31 Books That Made TIME’s 100 Best Books of the Year and PEOPLE’s Book Picks — Did Your Favorite Make the Cut?

31 Top Books of the Year According to TIME and PEOPLE

When it comes to finding a good book, expert readers can make all the difference. This week, TIME Magazine unveiled its highly anticipated 100 Best Books of 2025 list, featuring a diverse selection of literary gems. Among the list, several titles are sure to be recognised by avid readers of PEOPLE. From Elizabeth Gilbert’s poignant new memoir to a captivating biography of Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as the latest offering from Taylor Jenkins Reid and family sagas by Kevin Wilson and Oyinkan Braithwaite, the list has something for every reader’s taste.

Bryan Washington’s “Palaver” is a quietly funny novel delving into themes of forgiveness and reconciliation as a man navigates complex family dynamics in Tokyo. Oyinkan Braithwaite’s “Cursed Daughters” is a fantastical tale of superstition, family curses, and second chances that promises a thrilling read. Gish Jen’s “Bad Bad Girl” traces a heartwarming yet complex mother-daughter relationship against the backdrop of different cultural influences.

Susan Orlean’s “Joyride” offers a captivating memoir exploring a myriad of topics from surfing to taxidermy, promising an absorbing read for nonfiction lovers. While Megha Majumdar’s “A Guardian and a Thief” weaves a gripping narrative set in a dystopian Kolkata, offering a glimpse into a world ravaged by natural disasters. Lily King’s “Heart the Lover” delves into a bittersweet love triangle among ambitious college students with poignant observations on first love.

Kiran Desai’s “The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” promises readers a sweeping love story that transcends continents and time. Souvankham Thammavongsa’s “Pick a Color” offers insightful depictions of privilege and the service industry in a cracklingly tense novel. Elizabeth Gilbert’s “All the Way to the River” is a gasp-inducing memoir that reflects on love, loss, and liberation, offering readers a poignant and unmissable narrative.

Mary Roach’s “Replaceable You” takes readers on an adventure into human anatomy, exploring the wonders of modern medicine with her signature wit and insight. Bolu Babalola’s “Sweet Heat” offers a delightful enemies-to-lovers tale set at a friend’s wedding, promising a fun and engaging romantic read. Miriam Toews’ “A Truce That Is Not Peace” is an incandescent novel that probes deep philosophical questions through poignant storytelling.

Elaine Hsieh Chou’s “Where Are You Really From” is a collection of surreal and evocative stories that delve into desire and self-deception with a touch of the bizarre. Jason Mott’s “People Like Us” is an electric novel that follows two Black writers on contrasting paths, delivering a tour de force of humor and emotion. Xenobe Purvis’ “The Hounding” offers a sharp and incisive tale blending horror and societal commentary, promising a spine-tingling read.

In a literary landscape filled with compelling narratives and diverse voices, the books featured on TIME’s 100 Best Books of 2025 list and PEOPLE’s Book Picks showcase the richness and depth of contemporary literature. From memoirs to fantastical tales, these books offer readers an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience that is sure to stay with them long after they have turned the last page.