The 24 most-read and best-loved books first published in 1999, with the numbers behind each one.
The best books first published in 1999, ranked by what readers actually do: how many shelved them, how they rate them, and how many are reading them now. 1999 is complete, so this list updates only when reader numbers move meaningfully.
For the books readers love across all years see the Top 100. For the hottest brand-new releases see Rising.
← Best Books of 1998Best Books of 2000 →
J. K. Rowling · 1999
A notorious prisoner escapes, and Harry learns the truth about his family. Often named as the series' best-loved entry.
Why it’s here: 5,733 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.2 out of 5 (645 ratings); 302 are reading it right now.
Best for: Fans continuing the Harry Potter series
Stephen Chbosky · 1999
A shy freshman writes letters about friendship, first love, and hard truths as he finds his place in high school. Honest, tender, and with heavy themes.
Why it’s here: 2,900 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.3 out of 5 (110 ratings); 141 are reading it right now.
Best for: Older teens and adults, check content notes
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam · 1999
The memoir of India's missile scientist and later president, telling the story of a boy from a small town who rose through determination. Inspiring and widely read across India.
Why it’s here: 2,389 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.3 out of 5 (104 ratings); 309 are reading it right now.
Best for: Students and readers who like inspiring life stories
Stephen King · 1999
Stephen King combines a writing guide with a memoir of his own life. It explains what pushed him toward becoming a writer and how he reached his success, so it can appeal even to readers with no ambitions of writing.
Why it’s here: 1,029 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.1 out of 5 (85 ratings); 51 are reading it right now.
Best for: Aspiring writers and curious readers wondering how Stephen King became a success
Lemony Snicket · 1999
After their parents die suddenly, the three Baudelaire children have only each other and their wits to rely on. Their newly appointed guardian, a distant relative, will stop at nothing to get hold of their fortune.
Why it’s here: 1,013 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.2 out of 5 (94 ratings); 54 are reading it right now.
Best for: Readers who like stories of orphaned siblings relying on cleverness against a scheming guardian
Sister Souljah · 1999
Winter, the quick-witted, business-minded daughter of a prominent Brooklyn drug-dealing family, knows the streets of New York intimately. When her life turns in an unwanted direction, her street smarts and seductive skills are tested, and she refuses to lose.
Why it’s here: 1,029 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.2 out of 5 (26 ratings); 42 are reading it right now.
Best for: Readers who want a gritty New York street story with a determined heroine
Robin S. Sharma · 1999
A successful lawyer named Julian Mantle suffers a physical and emotional breakdown that forces him to rethink how he lives. His journey offers lessons for releasing your potential and finding passion, purpose and peace.
Why it’s here: 1,937 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.9 out of 5 (64 ratings); 161 are reading it right now.
Best for: Readers seeking a fable-style guide to balance, fulfillment and personal growth
Laurie Halse Anderson · 1999
Melinda starts freshman year as an outcast after calling the police on an end-of-summer party, and gradually nearly stops speaking. Through her art class she faces the truth that she was raped at that party, and she finally fights back instead of staying silent.
Why it’s here: 1,337 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.9 out of 5 (98 ratings); 61 are reading it right now.
Best for: Teen readers who want a powerful story about finding your voice and speaking up
Marshall B. Rosenberg · 1999
Using stories, examples and sample dialogues, this book shows how compassionate communication can resolve differences at home, at work and in politics. It teaches readers to name feelings and needs, express anger, use empathy, and connect compassionately with themselves.
Why it’s here: 394 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.5 out of 5 (20 ratings); 28 are reading it right now.
Best for: Anyone wanting calmer, more honest conversations with family, colleagues and friends
Andy Hunt · 1999
First written in 1999 by Dave Thomas and Andy Hunt, this influential guide looks at the essence of software development regardless of language or framework. The updated edition covers personal responsibility, career growth and flexible code architecture, helping programmers build habits for lasting success.
Why it’s here: 470 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.3 out of 5 (53 ratings).
Best for: New coders, experienced programmers and managers responsible for software projects
Nicholas Sparks · 1999
Landon Carter recalls his final year at Beaufort High in 1958 and the unlikely bond he formed with Jamie, the quiet daughter of the local Baptist minister. Sparks drew inspiration for this moving story from his sister's courage.
Why it’s here: 499 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.9 out of 5 (25 ratings); 41 are reading it right now.
Best for: Readers who enjoy tender, nostalgic love stories set in a small town
Neil Gaiman · 1999
In the English hamlet of Wall, young Tristran Thorn, smitten with the beautiful Victoria Forester, makes an impulsive promise to her. His vow sends him through the gap in the village's wall and into a thrilling adventure.
Why it’s here: 587 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.9 out of 5 (86 ratings).
Best for: Readers who like fairy-tale style fantasy adventures driven by young love
Eoin Colfer · 1999
Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a wealthy genius and budding criminal mastermind who kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short. He quickly learns these fairies are dangerous, and the plan spirals into a twisting, magical adventure.
Why it’s here: 506 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.8 out of 5 (58 ratings).
