Best 13 NYTimes Bestsellers of 2025 Reviewed

We've explored thrilling nytimes bestseller books that captivate readers, including timeless classics and modern hits for all book lovers.
The Night Circus coverWhere the Crawdads Sing coverThe Vanishing Half cover

Welcome to our exciting roundup of the 13 best ‘nytimes bestseller’ books that’ll knock your socks off—or at least make you want to buy socks with more gripping tales! We focus on books that have not only made it to the prestigious nytimes bestseller list but also offer a mix of thrilling plots, memorable characters, and prose that keep you turning the page. We consider the personal impact, enjoyment factor, and the ability to spark conversations at book clubs or awkward family dinners. Grab a coffee, take a comfy seat, and let’s explore this list!

On this list:

13 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 528

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The Night Circus sweeps readers into a magical world with its enchanting characters and stunning visuals. It’s a page-turner with a dream-like quality, making it a nytimes bestseller favorite.

12 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 384

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This book blends mystery and romance, keeping readers glued to the pages. The story’s rich detail has made it a constant nytimes bestseller.

11 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Vanishing Half cover

  • Genre: Literary Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 352

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A gripping tale of identity and race, The Vanishing Half is both timely and timeless. Its themes resonate with many, earning it a spot as a nytimes bestseller.

10 Educated by Tara Westover

Educated cover

  • Genre: Memoir
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 334

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An inspiring memoir, Educated tells the tale of one woman’s struggle for independence and knowledge. Its heartfelt narrative has made it a must-read nytimes bestseller.

9 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 336

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This thrilling read keeps you guessing until the last page. With its engaging plot, it’s no wonder it became a nytimes bestseller.

8 Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People cover

  • Genre: Romance, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 273

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A poignant exploration of young love, Normal People provides a raw and intimate look at relationships, making it a go-to read on the nytimes bestseller list.

7 Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming cover

  • Genre: Memoir
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 448

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Michelle Obama’s memoir offers an intimate peek into her life. It’s both inspirational and personal, ensuring its place as a nytimes bestseller.

6 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 395

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This psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. Its compelling storytelling secured its spot as a nytimes bestseller.

5 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Philosophy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1988
  • Pages: 208

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With its profound themes and inspirational messages, The Alchemist has been a beloved nytimes bestseller for decades.

4 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 480

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A tale of secrets and lies, this book captivates readers with its intricate character dynamics, making it a nytimes bestseller.

3 Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 352

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Exploring family dynamics and societal issues, this novel’s rich narrative has captivated readers, solidifying its place as a nytimes bestseller.

2 The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 224

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A powerful story of survival and injustice, The Nickel Boys sheds light on historical truths, ensuring its spot as a nytimes bestseller.

1 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Classic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 336

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This timeless classic stands as the best with its profound themes of justice and morality. It’s not just a book but a movement, remaining a beloved nytimes bestseller.

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!