Top 10 Books to Read in 2025: Editor's Picks
If you’re looking to dive into some incredible reads this year, we’ve got you covered. From inspiring self-help books to page-turning fiction, these books are ready to be added to your reading list. Whether you’re in the mood for an empowering guide, a gripping thriller, or a thought-provoking novel, there’s something here for you.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
A stunning debut novel that weaves together themes of family secrets, culture, and resilience. Spanning multiple generations and continents, Black Cake tells the story of two siblings uncovering the truth about their mother’s hidden past. It’s deep, emotional, and perfect for book clubs.
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
If you love deep, emotional romance with a touch of drama, this novel will have you hooked. Following a young woman rebuilding her life after loss, it’s a passionate story about healing, second chances, and finding unexpected love.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
The uncensored and vulnerable spaces where Black women and girls dare to follow their impulses and seek a little respite from being virtuous are examined in The Secret Lives of Church Ladies. This book consists of nine stories about protagonists from four generations who are stuck between their own wants and desires and the double standards of the church, trying to figure out who they want to be in the world.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
A beautiful, heart-wrenching story about two childhood friends who become creative partners in the gaming industry. It explores love, ambition, and the art of storytelling in a way that will stick with you long after you finish.
Make it stand out
What if a simple box arrived on your doorstep, telling you exactly how many years you had left to live? Would you want to know? The Measure explores how people across the world handle this shocking revelation and the ripple effects it has on society.
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
If you loved The Vanishing Half or The House on Mango Street, this one’s for you. Set in the 1950s, this novel follows two women—one in Washington, D.C., and the other in Philadelphia—navigating love, ambition, and the sacrifices required to chase their dreams. Johnson’s storytelling is rich, emotional, and utterly captivating.
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
If you’re interested in understanding your emotions on a deeper level, Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart breaks down 87 different emotions and experiences, helping us navigate life with more clarity and compassion.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
This gripping novel follows a struggling writer who steals a dead friend’s manuscript and skyrockets to fame. But as secrets unravel, she starts losing control of her stolen success. It’s dark, messy, and a sharp critique of cultural appropriation in the publishing world.
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
A gripping novel about a young enslaved man who discovers he has a mysterious power that can help lead people to freedom. Coates blends history with a touch of magic, creating an unforgettable story.
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
A summer at a family lake house. A decades-long love triangle. A decision that could change everything. This novel is filled with secrets, passion, and complicated relationships that will keep you hooked until the last page.
