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2025 is set to be an exciting year for book lovers, with a wide range of releases across various genres.
Whatever your pleasure is, this list showcases titles that promise to captivate, entertain, and provoke thought.
Here are 40 books you wonโt want to miss.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman
- Author: Clay McLeod Chapman
- Genre: Horror
- Release Date: January 2025
Clay McLeod Chapman crafts a spine-chilling exploration of fear and manipulation in his latest horror masterpiece, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes.
The story dives deep into the terrifying consequences of media-induced radicalization, unraveling the ways digital platforms shape our understanding of reality.
With a haunting narrative, the book follows characters caught in the grip of misinformation, forcing readers to question the reliability of truth in an era dominated by algorithms and echo chambers.
2. Good Girl by Aria Aber
- Author: Aria Aber
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: January 2025
Aria Aberโs Good Girl delves into the complexities of identity, ambition, and the intersection of cultural expectations.
The novel follows a German-born Afghan woman as she navigates the vibrant yet competitive literary circles of Berlin.
Through richly drawn characters and evocative prose, Aber explores what it means to belong in a space where personal and professional identities constantly collide.
The protagonistโs journey is marked by a delicate balancing act between embracing her Afghan heritage and asserting herself in a world that often overlooks or exoticizes her background.
3. Hope by Pope Francis
- Author: Pope Francis
- Genre: Spiritual/Inspirational Nonfiction
- Release Date: January 2025
In Hope, Pope Francis offers a deeply reflective and inspiring work that speaks to the heart of humanityโs collective struggles and aspirations. Rooted in his profound faith and global perspective, this book emphasizes the enduring power of hope in a world fraught with challenges.
Drawing on personal anecdotes, spiritual wisdom, and universal truths, Pope Francis addresses themes of resilience, compassion, and unity. He invites readers to find hope not just in moments of triumph but in the everyday acts of kindness and solidarity that define the human experience.
The book combines accessible prose with profound spiritual insights, making it a source of comfort and motivation for readers of all backgrounds. Pope Francisโs gentle yet powerful voice encourages individuals to embrace hope as a force for personal renewal and collective change.
4. We Do Not Part by Han Kang
- Author: Han Kang
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: January 2025
Han Kang, celebrated for her poignant and deeply introspective storytelling, returns with We Do Not Part, a novel that immerses readers in the tranquil yet haunting setting of Koreaโs Jeju Island.
The narrative unfolds during a snowstorm, creating an atmospheric backdrop that mirrors the inner turmoil and reflective nature of the characters.
Through its vivid depiction of isolation, the story delves into themes of solitude, memory, and the intrinsic relationship between humanity and the natural world.
5. Something Rotten by Andrew Lipstein
- Author: Andrew Lipstein
- Genre: Psychological Fiction
- Release Date: January 2025
Andrew Lipsteinโs Something Rotten delves into the unnerving journey of a former NPR host navigating a new life in Copenhagen. This thought-provoking psychological fiction explores themes of identity, morality, and the intricate dance between personal ambition and cultural displacement.
Set against the stark and enigmatic backdrop of Denmarkโs capital, the novel weaves a narrative that is both intensely personal and universally resonant.
As the protagonist grapples with the aftermath of professional disgrace and a deeply unsettling personal incident, Lipstein expertly crafts an atmosphere of tension that keeps readers on edge.
6. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- Genre: Fantasy
- Release Date: January 2025
Rebecca Yarros, known for her captivating storytelling, returns with the next installment in the Empyrean series, Onyx Storm. This highly anticipated fantasy novel plunges readers into a perilous world where dragon riders face harrowing challenges and high-stakes conflicts.
Yarros expertly weaves elements of action, suspense, and emotional depth, creating a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The narrative delves deeper into the intricacies of the Empyrean universe, exploring the relationships, rivalries, and political dynamics that shape the lives of its characters.
