Fiction:
* "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian young adult novel that blends action, adventure, and social commentary.
* "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson: A crime thriller with a unique protagonist and dark, complex themes.
* "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen: A classic romance novel known for its witty dialogue and enduring themes of love and social class.
* "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling: A fantasy series that captures the imagination of readers of all ages.
Non-fiction:
* "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari: A groundbreaking history book exploring the origins and evolution of humankind.
* "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg: A self-help book that explores the science behind habits and how to change them.
* "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer: A true story about a young man's journey to live off the grid in the Alaskan wilderness.
* "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot: A biography that delves into the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were used to create the first immortal human cell line.
Genre-Specific:
* Romance: "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks
* Mystery: "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
* Science Fiction: "Dune" by Frank Herbert
* Horror: "The Shining" by Stephen King
Key characteristics of popular literature:
* Wide readership: It appeals to a large audience, often across age groups and backgrounds.
* Engaging storytelling: It features compelling plots, relatable characters, and vivid descriptions.
* Accessibility: It is often written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to understand and enjoy.
* Cultural impact: Popular literature often reflects the cultural trends of its time and can shape public opinion.
Remember, this is just a small sample. Popular literature is constantly evolving, with new books and authors gaining popularity all the time.