25 Books for 2025
Written by Kharis Ott
For someone who professes that their favorite hobby is reading, I don’t do it too often. When I actually do pick up a book after a months-long hiatus, I love it… until I read a horrible story and get back in a slump. Right now, I have a stack of books waiting to be read in 2025. The best part is I can’t wait to read all of them. Whether you want to read more in the new year, need ideas for your “to-be-read list,” or just want to start reading again, there’s plenty out there. So, here’s a list of 25 books I love or want to read for 2025:
1. Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A classic. I had so much fun trying to predict what was going to happen next.
2. Paper Towns by John Green
It’s a sweet coming-of-age story with a really fun hook. Plus, John Green co-founded Crash Course.
3. That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones
An award-winning author and book. I haven’t read it, but she spoke at the Savannah Book Festival this year!
4, 5, 6 & 7. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
A sci-fi reimagining of classic fairy tales in a dystopian society. I always recommend it if a friend is looking for a new series.
8. The Martian by Andy Weir
The Martian is a moving sci-fi that won the Good Reads Choice Awards after getting republished in 2014. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like this book.
9. My Friends by Frederick Backman
Releasing in late May this year, Backman promises another great work of fiction. The story follows a group of four friends and the effect their lives have over 25 years later.
10. John Lewis: A Life by David Greenberg
Another 2025 Savannah Book Festival pick! This biography tells the story of one of Georgia’s Congressmen, John Lewis, and his pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement.
11, 12, 13. A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder series by Holly Jackson
This series is popular for a reason. I’ve read the first book and I am so excited to read the sequels!
14. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid
This book is incredible. One of the best I’ve ever read. If you want a story that will make you laugh and cry, then read this.
15. The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Whenever someone asks me what my favorite book is, this is what I tell them. It's a heartwarming fantasy book that will remind you there’s good in the world.
26. Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger
Known for its movie adaptation, this non-fiction novel is a classic in sports literature
17. Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The winner of Good Reads Choice awards for Best Debut Novel in 2022, this book is a masterful comedy and commentary.
18. Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
A historical fiction set during World War Two that follows three protagonists and their collective ownership of a harmonica. I couldn’t love this story more, and the ending is beautiful.
19. Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey
Another #1 NYT bestseller, this 2024 true crime book follows the stories of 10 wrongly convicted criminals.
20. Yellow Face by R. F. Kuang
Kuang, a #1 NYT bestselling author, presents a satirical commentary on the publishing industry and diversity. I haven’t read it, but I’ve heard such great things about this book.
21. 1984 by George Orwell
What is fiction if not a reflection of our society? George Orwell’s prediction for a dystopian future won the Prometheus Hall of Fame award and had been on my list to read for a while.
22. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
From bestselling author Nicola Yoon, this story about fate and connection is beloved.
23. James by Percival Everett
This book is a retelling of Mark Twain’s classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of Jim, an escaped slave. It won the National Book Award for fiction in 2024.
24. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
A mystery set in the South that owned the #1 spot on the NYT bestsellers list for months. I cannot get over this thrilling book.
25. Sunrise Over The Reaping by Suzanne Collins
This book is coming out March 18th and I couldn’t be more excited. Suzzane Collins only writes a book when she has something to write, never exploiting her stories for money. Whether you’ve read the previous books or not, following Haymitch in the 50th Hunger Games is bound to be exciting.