As alliances are tested and secrets unravel, the dragon riders must navigate not only the dangers of their physical world but also the complexities of their own personal journeys.
7. Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
- Author: Virginia Feito
- Genre: Gothic Fiction
- Release Date: February 2025
Virginia Feito breathes new life into the classic governess trope with Victorian Psycho, offering a gripping narrative that balances eerie atmospheres and psychological depth.
Set against the backdrop of a gloomy Victorian mansion, the story unravels as the protagonist, a young governess, navigates an unsettling dynamic between her enigmatic employer and his reclusive family.
8. The Garden by Nick Newman
- Author: Nick Newman
- Genre: Thriller
- Release Date: February 2025
Nick Newmanโs The Garden weaves a masterful tale of suspense, mystery, and human connection. The story revolves around two elderly sisters living in an isolated house surrounded by a sprawling, enigmatic garden.
Their tranquil yet peculiar existence is upended when a young boy mysteriously appears, triggering a series of events that uncover long-buried secrets.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the secluded garden, Newman creates an intricate narrative that explores themes of trust, memory, and redemption.
9. No Fault by Haley Mlotek
- Author: Haley Mlotek
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Release Date: February 2025
Haley Mlotek takes a deep dive into the complexities of modern marriage with No Fault, a thought-provoking contemporary novel that examines the ripple effects of a sudden divorce.
Set against the backdrop of everyday life, the story unravels the delicate balance between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.
Mlotek skillfully portrays the unraveling of a relationship, not as a failure, but as a transformative moment of reckoning and growth.
10. The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
- Author: Laila Lalami
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: March 2025
Laila Lalami delivers a thought-provoking exploration of human connections in The Dream Hotel.
Set within the enigmatic walls of a grand yet mysterious hotel, the novel unfolds as an intricate tapestry of stories.
Each guest and staff member carries their own dreams, secrets, and struggles, creating a mosaic of intersecting lives.
As their paths cross in unforeseen ways, the hotel itself becomes a character, holding its own mysteries and reflecting the complexities of its inhabitants.
11. Optional Practical Training by Shubha Sunder
- Author: Shubha Sunder
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Release Date: March 2025
Shubha Sunder’s Optional Practical Training delves into the nuanced experiences of international students navigating life in the United States.
Set against the backdrop of academic aspirations and the pursuit of the American Dream, the novel paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by young immigrants.
Sunder skillfully captures the tension between cultural preservation and adaptation, examining themes of identity, belonging, and ambition.
12. Luminous by Silvia Park
- Author: Silvia Park
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Release Date: March 2025
Luminous by Silvia Park is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the often complex intersections of culture and personal growth.
At the heart of the novel is a Korean-American protagonist navigating the challenges of cultural duality while striving to carve out a sense of self in a world that often feels divided.
Park masterfully balances intimate storytelling with broader cultural commentary, offering readers a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
13. O Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy
- Author: Nicole Cuffy
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: March 2025
Nicole Cuffyโs O Sinners! offers a profound and gripping portrayal of ambition, morality, and the sacrifices demanded by artistic excellence.
Set within the rarefied world of ballet, the novel provides an intricate examination of the high-pressure environment faced by dancers striving for perfection.
With sharp prose and deeply drawn characters, Cuffy peels back the layers of what it means to pursue greatness in an art form that demands so much of both body and spirit.
14. Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky
- Author: Marcy Dermansky
- Genre: Satire
- Release Date: March 2025
Marcy Dermansky delivers another thought-provoking and razor-sharp novel in Hot Air.
Known for her incisive wit and bold storytelling, Dermansky’s latest work masterfully critiques the intricacies of modern relationships, societal expectations, and the absurdities that define contemporary life.
The narrative is both biting and humorous, striking a balance between levity and depth.
Through richly developed characters and unexpected plot twists, Hot Air explores themes such as the pursuit of happiness, the masks we wear in society, and the often hypocritical standards of love and success.
