Wikipedia has a page where you can see a list of the best-selling books ever. The list is not 100 percent accurate because it's difficult to determine exactly how many copies an older book has sold. I thought it would be interesting to see how these authors wrote the last paragraph in each book. We have already talked about the opening paragraph of the top selling books.
1. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."
2. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
He drew a deep breath. 'Well, I'm back,' he said.
3. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Look at it carefully so that you will be sure to recognise it in case you travel some day to the African desert. And, if you should come upon this spot, please do not hurry on. Wait for a time, exactly under the star. Then, if a little man appears who laughs, who has golden hair and who refuses to answer questions, you will know who he is. If this should happen, please comfort me. Send me word that he has come back.
4. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
5. Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin
"Come over," Chia Yün smiled, "and I'll tell you!" And as he uttered these words, he came up and drew her to him; but Hsiao Hung twisted herself round and ran away; but was however tripped over by the step of the door.
6. The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
"Thank goodness!" said Bilbo laughing, and handed him the tobacco-jar.
"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."
2. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
He drew a deep breath. 'Well, I'm back,' he said.
Look at it carefully so that you will be sure to recognise it in case you travel some day to the African desert. And, if you should come upon this spot, please do not hurry on. Wait for a time, exactly under the star. Then, if a little man appears who laughs, who has golden hair and who refuses to answer questions, you will know who he is. If this should happen, please comfort me. Send me word that he has come back.
4. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
When the sea goes down, there will come from the mainland boats and men. And they will find ten dead bodies and an unsolved problem on Indian Island.
"Come over," Chia Yün smiled, "and I'll tell you!" And as he uttered these words, he came up and drew her to him; but Hsiao Hung twisted herself round and ran away; but was however tripped over by the step of the door.
6. The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
"Thank goodness!" said Bilbo laughing, and handed him the tobacco-jar.
More articles in the same series: Best technical and creative writing resources
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