Best for: Young readers who like clever anti-heroes, magic, and fast-paced adventure
Simon Singh · 1999
Singh traces the story of encryption and how secret codes have shaped wars, nations, and individual lives, from Mary, Queen of Scots to the Navajo Code Talkers. Clear explanations and vivid portraits of codemakers and codebreakers accompany the narrative.
Why it’s here: 376 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.1 out of 5 (43 ratings).
Best for: Curious readers who enjoy history, mathematics, and the hidden world of secrecy
Walter Dean Myers · 1999
Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is on trial as an accomplice to murder. He sets down his time in prison and the courtroom as a film script while trying to understand how his life reached this point.
Why it’s here: 471 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.7 out of 5 (20 ratings); 37 are reading it right now.
Best for: Teen readers drawn to courtroom drama and inventive, experimental storytelling formats
Stephen King · 1999
This collection gathers two novellas and three short stories linked by recurring characters and set roughly in order. Each looks at the 1960s and Vietnam, showing a generation that failed its ideals or pays for that failure.
Why it’s here: 453 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.8 out of 5 (35 ratings).
Best for: Readers drawn to linked stories about the Baby Boomers, the 1960s and Vietnam
Michael Morpurgo · 1999
After being washed overboard during a storm on a family sailing trip, Michael lands on a remote island and finds he is not alone. He befriends Kensuke, a former Japanese soldier, whose difficult choice tests their bond.
Why it’s here: 356 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.9 out of 5 (17 ratings); 20 are reading it right now.
Best for: Young readers who love island survival tales and moving friendships between unlikely companions
Lemony Snicket · 1999
The Baudelaire orphans, billed as the unluckiest children around, set off on another misfortunate adventure. They escaped Count Olaf once, but the scheming villain is not ready to give up, and their luck stays poor.
Why it’s here: 261 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.2 out of 5 (30 ratings).
Best for: Young readers who enjoy darkly humorous series about plucky, unlucky siblings
Steven Erikson · 1999
The sprawling Malazan empire, worn down by endless war, faces unrest while Empress Lasseen eyes the last free city, Darujhistan. Soldiers, sorcerers, and even the gods are drawn into a vast game, launching an epic series.
Why it’s here: 380 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4 out of 5 (59 ratings).
Best for: Epic fantasy fans who want a complex mythology and a large cast
Gabor Maté · 1999
Dr. Gabor Maté argues that social and emotional surroundings help cause and treat attention deficit disorder, even if genetics play a part. Drawing on personal experience, he covers its effects on children and adults, plus treatments.
Why it’s here: 333 readers have shelved it on Open Library.
Best for: Parents and adults seeking a thoughtful, experience-based look at ADD
Thomas Harris · 1999
Set seven years after The Silence of the Lambs, this novel follows FBI Special Agent Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lecter. One of Lecter's former victims is intent on getting revenge.
Why it’s here: 261 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.3 out of 5 (14 ratings).
Best for: Thriller readers who enjoyed The Silence of the Lambs and want its sequel
Charles Petzold · 1999
Using everyday things like Braille, Morse code and flashlights, this book unpacks how computers really work and why people have always invented new ways to communicate. It is illustrated, approachable, and aimed at any reader curious about the hidden life of smart machines.
Why it’s here: 255 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 4.2 out of 5 (22 ratings).
Best for: Curious readers of any technical level who want to understand how computers work
Philip Pullman · 1999
The closing chapter of the His Dark Materials trilogy sends Lyra and Will into grave peril as they venture to a gloomy realm no living person has entered. With allies like an armored bear, Lord Asriel's rebellion rages and the fate of the living and the dead rests on two children.
Why it’s here: 381 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.9 out of 5 (111 ratings).
Best for: Readers who want an epic, high-stakes fantasy finale with armored bears and angels
Louise Erdrich · 1999
Set around 1847 on an island in Lake Superior, this story follows a young Ojibwa girl named Omakayas. Drawing on the author's family history, it tells of Native American life from the inside, standing alongside the Little House books.
Why it’s here: 336 readers have shelved it on Open Library; readers rate it 3.6 out of 5 (10 ratings).
Best for: Young readers who enjoy Little House style stories told from a Native perspective
← Best Books of 1998Best Books of 2000 →
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We start with every book first published in 1999 on Open Library, then keep the ones with real evidence behind them: at least 300 readers and at least 3 editions, with a cover, in English. 52 books cleared that bar for 1999, and the 24 below scored highest. No author appears more than twice. We publish a year only when at least 15 books clear the bar, so no list is thin.
| Signal | Weight | What it captures |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | 55% | How many readers have shelved the book on Open Library (want to read, reading, or read). |
| Reader love | 25% | Average reader rating, adjusted so a handful of ratings cannot inflate it. |
| Being read right now | 20% | How many Open Library readers are in the middle of it. |
Each signal is scored from 0 to 100 against the other 1999 books and blended with the weights above. The “why it’s here” line on each book is built from its real numbers. Descriptions are paraphrased from real source text.
This list reflects reading interest on public data, not quality, sales or awards, and it can be affected by data gaps. Open Library counts grow over time, so older books have had longer to gather readers; every book on this page is compared only against books from the same year.
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