15. Hunchback by Saou Ichikawa
- Author: Saou Ichikawa
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: March 2025
Saou Ichikawa delivers a poignant and thought-provoking story with Hunchback, a novel that draws heavily from the themes of classic literature while breathing fresh life into its narrative.
The book delves deep into the human condition, exploring themes of isolation, societal judgment, and the innate desire for connection and acceptance.
Ichikawa crafts a reimagined take on a timeless tale, presenting it through the lens of modern sensibilities and complexities.
16. Sister Europe by Nell Zink
- Author: Nell Zink
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Release Date: March 2025
Nell Zinkโs Sister Europe presents an intricate tapestry of familial bonds, cultural contrasts, and human connections in a rapidly globalizing world.
The novel goes into the lives of a family scattered across continents, highlighting how their relationships evolve amidst varying cultural norms, expectations, and personal ambitions.
Through vivid characterization and sharp prose, Zink unravels the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity. The story explores themes of belonging and estrangement as the characters grapple with their roles within their family and societies at large.
17. Authority by Andrea Long Chu
- Author: Andrea Long Chu
- Genre: Essays
- Release Date: April 2025
Andrea Long Chuโs essay collection, Authority, is a profound exploration of modern cultural dynamics, offering incisive critiques of societal norms and the frameworks that shape contemporary discourse.
With her signature sharp wit and intellectual rigor, Chu examines cultural phenomena ranging from identity politics to the influence of digital media, weaving personal anecdotes with broader philosophical reflections.
Each essay pushes readers to rethink preconceived notions, challenging them to question how authority operates in cultural, social, and personal contexts.
18. Audition by Katie Kitamura
- Author: Katie Kitamura
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: April 2025
Katie Kitamura masterfully examines the intimate world of an actress in Audition, delving into the nuanced dynamics of her professional and personal existence.
The novel is a profound exploration of identity, ambition, and the often-blurred line between performance and reality.
Kitamura crafts a narrative that intertwines the actress’s struggle to balance the authenticity of her craft with the expectations placed upon her by the outside world.
19. A/S/L by Jeanne Thornton
- Author: Jeanne Thornton
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Release Date: April 2025
Jeanne Thornton’s A/S/L delves into the complexities of online identities and how they shape digital relationships.
Set against the backdrop of early internet culture, the novel examines the connections forged through chat rooms and online personas. It offers a thoughtful portrayal of the ways individuals interact in virtual spaces, navigating self-expression and authenticity.
Thornton crafts a compelling narrative that highlights the emotional depth and fragility of relationships that begin in the digital realm, making A/S/L a resonant reflection on connection in a tech-driven world.
20. Open, Heaven by Seรกn Hewitt
Open Heaven by Seรกn Hewitt combines lyrical prose and profound themes, exploring the boundaries between earthly experiences and transcendent longing
- Author: Seรกn Hewitt
- Genre: Poetic Fiction
- Release Date: April 2025
Seรกn Hewitt crafts a poignant narrative that intertwines themes of love, spirituality, and loss. Written in a poetic style, the work creates an evocative experience, inviting readers to reflect on profound emotional and philosophical questions.
The prose is lyrical, capturing human vulnerability and the beauty of connection in the face of life’s challenges.
Hewittโs ability to portray complex emotions ensures the story lingers in the mind, offering readers a meaningful exploration of relationships and introspection.
21. Lucy vid havetย by Elizabeth Strout
- Author: Elizabeth Strout
- Genre: Fiction
- Release Date: April 2025
Elizabeth Strout returns with Lucy vid havet, a deeply introspective novel that continues her exploration of love, memory, and the quiet complexities of human relationships.
With her signature emotional acuity and elegant prose, Strout follows Lucy as she navigates the shifting tides of personal history and the passage of time. Set against the backdrop of an isolated coastal landscape, the novel captures the delicate interplay between solitude and connection, offering a meditation on resilience and the enduring impact of the past.
