Best 15 Books on Famous Writers to Read in 2025

Discover famous writers who penned classic tales. They shaped literature, inspired readers, and left an indelible mark on history.

The Paris Wife coverZ: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald coverThe Hours cover

Exploring the lives of famous writers has always been a thrilling adventure for us bookworms. When picking books for our list of the 15 best novels about famous writers, we focused on stories that offer a unique peek into their fascinating worlds. Whether it’s the struggles, the triumphs, or the quirks of these literary giants, these books capture it all. Each book brings to life the fascinating and sometimes tumultuous journeys of famous writers. It’s not just about their works; it’s about their lives that inspire and intrigue. Grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy the literary ride!

On this list:

15 The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

The Paris Wife cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 336

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Ever wonder about the roaring 1920s? Well, this book lets you peek into Hemingway’s life through the eyes of his first wife. Great for gossip lovers and history buffs alike.

14 Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 394

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Zelda Fitzgerald, a name you might have only heard in passing. But she was not just the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald. She had dreams, too!

13 The Hours by Michael Cunningham

The Hours cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1998
  • Pages: 226

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A unique story about Virginia Woolf and her impact on readers. Weaved together with stories of different women. Quite the emotional rollercoaster.

12 Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

Loving Frank cover

  • Genre: Biographical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 384

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A story about Frank Lloyd Wright’s affair with Mamah Borthwick Cheney. It’s not just about architecture, folks. It’s love, passion, and scandal.

11 The Master by Colm Tóibín

The Master cover

  • Genre: Biographical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2004
  • Pages: 368

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Get into the world of Henry James. This book feels like a time-travel machine, taking you right to the heart of literary genius.

10 The Boy Who Followed Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

The Boy Who Followed Ripley cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Crime
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1980
  • Pages: 288

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Not just about famous writers, but a famous fictional character, Mr. Ripley. A mix of suspense and literary nods that keeps you hooked.

9 The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin

The Swans of Fifth Avenue cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 354

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Set in the glamorous 1950s, it’s all about Truman Capote and his swans. The gossip will make you feel like you’re at a glamorous party.

8 The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber

The Book of Air and Shadows cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 480

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A thriller with a literary twist, featuring a lost manuscript linked to Shakespeare. Ideal for mystery lovers and Shakespeare fans.

7 The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

The Thirteenth Tale cover

  • Genre: Gothic Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 406

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A gothic tale about reclusive writer Vida Winter. It’s eerie, mysterious, and perfect for those who love a good story spun around famous writers.

6 Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Kafka on the Shore cover

  • Genre: Magical Realism
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2002
  • Pages: 505

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Murakami’s magic with famous writers’ quotes is surreal. A young runaway and an old man’s tale that intertwines in the most inexplicable way.

5 The World According to Garp by John Irving

The World According to Garp cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1978
  • Pages: 609

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Explore the life of T.S. Garp, a writer and his bizarre yet real-world adventures. It’s humorous, tragic, and mind-opening.

4 A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

A Moveable Feast cover

  • Genre: Memoir
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1964
  • Pages: 256

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Hemingway gives us a front-row seat to the lives of famous writers in 1920s Paris. It’s nostalgia, charm, and literary gossip rolled into one.

3 Possession by A.S. Byatt

Possession cover

  • Genre: Literary Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1990
  • Pages: 512

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A love story intertwined with literature, thanks to a discovery of love letters. It’s like a detective novel, but for romance lovers.

2 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 487

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A forgotten book, a mysterious writer. Zafón spins a tale so gripping, your coffee might go cold. It’s part mystery, part romance, all magical.

1 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Classic Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 180

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Many call this one of the greatest American novels, and they’re not wrong. Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of the Jazz Age. It’s a timeless classic about love, wealth, and the American Dream.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!