15 Best Books to Read in 2025
Join us as we explore the best 'books to read'. These gems offer laughter, tears, and pure adventure.
The quest for the best ‘books to read’ is like searching for treasure buried in pages. We sifted through many tales, focusing on captivating stories, unique bookshop settings, and fascinating characters that leap right off the page. Our selections promise an exciting journey for readers, offering not just entertainment, but also thought-provoking narratives and a touch of magic. Whether you’re after an intense dystopian adventure, a whimsical bookstore tale, or a seductive literary mystery, our list will spark your imagination and add plenty of must-read titles to your collection.
On this list:
- The Book Thief
- Fahrenheit 451
- The Shadow of the Wind
- The Little Paris Bookshop
- The Library Book
- The Book of Lost Things
- The Name of the Wind
- 84, Charing Cross Road
- The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu
- Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore
- The Eyre Affair
- The Library of Lost and Found
- Reading Lolita in Tehran
- The Bookshop on the Corner
- The Night Circus
15 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This gripping book takes us through the journey of a young girl in Nazi Germany, weaving a tale of love and survival.
14 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
In a future where books are banned, this novel explores the power of free thought and the dangers of censorship.
13 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Set in post-war Barcelona, this book is a mystery wrapped in a love story, with a hidden library as the backdrop.
12 The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
This charming novel tells the story of a Parisian bookseller who prescribes books to heal hearts. It’s a soulful journey of love, loss, and books to read.
11 The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Through the lens of the 1986 Los Angeles library fire, this book celebrates libraries and the people who love them.
10 The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
A young boy’s journey in a fantasy world hidden within books, tackling themes of grief and courage.
9 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
A brilliant tale of a gifted young musician with a mysterious past. This fantasy novel is perfect for book lovers.
8 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
This epistolary memoir details the twenty-year correspondence between an American writer and a British bookseller.
7 The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer
An amazing true story about librarians who preserved historical manuscripts from al-Qaeda militants.
6 Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
A quirky story set in a mysterious bookstore that never closes, blending books, technology, and adventure.
5 The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
A detective novel set in an alternative world where literary characters come to life and books are revered.
4 The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
A delightful tale of a librarian who discovers a book that reconnects her with her life and past.
3 Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
A memoir that beautifully intertwines literature and the personal experiences of women in revolutionary Iran.
2 The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
This charming book follows a woman who transforms an old van into a mobile bookshop and touches lives.
1 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Chosen as the best here, this enchanting novel combines magic, mystery, and romance. Two magicians duel in a wondrous circus, hidden from the outside world. The Night Circus captures readers with its vivid imagery and intriguing characters. It explores themes of love and rivalry in a timeless, otherworldly setting. The book’s poetic prose and imaginative plot make it a must-read for those seeking books to read with a sprinkle of magic. We couldn’t put it down. This one is an absolute page-turner!