Stroutโs storytelling brilliance ensures that Lucy vid havet resonates long after the final page, immersing readers in a world of quiet revelations and profound emotional depth.
22. Medicine River by Mary Annette Pember
- Author: Mary Annette Pember
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: April 2025
Mary Annette Pemberโs Medicine River offers a profound reflection on Indigenous experiences and the pursuit of personal healing.
The novel invites readers into a world where identity, heritage, and resilience take center stage. With its intricate character development and meaningful narrative, Pember skillfully portrays the challenges and triumphs faced by Indigenous communities.
Her storytelling brings depth to themes of family, community, and self-discovery, making it a work that resonates on many levels.
23. Little Bosses Everywhere by Bridget Read
- Author: Bridget Read
- Genre: Nonfiction
- Release Date: May 2025
Bridget Read offers a thorough investigation into the multilevel marketing industry, unraveling its societal effects and the personal stories of individuals entangled in its web.
The book takes readers inside the mechanics of these organizations, revealing how they operate and their influence on participants’ lives.
By spotlighting the promises, pitfalls, and systemic pressures tied to multilevel marketing, Read provides a compelling analysis of a phenomenon that has shaped communities and economies worldwide.
With a narrative that combines meticulous research and human experiences, Little Bosses Everywhere paints a vivid picture of the complexities surrounding this controversial business model.
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24. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
- Author: Ocean Vuong
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: May 2025
Ocean Vuongโs sophomore novel paints a vivid portrait of a young Vietnamese man navigating the complexities of identity, family, and connection.
The story goes into themes of cultural dislocation, personal discovery, and the bonds that shape a sense of belonging.
With his signature lyrical prose, Vuong crafts a narrative that is both intimate and universal, resonating with readers through its emotional depth.
25. Aggregated Discontent by Harron Walker
- Author: Harron Walker
- Genre: Essays
- Release Date: May 2025
Harron Walker presents a sharp critique of the modern employment structure and health insurance landscape through a compelling collection of essays.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep connection to contemporary struggles, Walker dissects how these systems affect the lives of everyday workers.
Each essay offers a thought-provoking perspective, highlighting the challenges and inequities present in these foundational systems.
26. Never Flinch by Stephen King
- Author: Stephen King
- Genre: Thriller
- Release Date: May 2025
Stephen King delivers another gripping narrative featuring Holly Gibney, a beloved character who takes center stage in this detective thriller.
The story skillfully intertwines suspense and mystery while tackling relevant societal issues in contemporary America.
With his hallmark attention to detail and character development, King creates a tense atmosphere where every clue and twist keeps readers hooked.
27. The Dry Season by Melissa Febos
- Author: Melissa Febos
- Genre: Memoir
- Release Date: June 2025
Melissa Febos offers an intensely personal account of a year spent embracing celibacy and seeking personal recovery. The memoir delves into themes of self-discovery, emotional healing, and the complex interplay of identity and relationships.
Through an honest and thoughtful narrative, Febos examines her experiences with vulnerability and courage, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of a period defined by reflection and growth.
Readers are invited into an intimate perspective that captures the essence of resilience and the value of stepping away to rediscover oneโs strength and purpose.
28. Homework by Geoff Dyer
- Author: Geoff Dyer
- Genre: Memoir
- Release Date: June 2025
In Homework, Geoff Dyer delivers a vivid memoir capturing his postwar English upbringing and educational experiences. Combining humor with reflective storytelling, the book paints a compelling picture of growing up in a world shaped by societal transformation.
Dyer’s narrative is sharp, filled with observations that reflect the nuances of his life and times, creating an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Through wit and insight, Homework invites readers into a story shaped by nostalgia, offering an engaging glimpse into personal and cultural evolution.
