Libby’s Top 20 Books of 2025: A Closer Look at the Year’s Must-Reads
In the world of literature, selecting the best reads of the year can be a challenging task. Libby, the popular reading app, has recently unveiled its eagerly awaited list of the top 20 books of 2025. Libby, known for providing access to audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines through libraries, releases an annual compilation curated by librarians that showcases the most noteworthy and talked-about titles.
Covering a wide range of genres from fiction to nonfiction, including selections for kids, teens, and adults, Libby’s list of 100 favourite books offers something for every type of reader. This year’s selection highlights the standout titles that have captured readers’ imaginations and sparked conversations. The full list can be found on Libby’s website, but here are the top 20 picks to kickstart your reading journey.
1. ‘Audition’ by Katie Kitamura
‘Audition’ by Katie Kitamura is a compelling novel that explores the paths our lives could have taken in alternate timelines. This introspective tale follows a woman’s journey across two different realities, offering a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with readers.
2. ‘The Buffalo Hunter Hunter’ by Stephen Graham Jones
Stephen Graham Jones delivers a spine-tingling tale of horror in ‘The Buffalo Hunter Hunter.’ As a modern master of the genre, Jones weaves a gripping story about a vampire haunting the Blackfeet reservation, promising an immersive and chilling reading experience.
3. ‘The Emperor of Gladness’ by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong’s ‘The Emperor of Gladness’ is a poignant novel that delves into the unlikely friendship between a teenage boy and an aging widow. Through their connection, the characters navigate life’s complexities, leaving a profound impact on each other and the readers.
4. ‘Katabasis’ by R.F. Kuang
‘Katabasis’ by R.F. Kuang takes readers on a thrilling journey into the realms of magic, academia, and adventure. This novel follows two Cambridge students who must set aside their rivalry to embark on a perilous quest to rescue their professor from the depths of Hell.
5. ‘Abundance’ by Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein
In ‘Abundance,’ Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein explore the challenges behind America’s ambitious public projects, such as affordable housing and climate change. This eye-opening nonfiction work offers valuable insights into why these endeavours face persistent obstacles.
6. ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ by Suzanne Collins
Fans of the Hunger Games series will be thrilled by Suzanne Collins’ latest offering, ‘Sunrise on the Reaping.’ This eagerly anticipated addition to the universe follows Katniss Everdeen’s mentor, Haymitch, in a gripping tale set in the world of Panem.
7. ‘Great Big Beautiful Life’ by Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s ‘Great Big Beautiful Life’ is a charming rom-com that follows the intertwining lives of two journalists competing to ghostwrite the memoir of a former tabloid star. As their professional rivalry heats up, personal dynamics come into play, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
8. ‘King of Ashes’ by S.A. Cosby
S.A. Cosby’s ‘King of Ashes’ is a captivating blend of thriller and family drama, following a trio of siblings entangled in a dangerous world of gangsters after their father’s involvement in an accident. The novel promises gripping suspense and emotional depth.
9. ‘The Man Who Died Seven Times’ by Yasuhiko Nishizawa
Yasuhiko Nishizawa’s ‘The Man Who Died Seven Times’ offers a compelling mystery centred around a teen with a unique time-travelling ability. Determined to solve his grandfather’s murder, the protagonist embarks on a thrilling and immersive quest for justice.
10. ‘Flesh’ by David Szalay
David Szalay’s ‘Flesh,’ winner of this year’s Booker Prize, traces a young man’s journey across Europe, presenting a contemporary bildungsroman that resonates with readers. Through intricate storytelling, Szalay crafts a compelling narrative that explores themes of identity and growth.
11. ‘Baldwin’ by Nicholas Boggs
Nicholas Boggs’ ‘Baldwin’ offers an intimate portrayal of literary giant James Baldwin, exploring the influences and relationships that shaped his life and work. This insightful biography delves into Baldwin’s personal and artistic journey, shedding light on his enduring legacy.
12. ‘Is a River Alive?’ by Robert Macfarlane
Robert Macfarlane’s ‘Is a River Alive?’ invites readers to reconsider the natural world through a fresh lens, portraying rivers as living entities vital to our planet. This illuminating book delves into the intricate ecosystems of rivers, highlighting their significance in our environment.
13. ‘Flashlight’ by Susan Choi
Susan Choi’s ‘Flashlight’ presents a poignant family saga revolving around the mysterious disappearance of a father one summer night. Through compelling storytelling, Choi explores the far-reaching consequences of this event, drawing readers into a captivating narrative of love and loss.
14. ‘The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny’ by Kiran Desai
Kiran Desai’s ‘The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny’ weaves a touching tale of connection and destiny as two strangers, Sonia and Sonny, embark on a transformative journey together. This acclaimed novel celebrates the power of relationships in shaping our lives.
15. ‘The Wilderness’ by Angela Flournoy
Angela Flournoy’s ‘The Wilderness’ follows the lives of five Black women navigating their individual paths in different cities. As their journeys unfold over the years, the characters confront challenges that test the strength of their friendship, offering a rich and resonant portrayal of sisterhood.
16. ‘Bog Queen’ by Anna North
Anna North’s ‘Bog Queen’ delves into a gripping mystery when an anthropologist uncovers the preserved body of a woman in a bog. This discovery sets the stage for an enthralling investigation that intertwines with themes of self-discovery and revelation.
17. ‘Heart the Lover’ by Lily King
Lily King’s ‘Heart the Lover’ presents a moving narrative charting the tumultuous journey of three friends through life’s ups and downs. With heartfelt storytelling, King captures the essence of friendship and resilience, offering a compelling exploration of human connections.
18. ‘Angelica and the Bear Prince’ by Trung Le Nguyen
Trung Le Nguyen’s ‘Angelica and the Bear Prince’ is a heartwarming YA graphic novel that follows a high school student’s transformative encounters with the local theater’s mascot. This enchanting tale weaves themes of friendship and self-discovery, making it a perfect holiday read.
19. ‘Pocket Bear’ by Katherine Applegate
Katherine Applegate’s ‘Pocket Bear’ is a delightful middle-grade story that follows a bear named Pocket, created as a token of luck for wartime soldiers. As Pocket finds a new home at the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, the novel explores themes of resilience and belonging.
20. ‘Don’t Trust Fish’ by Neil Sharpson
Neil Sharpson’s ‘Don’t Trust Fish’ is a humourous picture book that poses the question: are fish truly untrustworthy? This whimsical read offers a light-hearted exploration of trust and perception, appealing to readers of all ages.
In conclusion, Libby’s top 20 books of 2025 present a diverse and compelling array of stories that cater to a wide range of literary tastes. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming tales of friendship and self-discovery, these books offer something for every reader seeking an immersive and enriching reading experience. As we delve into these captivating narratives, we are reminded of the enduring power of storytelling to inspire, entertain, and enlighten readers of all ages.