People and The New York Times have curated a list of the top 14 books of 2025 that have captured the hearts and minds of readers. These selections cover a wide range of genres, from historical fiction to horror, ensuring there is something for every book lover to enjoy.
Starting off the list is “Playworld” by Adam Ross, a novel that delves into the life of a lonely teenager navigating the complexities of relationships in 1980s New York City. This profound story explores themes of identity and human connection, making it a compelling read for those looking for a thought-provoking narrative.
Geraldine Brooks’ “Memorial Days” follows the journey of a woman coping with the loss of her husband by immersing herself in writing about his life. This touching story of grief and healing resonates with readers, offering a glimpse into the power of storytelling as a means of processing loss.
Allegra Goodman’s “Isola” transports readers to sixteenth-century France, where a noblewoman finds herself stranded on an island after being betrayed by her guardian. Through her resilience and determination, Marguerite’s story captivates readers and showcases the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Stephen Graham Jones’ “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” presents a chilling tale of a vengeful vampire haunting a reservation, told through a unique narrative style that enhances the sense of dread. This masterful horror novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the mystery lurking within its pages.
Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping”, the eagerly anticipated prequel to the Hunger Games series, follows Haymitch Abernathy on a thrilling journey that serves as a commentary on contemporary societal issues. As Haymitch navigates the challenges of the Quarter Quell, readers are drawn into a world of suspense and intrigue that reflects our own reality.
David Szalay’s “Flesh” offers a poignant exploration of a young man’s life shaped by loneliness and desire in a Hungarian town. Through István’s experiences, readers gain insight into the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which our desires shape our destinies.
Dennard Dayle’s “How to Dodge a Cannonball” takes a satirical look at the Civil War through the eyes of a teenage idealist seeking to unravel the intricacies of the American Dream. This madcap adventure appeals to history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike, blending humour with historical insights.
V.E. Schwab’s “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” weaves together the stories of three women across different time periods, connected by the thread of vampirism. This atmospheric tale of love, desire, and rage invites readers into a world of gothic horror that challenges traditional narratives.
In Daniel Kraus’ “Angel Down”, a group of soldiers on a World War I battlefield discover an injured angel whose presence may hold the key to ending the war. This gripping novel explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of cooperation in the face of adversity, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of human nature.
Xenobe Purvis’ “The Hounding” puts a twist on the concept of transformation as the Mansfield sisters find themselves turning into dogs in their village. This incisive novel delves into themes of societal expectations and individual identity, drawing readers into a world where reality blurs with myth.
These 14 books represent a diverse range of voices and narratives that have resonated with readers in 2025. Whether delving into tales of horror, romance, or historical intrigue, each of these works offers a unique perspective on the human experience, inviting readers to immerse themselves in captivating stories that will stay with them long after the final page is turned.