29. The Mรถbius Book by Catherine Lacey
- Author: Catherine Lacey
- Genre: Experimental Fiction
- Release Date: June 2025
Catherine Lacey crafts an ambitious experimental novel featuring two interconnected narratives. The story goes into the complexities of identity and the intricate nature of memory, blending introspection with innovative storytelling techniques.
By weaving these two threads together, the book offers a thought-provoking perspective on how personal histories intersect with the larger fabric of human experience.
Laceyโs distinctive narrative structure challenges conventional norms, making it a standout addition to the literary world in June.
30. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Release Date: June 2025
Taylor Jenkins Reid brings readers into the thrilling 1980s Space Shuttle Program with a historical novel that intertwines the personal and professional challenges of an astronaut.
The protagonist navigates intense training, pressure to succeed, and personal relationships that reflect the complexity of balancing ambition with vulnerability.
Reidโs attention to character development shines through as she weaves the astronautโs internal struggles with the broader societal and technological advancements of the time.
31. Motherland by Julia Ioffe
- Author: Julia Ioffe
- Genre: Nonfiction
- Release Date: June 2025
Julia Ioffe examines Russiaโs historical evolution and its significant connection to modern events in this thought-provoking nonfiction work.
Through meticulous research and a sharp narrative style, she presents an analysis of the forces shaping Russian society, politics, and culture.
The book illuminates how historical patterns influence the present, providing readers with a detailed account of Russiaโs intricate past and the way it intersects with current global dynamics.
32. I Want to Burn This Place Down by Maris Kreizman
- Author: Maris Kreizman
- Genre: Essays
- Release Date: July 2025
Maris Kreizmanโs essay collection delivers sharp cultural criticism paired with narratives drawn from personal experience, creating a compelling commentary on society and identity.
This collection masterfully blends humor, reflection, and a critical lens on pop culture. Kreizman examines how media shapes perceptions and expectations, interweaving personal anecdotes that resonate with authenticity and insight.
Her essays traverse themes like family, societal pressure, and the impact of cultural phenomena, providing readers with a thoughtful and engaging exploration of the modern human experience.
33. Trying by Chloe Caldwell
- Author: Chloe Caldwell
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Release Date: August 2025
Chloe Caldwell delivers a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, capturing the intricacies of personal growth with heartfelt honesty.
The story invites readers to reflect on their own experiences while following characters navigating life’s uncertainties and emotional hurdles.
Caldwellโs prose is sharp and intimate, creating a relatable narrative that lingers in the mind.
Caldwell crafts a narrative that connects with universal themes, offering a perspective on self-discovery that is both refreshing and profound.
34. The Enigmatic Tide by Simon Jimenez
- Author: Simon Jimenez
- Genre: Speculative Fiction
- Release Date: August 2025
Simon Jimenez presents a speculative fiction story centered on a community confronting an inexplicable natural event. The narrative balances suspense with a sense of wonder as the characters navigate their reality and the phenomenon that defies explanation.
The novel invites readers to reflect on human connections and resilience while delving into the mysteries of the natural world.
Jimenezโs storytelling weaves intricate relationships with a plot that keeps readers intrigued throughout.
35. Notes from the Burning World by Ayลegรผl Savaล
- Author: Ayลegรผl Savaล
- Genre: Literary Fiction
- Release Date: August 2025
Ayลegรผl Savaล crafts a novel that intertwines the global climate crisis with personal narratives, revealing the human connections and emotions tied to environmental change.
The book offers a thoughtful portrayal of how larger issues ripple through individual lives, creating stories that resonate with authenticity and emotion.
Through vivid storytelling, Savaล captures moments of reflection and interaction, focusing on the small yet impactful ways the climate crisis affects people on an intimate level. Readers are invited to consider how global events shape personal choices, relationships, and identities.
The Bottom Line
The fiction releases of 2025 reflect an impressive array of stories, each with its distinct voice and impact. Covering genres like literary fiction, speculative tales, and sharp cultural critiques, these works promise to captivate and provoke thought in equal measure.