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1996 Books

From bestselling novels to critically acclaimed works, 1996 was filled with captivating stories that have stood the test of time. In this list, we highlight the most popular books of 1996, celebrating the titles that topped the charts and won the hearts of book lovers everywhere.

The Rainmaker
Written by: John Grisham
Outline: #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER It's summer in Memphis. Rudy Baylor is sweaty and his creditors are following him. He once had dreams of getting through law school and living the good life.
Falling Up
Written by: Shel Silverstein
Outline: A beautiful collection of poetry and drawings by Shel Silverstein (New York Times bestseller), comes this book.
The Runaway Jury
Written by: John Grisham
Outline: #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Written by: John Berendt
Outline: In the early morning hours of May 2, 1981, shots rang out from Savannah's grandest mansion. Is it murder? Or self-defense? The shooting and its aftermath were heard throughout the hauntingly beautiful city of shaded squares and moss-hung oaks for …
Into the Wild
Written by: Jon Krakauer
Outline: A young man from a wealthy family hitchhiked to Alaska in April 1992. He walked alone through the wilderness north and west of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
Written by: Rebecca Wells
Outline: Siddalee Walker's interview about a hit play she directed leads to her mother, Vivi Abbott Walker, disowning her. Sidda begs for forgiveness, and the Ya-Yas intervene, convincing Vivi to send Sidda a scrapbook of their childhood memories, which helps Sidda …
Fight Club
Written by: Chuck Palahniuk
Outline: Chuck Palahniuk's debut novel presents a visionary satire, where the narrator becomes enthralled by Tyler Durden, who organizes secret underground fight clubs. This groundbreaking work delves into the darkness underlying the modern world.
The Green Mile
Written by: Stephen King
Outline: The Cold Mountain Penitentiary's Green Mile houses condemned killers awaiting execution, but the arrival of the mysterious John Coffey, sentenced for a heinous crime, raises questions about his true nature and the wonders that may lie beyond the confines of …
Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy
Written by: Frances Mayes
Outline: Enchanting and lyrical exploration of Tuscan life, traditions, and cuisine, akin to Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence. Frances Mayes discovers unexpected treasures while restoring an abandoned villa in the Tuscan countryside, offering readers a poetic and discerning perspective on …
Infinite Jest
Written by: David Foster Wallace
Outline: This sprawling, thought-provoking work delves into the American pursuit of happiness, examining the role of entertainment in our lives and its impact on human connection. Blending philosophical inquiry and comedic elements, the novel pushes the boundaries of fiction while maintaining …