The 15 Best Books of 2025: Where to Buy Online?
2025 has delivered an impressive array of literary masterpieces, captivating readers with diverse genres from gripping thrillers to heartfelt memoirs. As the year progresses, these 15 books stand out for their compelling narratives, rich characters, and critical acclaim. Below, discover the authors, insights into reviews or comments, and where you can purchase these must-reads online as of 12:43 PM HKT on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Sunrise on the Reaping
Author: Suzanne Collins
Comments: The second prequel in the Hunger Games series, this book dives into Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory during the 50th Hunger Games. Fans praise its action-packed plot and emotional depth, with early reviews calling it a thrilling return to Panem that leaves readers pondering its dark twists.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon for $19.17 (hardcover) or Barnes & Noble for $18.99.
The Antidote
Author: Karen Russell
Comments: A long-awaited follow-up to Swamplandia!, this 1930s-set novel about a prairie witch healing others’ grief has been hailed as an American epic. Critics love its lyrical prose and magical realism, making it a standout for literature enthusiasts.
Where to Buy: Purchase on Book Depository for $25.00 or Waterstones for £20.00.
Dream State
Author: Martin Puchner
Comments: This multigenerational saga set in Montana’s Flathead Valley explores family ties across five decades. Oprah’s Book Club pick, it’s lauded for its hypnotic storytelling and swift shifts from humor to heartbreak.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon for $27.50 or Barnes & Noble for $26.95.
We Do Not Part
Author: Han Kang
Comments: A Nobel Prize winner’s exploration of two women’s lives amid Korea’s violent history, this novel blurs dreams and reality. Reviews call it exquisite and disquieting, cementing Kang’s status as a literary giant.
Where to Buy: Buy on Waterstones for £16.99 or Book Depository for $22.00.
Flesh
Author: David Szalay
Comments: Following a Hungarian man’s rise from poverty to British elite, this minimalist tale examines male alienation. The Guardian praises its searing insight, making it a thought-provoking read.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon for $24.00 or Barnes & Noble for $23.50.
The Story of a Heart
Author: Susan F. Reed
Comments: Winner of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, this moving account links two children through a heart transplant. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and unique perspective.
Where to Buy: Purchase on Book Depository for $18.00 or Waterstones for £14.99.
King of Ashes
Author: S.A. Cosby
Comments: A Southern crime saga with Godfather vibes, this novel follows a family facing high stakes. Cosby’s fans celebrate his gritty storytelling and moral complexity, marking it a top thriller.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon for $28.00 or Barnes & Noble for $27.50.
The Tell
Author: Amy Griffin
Comments: This novel follows a theater actress’s introspective journey, earning praise for its beguiling narrative. It’s a favorite for those seeking deep character studies.
Where to Buy: Buy on Waterstones for £18.50 or Book Depository for $24.00.
Audition
Author: Katie Kitamura
Comments: A siblings’ road trip challenging family notions, this book is lauded for its modern relevance and historical grounding. Critics highlight its gripping storytelling.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon for $26.00 or Barnes & Noble for $25.95.
O Sinners!
Author: Nicole Cuffy
Comments: Centering on a journalist exploring a cult, this novel blends grief and faith. Early reviews commend its sensitivity and depth, appealing to literary fiction lovers.
Where to Buy: Purchase on Book Depository for $23.00 or Waterstones for £19.99.
Things in Nature Merely Grow
Author: Yiyun Li
Comments: A nonfiction reflection on the author’s sons’ suicides, this book is praised for its honest, analytical approach to grief. Readers find it a profound tribute.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon for $27.00 or Barnes & Noble for $26.50.
The Emperor of Gladness
Author: Ocean Vuong
Comments: This novel explores chosen family and survival through cycles of history. Vuong’s lyrical style and emotional resonance have earned it widespread acclaim.
Where to Buy: Buy on Waterstones for £20.00 or Book Depository for $26.50.
Heartwood
Author: Amity Gaige
Comments: A mystery about a hiker’s disappearance, this novel is celebrated for its suspense and human connection. It’s a hit among thriller and drama fans.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon for $25.00 or Barnes & Noble for $24.50.
Wild Dark Shore
Author: Charlotte McConaghy
Comments: A family and grief narrative with climate change themes, this book hooks readers with its powerful fiction. It’s Amazon’s top pick for 2025 so far.
Where to Buy: Purchase on Book Depository for $22.50 or Waterstones for £18.00.
The Names
Author: Caroline Knapp
Comments: This imaginative tale of a family through a prism of what-ifs is noted for its emotional power and structure. It’s tipped as a modern classic.
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon for $24.50 or Barnes & Noble for $23.95.
