Why did we love Erast Fandorin, what explains the Harry Potter phenomenon, and what can J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” teach us? Why don't we take thick paper books on trips anymore? What does the “great American novel” have in common with the Russian novel? How does a detective story work and why do we so often dislike translations? What is the Nobel Prize actually given for and why should the choice of Swedish academics be treated with respect and trust, even if you personally don’t like it? How do modern children read and what should parents who read differently in childhood do about it? Most of the essays in the book by literary critic Galina Yuzefovich “What Best Sellers Are Talking About” are accompanied by lists of recommendations - you will have something to read after this book...