2025's Must-Read Books: A Mix of Thrills, Love, and Big Ideas

In 2025, a bunch of amazing books hit the shelves. They covered all sorts of topics, from romance to sci-fi, and everything in between. Here's a closer look at some of the standout titles that had everyone talking. One book that stole the show was "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It's a gripping tale about NASA's space shuttle program in the 1980s. The story starts with a crisis in Mission Control and then takes readers back in time to show how each astronaut earned their spot. It's packed with high stakes, complex characters, and important themes like sexism and found family. If you're a fan of audiobooks, this one's a must-listen. Another standout was "The Dream Hotel" by Laila Lalami. This novel paints a chilling picture of a world where an AI algorithm can detain people based on their dreams. It's a sharp critique of surveillance capitalism and a reminder of the risks we take when we live in a society that watches our every move. For those who love a good love story, "The Everlasting" by Alix E. Harrow is a must-read. It's a tale of two people caught in a time loop, destined to repeat the same story over and over again. It's a deep dive into the power of storytelling and the myths we create to define our heroes. If you're in the mood for a romance with a twist, check out "Great Big Beautiful Life" by Emily Henry. It's the story of a journalist competing for a book contract and the sparks that fly when she meets a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer. It's a tale of romance, family, and the secrets that bind us. For fans of crime dramas, "King of Ashes" by S. A. Cosby is a must-read. It's a Southern tale of family secrets, a crematorium business, and a gang that's not to be messed with. It's a dark and satisfying story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're looking for something a bit different, "The South" by Tash Aw is a great choice. It's a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of late-1990s Malaysia. It's a tale of family, desire, and identity, and it's the first in a planned quartet. Fans of the Hunger Games universe will love "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins. It's the long-awaited account of Haymitch Abernathy's path to victory during the 50th annual Hunger Games. It's a thrilling tale of rebel plots, underdog alliances, and Edgar Allan Poe-try. Lastly, "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaghy is a thrilling page-turner set on a sinking research island off Antarctica. It's a tale of love, loss, and resilience in the face of climate change.