Best 2025 Goodreads Lists: Top 13 Books Reviewed

Explore 'goodreads lists' to find classics like '1984', and hidden gems like 'The Night Circus' for great reads!

The Night Circus coverThe Great Gatsby coverPride and Prejudice cover

Discovering the perfect book can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but fear not; we have scavenged the ‘goodreads lists’ for you! In our quest for the 13 best books, we looked for stories that spark joy, ignite curiosity, and maybe even make tears of laughter or sorrow roll down your cheeks. Our choices offer a mix of magic, adventure, love, and societal musings, ensuring there’s something for everyone. We guarantee these tales are as enjoyable as a sunny day at the beach with an unexpected scoop of ice cream. Let’s embark on this literary journey together!

On this list:

13 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 387

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This book enchants readers with a magical circus theme and gripping plot, making it a staple in goodreads lists.

12 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

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

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A classic masterpiece, this book is a must-have for any goodreads lists collection.

11 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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This timeless love story offers wit and social commentary, perfect for goodreads lists enthusiasts.

10 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 328

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A dystopian novel that remains relevant, this book is often found in top goodreads lists.

9 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 223

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This book kicked off an iconic series beloved by young and old, making it essential for goodreads lists.

8 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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A book that touches the heart and mind, this novel is a key player on many goodreads lists.

7 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 552

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A unique perspective on WWII, this book is revered in goodreads lists for its storytelling.

6 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 214

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A narrative that captures the essence of adolescence, fitting perfectly in any goodreads lists.

5 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1937
  • Pages: 310

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A captivating adventure tale that has captured many imaginations, a staple in goodreads lists.

4 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist cover

  • Genre: Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1988
  • Pages: 172

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A spiritual journey and a major hit on goodreads lists globally.

3 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1868
  • Pages: 759

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A heartwarming story of sisters that has been beloved for generations, popular in goodreads lists.

2 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre cover

  • Genre: Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1847
  • Pages: 507

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A novel full of depth and passion, often seen in the top of goodreads lists.

1 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1954
  • Pages: 1216

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An epic saga that tops goodreads lists for its vast world-building, strong characters, and an immersive journey. It’s the best because it takes readers on an incredible adventure through Middle-earth, a world that is richly detailed and imaginative. You can feel the tension as Frodo and the Fellowship face perilous challenges and complex moral dilemmas. The writing is immersive, and the story is woven with themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice that resonate deeply with readers. Plus, it has inspired countless other fantasy works, making it a cornerstone of the genre. Its timeless appeal keeps it a favorite among readers, new and old.

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!