Readers Matter More Than Bestseller Lists

Let’s talk about the bestseller list for a moment.

You know the one.
The list everyone is supposed to care about.
The list that quietly whispers, “If you’re not on me, are you even real?”

Here’s my honest question:

Is the bestseller list really that important?

Because if it is, then someone forgot to tell most readers.

Think about movies for a second.

How many times have you heard critics say, “This movie isn’t very good,” only to go see it anyway… and end up loving it?

It happens all the time.

You laugh. You enjoy it. You quote it later. And you walk out thinking, What were they watching?

That’s when you realize something important:

Critics don’t decide what you like. You do.

Books aren’t any different.

The bestseller list is a snapshot.
A moment in time.
A mix of timing, promotion, marketing budgets, and sometimes politics.

It doesn’t measure connection.
It doesn’t measure impact.
And it definitely doesn’t measure how a book changes someone’s thinking, direction, or life.

Some of the most meaningful books people read never touch a list.

They’re discovered because:

• A friend recommended them
• Someone mentioned them casually
• A reader took a chance
• Or they simply showed up at the right moment

That’s the kind of success I care about.

I’d rather have a book quietly help someone through a difficult season than spike for one week and disappear.

I’d rather hear, “This made me think,” than, “Congrats on the ranking.”

So yes, I’m making my own path.

I’m writing for readers, not lists.
I’m teaching while I’m learning.
I’m sharing ideas without waiting for permission.

Just like that movie you weren’t “supposed” to like—but did anyway.

Because in the end, readers matter more than bestseller lists.

And if a book finds the people it’s meant to reach?

That’s a win worth far more than a number.

— Bruce Goldwell

P.S.
So why not do what we all do with movies?

Pick a book that interests you.
Read it.
Then write your own review based on what you thought.

Congratulations — you are now officially your own judge of what’s good or bad. 😄

If you’re curious, you can browse my books here:
https://amzn.to/4aiaRQG

No critics required.