Top 10 Books to Read in 2025 Editor’s Picks

Top 10 books of 2025: Bold, brilliant reads handpicked to inspire and engage.

Here are 10 standout books to read in 2025, handpicked by editors and critics for their literary excellence, timely themes, and compelling storytelling:

The Emperor of Gladness Ocean Vuong’s highly anticipated novel, The Emperor of Gladness, delves into themes of memory, labor, and identity, drawing from Vuong's own experiences in the service industry and elder care. The novel challenges the notion of the "model minority" narrative, offering a nuanced portrayal of immigrant life.

Audition Katie Kitamura's Audition presents a gripping narrative set in New York City, where an actress encounters a mysterious young man claiming to be her son. This novel explores themes of identity and the complexities of human connection.

To Save and to Destroy Pulitzer Prize–winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen's essay collection, To Save and to Destroy, reflects on the enduring impact of the Vietnam War and explores themes of solidarity and anti-colonial thought, offering a profound examination of identity and history. 

We Do Not Part Han Kang's We Do Not Part is a poignant exploration of grief and memory, set against the backdrop of the Jeju massacre. The novel follows a woman's journey to Jeju Island, reflecting on the legacy of historical trauma and personal loss. 

James Percival Everett's James reimagines Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck. This novel delves into themes of race, identity, and freedom, offering a fresh lens on a classic tale. 

The Stolen Queen Fiona Davis's The Stolen Queen intertwines two narratives—one set in 1936 Egypt and the other in 1978 New York City—centering on a missing antiquity and the lives of two women connected by it. The novel combines historical intrigue with a modern mystery. 

Onyx Storm Rebecca Yarros's Onyx Storm is the third installment in The Empyrean series, following Violet Sorrengail as she navigates the challenges of war and trust in a world filled with dragons and intrigue. The novel promises action-packed fantasy with emotional depth. 

Gliff Ali Smith's Gliff presents a dystopian vision of Britain, where surveillance and environmental collapse create an Orwellian landscape. Through the story of two siblings, the novel explores themes of resistance and survival in a decaying civilization. 

Mothers and Sons Adam Haslett's Mothers and Sons delves into the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on a gay immigration lawyer and his estranged mother. The novel explores themes of trauma, reconciliation, and the enduring bonds of family. 

The Hunter Tana French's The Hunter follows a retired detective investigating a mysterious disappearance in the Irish countryside. The novel blends psychological suspense with rich character development, offering a compelling read for thriller enthusiasts. 

These selections offer a diverse range of narratives, from historical fiction and literary explorations to thrilling mysteries and dystopian tales. Whether you're interested in revisiting classic stories through new perspectives or delving into contemporary issues, these books promise to captivate and provoke thought.

Books are important to read because they serve as powerful tools for personal growth, education, and connection. Here are key reasons why reading books matters:

1. Expands Knowledge

Books are a primary source of learning. Whether fiction or nonfiction, they expose you to new ideas, cultures, histories, and perspectives you might not encounter otherwise.

2. Improves Mental Stimulation and Focus

Reading keeps your brain active and engaged, which can improve cognitive function and focus over time. Studies suggest it may even help prevent mental decline as you age.

3. Enhances Vocabulary and Communication

The more you read, the more words and language structures you encounter. This naturally strengthens your vocabulary, comprehension, and ability to express yourself clearly.

4. Builds Empathy

Fiction in particular allows readers to step into someone else’s shoes, fostering understanding and compassion for people with different lives and experiences.

5. Reduces Stress

Reading can be a calming escape. It slows the heart rate and relaxes the mind, making it an effective stress reliever—often more than listening to music or going for a walk.

6. Boosts Imagination and Creativity

Books—especially fiction and speculative genres—stimulate the imagination. They encourage creative thinking by showing what’s possible, both in story and in life.

7. Develops Critical Thinking

Reading, especially nonfiction or complex narratives, challenges you to think analytically, evaluate arguments, and draw conclusions—skills that are vital in everyday decision-making.

8. Encourages Lifelong Learning

A habit of reading fosters curiosity and a hunger for knowledge, traits associated with lifelong personal and professional development.

9. Improves Writing Skills

Reading exposes you to different writing styles, which naturally influences and improves your own writing over time.

10. Connects You to Others

Books create shared experiences and spark conversations. They connect people across generations, cultures, and geographies.

In short, books are not just about information—they’re about transformation. Whether you're looking to grow intellectually, emotionally, or creatively, reading is one of the most effective tools at your disposal.

People get connected by different types of books in powerful and meaningful ways—books act as bridges between individuals, cultures, generations, and ideas. Here’s how:

1. Shared Stories Spark Conversation

When people read the same book—whether it's a bestseller like The Midnight Library or a classic like To Kill a Mockingbird—they share a common experience. This creates an instant bond and something to talk about, debate, or reflect on together.

Example: Book clubs bring people together who might not otherwise cross paths, all drawn by a shared interest in a story or topic.

2. Books Reflect Cultural Identity

Books rooted in specific cultures, histories, or communities allow readers to either see themselves reflected or learn about others. This fosters empathy and understanding across differences.

Example: A reader in Canada may read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah and gain insight into Nigerian identity and immigration experiences.

3. Genre Communities Form Around Shared Interests

Fans of certain genres—like fantasy, romance, sci-fi, or true crime—often form passionate communities online and offline. These groups share recommendations, theories, fan fiction, and even attend conventions.

Example: The global fandoms around Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, or The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros connect millions.

4. Books Can Unite Across Generations

Books that are passed down or read together (like children’s books or family sagas) create shared memories. Grandparents, parents, and children may all connect over the same story, but with different takeaways.

Example: Reading Charlotte’s Web or The Chronicles of Narnia with a child creates a lasting bond and opens up conversations about values, emotions, and imagination.

5. Nonfiction Sparks Informed Dialogue

Books on history, politics, science, or memoirs often drive public discourse and connect people around social issues, activism, and shared causes.

Example: Michelle Obama’s Becoming or Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime have led to discussions about race, identity, and resilience across the world.

6. Digital Platforms Enhance Connection

Apps like Goodreads, forums like Reddit’s r/books, or even BookTok (on TikTok) create vibrant digital communities where people recommend, review, and connect over books in real time.

7. Reading Builds Empathy

By immersing yourself in someone else’s experience, you connect emotionally with people—both real and fictional—that you might never meet otherwise. This helps readers connect better with those around them in real life too.

In short, books connect people through shared experiences, emotional understanding, and common interests. They open doors to dialogue and discovery, and in a world often divided, they help bring us closer together.

Conclusion: Top 10 Books to Read in 2025 – Editor’s Picks

The top books of 2025 offer a rich and diverse reading experience, showcasing some of the most compelling voices in contemporary literature. From deeply personal narratives like Ocean Vuong’s The Emperor of Gladness to gripping reimaginings like Percival Everett’s James, these editor’s picks reflect the world’s complexity and creativity.

Whether you're drawn to:

• Historical insights (To Save and to Destroy, We Do Not Part),

• Speculative futures (Gliff),

• Emotional family dramas (Mothers and Sons), or

• Epic fantasy (Onyx Storm),

—there’s something on this list to challenge your thinking, stir your emotions, and transport you to new places.

These books not only represent the best of modern storytelling but also open pathways for connection, reflection, and deeper understanding in an increasingly complex world. If you’re looking to elevate your reading list this year, these are the stories worth turning to.

Thanks for reading!!