New Delhi: The year 2025 has been a spectacular one for book lovers, with a wave of must-read books captivating readers worldwide. From gripping thrillers
to poignant memoirs and insightful non-fiction, these top books to read in 2025 have set social media and book clubs abuzz. Whether you are looking for the bestselling books of 2025 or highly recommended books of 2025, this list promises titles that have reshaped reading trends and sparked countless conversations across platforms. Dive into the literary buzz everyone’s talking about.
Bookstores and online platforms alike are showcasing the best books of 2025 — a diverse mix that appeals to all reading tastes. These popular books of 2025 are not only commercial successes but also critical favourites, offering fresh perspectives and compelling narratives. Ready to update your reading list with the bestsellers of 2025? Prepare to find your next page-turner among these best books to read that are sure to linger in your thoughts long after the last chapter.
Must-read books of 2025
1. Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
A heartfelt tale of Midwestern families linked by a secret, Buckeye has won praise for its intimate storytelling and emotional depth. It’s one of the bestselling books of 2025 for a reason.
Summary: Buckeye explores the intertwined lives of families grappling with love, loss, and heritage in a tight-knit community, revealing deep emotional truths that resonate universally.
2. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
A lyrical novel exploring vulnerability and human connection in a fictional town, this book stands out among the highly recommended books of 2025 for its poetic prose and emotional resonance.
Summary: With poetic grace, this novel journeys through the challenges and bonds of a small town, vividly portraying human fragility and the redemptive power of connection.
3. Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
In this memoir, Roy blends humour with candid reflections on family and politics, revitalising the memoir genre and becoming a viral hit among readers.
Summary: Roy’s memoir combines sharp wit with powerful insights, narrating her personal journey intertwined with social and political critique, making it a compelling reflection on identity and society.
4. Salvage by Jennifer Mills
A gripping narrative about climate change, Salvage invites readers to reflect deeply on environmental issues, making it one of the popular books of 2025 that combines storytelling with activism.
Summary: Salvage confronts climate change through rich storytelling, illustrating urgency and hope, encouraging readers toward awareness and action on global ecological crises.
5. Rock Flight by Hasib Hourani
This book-length poem mesmerises with its vivid imagery and powerful emotions, earning acclaim for its unique literary form and making it a must-read book for poetry lovers.
Summary: Rock Flight captures a vivid emotional landscape through evocative poetry, exploring themes of loss, longing, and transcendence that deeply move readers.
6. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
This bestseller has captured hearts with its complex characters and poignant themes, cementing its place among the best books of 2025 for readers who love contemporary fiction.
Summary: Henry’s novel delights with relatable, layered characters facing love and life’s challenges, offering an emotionally rich, contemporary narrative that resonates widely.
7. Yilkari: A Desert Suite by Nicolas Rothwell and Alison Nampitjinpa Anderson
Delving into the mysteries of the Australian landscape, this novel invites readers on a profound journey, making it a standout among 2025’s best-selling books.
Summary: Set against the stark beauty of the Australian desert, Yilkari explores cultural identity and belonging through a deeply poetic and introspective narrative.
8. Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs
An intricate biography portraying the multifaceted life of James Baldwin, this book has gained popularity for its insightful exploration of identity, making it a highly recommended 2025 read.
Summary: This biography unpacks the complexity of Baldwin’s life and work, highlighting his enduring impact on race, sexuality, and the American literary landscape.
9. Nature’s Last Dance by Natalie Kyriacou
A hopeful yet urgent narrative about environmental conservation, this title mixes inspiration with critical messages, securing its spot among the top books to read in 2025.
Summary: Kyriacou’s narrative urges action while celebrating nature’s beauty, blending inspiration with sober environmental realities to motivate change.
10. The Age of Diagnosis by Suzanne O’Sullivan
A critical examination of over-diagnosis in health culture, it challenges readers to think deeply and has become one of the bestsellers of 2025 in non-fiction.
Summary: This book scrutinises the health industry’s diagnosis trends, questioning the balance between medical care and over-medicalisation with thought-provoking analysis.
The bestselling books of 2025 offer a rich tapestry of voices and stories that reflect our changing world and human experiences. These popular books of 2025 don’t just entertain but inspire conversations and deeper understanding. Make sure to add these highly recommended books of 2025 to your personal collection for unforgettable reading journeys.
