The Most-Anticipated Summer Books for 2025
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As the summer season kicks off, readers are preparing for beach getaways, poolside relaxation, or simply enjoying stay-cations. For those looking to dive into captivating stories during their summer activities, PEOPLE has curated a list of the most-anticipated books of the season. From romantic comedies to thrilling mysteries, both seasoned and debut authors have contributed to this diverse selection that is sure to elevate your summer reading list.
Leading the pack is ‘The Bewitching’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, a spellbinding tale that traverses generations of haunted women in a suspenseful and witchy narrative. This classic horror story is brimming with Easter Eggs to keep fans engaged. Another standout is ‘The Unmapping’ by Denise S. Robbins, which follows emergency workers navigating through chaos in New York City, offering an enthralling exploration of climate change, politics, and human nature amid disaster.
For those seeking a magical and adventurous read, ‘The Listeners’ by Maggie Stiefvater introduces readers to June Porter Hudson, who manages a luxury mountain retreat amidst foreign diplomats in the lead-up to WWII. With the help of a magical underground spring and a charming FBI agent, the story unfolds into a captivating narrative.
‘Katabasis’ by R. F. Kuang takes readers on a journey with Alice Law, who embarks on a mission to retrieve her mentor from hell after a lab accident. Faced with unexpected challenges from her rival, Peter Murdoch, the story weaves a mesmerising tale of determination and resilience.
‘The Catch’ by Yrsa Daley-Ward delves into the complexities of family dynamics as Clara Kallis navigates the reappearance of her presumed-dead mother, Serene, leading to a clash of beliefs with her sister Dempsey. This powerful narrative offers a profound exploration of motherhood and life choices.
In ‘The Slip’ by Lucas Schaefer, a teen’s disappearance in 1998 Austin, Texas sets a literary drama into motion, exploring themes of gender fluidity and identity within the backdrop of a boxing gym and retirement community. The narrative unfolds in an intriguing and thought-provoking manner.
‘People Like Us’ by Jason Mott presents a poignant portrayal of two Black writers on contrasting book tours, one embarking on a journey to France after winning a prestigious award, while the other grapples with addressing gun violence at a college. This achingly funny and moving story offers insights into diverse experiences and perspectives.
‘The Girls Who Grew Big’ by Leila Mottley is a poignant novel set in Padua Beach, Fla., delving into the lives of three teen mothers as they navigate the challenges of teen pregnancy, motherhood, and friendship. The narrative provides an unflinching look at the complexities of adolescence and the bonds formed amidst adversity.
These are just a few highlights from PEOPLE’s selection of the most-anticipated summer books for 2025. With a diverse range of genres and captivating narratives, these books promise to transport readers to different worlds and evoke a myriad of emotions. Whether you’re a fan of romance, mystery, or contemporary fiction, this curated list has something for every avid reader this summer.