* Sales: This is a common metric, but it can be skewed by factors like time of publication, genre, and marketing.
* Library checkouts: This gives a good idea of what people are actually reading, but doesn't account for books owned privately.
* Reader surveys: These can be helpful, but they are often biased towards specific demographics.
* Critical acclaim: This is a measure of quality, but doesn't always reflect popularity.
However, some books consistently rank high in various popularity lists and are considered to be among the most popular in the English-speaking world. Here are a few examples:
* The Bible: One of the best-selling books of all time, with billions of copies sold.
* Harry Potter series: A beloved series for all ages, with over 500 million copies sold worldwide.
* The Lord of the Rings trilogy: A classic fantasy series with a dedicated fanbase.
* The Twilight Saga: A popular young adult series that sparked a cultural phenomenon.
* The Da Vinci Code: A bestselling mystery novel that ignited public interest in historical fiction.
Ultimately, the "most popular" book is subjective and depends on how you define popularity. However, the books listed above are all incredibly popular and have left a lasting impact on the English-speaking world.