efforts.

The details

The researchers looked at over 200 books that appeared on the New York Times bestseller list to determine the most popular titles in each state. For young adult books, the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, particularly "The Lightning Thief", was found to be the most searched for in New York. In the 21st century bestseller category, Junot Díaz's "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" topped the list for New York readers.

  • The study was published on March 16, 2026.

The players

Percy Jackson & the Olympians

A popular young adult book series that follows a young boy who discovers he is the son of a Greek god and goes on an adventure filled with mythology, monsters, and heroes.

Junot Díaz

An author whose novel "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" was found to be the most popular 21st century bestseller among New York readers. The novel blends history, culture, and humor as it follows the life of a young Dominican-American man.

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The takeaway

This study highlights the enduring appeal of mythological tales and diverse, character-driven stories among New York readers, underscoring the importance for publishers and authors to understand regional book trends to better serve their audiences.