Barnes & Noble Announces ‘Mona’s Eyes’ as Book of the Year
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Barnes & Noble has revealed the 2025 Books of the Year, with “Mona’s Eyes” taking the prestigious title. The bookseller, known for championing exceptional literature, named four outstanding books for this year’s honour, celebrating exceptional storytelling across different genres.
The annual honours saw “Mona’s Eyes” by Thomas Schlesser claim the coveted Book of the Year accolade. The novel narrates the tale of Mona, who faces a temporary blindness incident and grapples with the fear of permanent loss of sight. To preserve the beauty of art, she commits various masterpieces to memory with her grandfather, Henry, on their weekly visits to Parisian museums.
Schlesser expressed his delight at the recognition, highlighting the book’s exploration of art’s significance in life. Barnes & Noble CEO, James Daunt, commended the novel for its poignant themes of love, family, beauty, and memory, underscoring its profound impact on readers.
In a remarkable moment, the Children’s Book of the Year category saw two winners for the first time. Beth Ferry’s “Growing Home” and Ross Montgomery’s “I Am Rebel” captivated young readers with engaging narratives filled with adventure and heartwarming characters. The recognition underscores the power of storytelling in captivating audiences of all ages.
Samin Nosrat’s “Good Things” was named Gift Book of the Year, standing out as a culinary masterpiece that not only offers delectable recipes but also emphasises the communal aspect of food and cooking. Nosrat’s cookbook invites readers to gather and bond over the joys of preparing and sharing meals together.
The Barnes & Noble Books of the Year initiative, which began in 2020, aims to highlight exceptional literary works that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact. Previous honorees have included acclaimed titles such as Percival Everett’s “James” and Paul McCartney’s “The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present.”
The recognition of these outstanding works underscores the significance of storytelling in enriching lives and fostering a love for literature across diverse audiences. Barnes & Noble’s commitment to promoting exceptional books ensures that readers have access to captivating stories that inspire, entertain, and provoke thought.
As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these gifted authors, we are reminded of the power of literature to transcend boundaries, ignite imaginations, and bring communities together through the shared love of storytelling. The 2025 Books of the Year exemplify the best in contemporary literature, offering readers a glimpse into the diverse and captivating world of books.