2025’s 14 Best Top Fiction Reads Reviewed

Our list of 14 top fiction reads includes classics and modern tales, perfect for anyone's reading adventure. Discover your next favorite!

The Midnight Library coverWhere the Crawdads Sing coverNormal People cover

Exploring the world of top fiction reads can feel like an adventure in itself. We picked 14 captivating books that promise to enrich your reading experience. Our focus was on selecting stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought, feature strong characters, and explore diverse themes. From gripping thrillers to heartwarming tales, these top fiction reads will keep you turning pages and stir deep reflections.

On this list:

14 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library cover

  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 304

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

A mix of fantasy and thoughtful fiction about life choices. It makes us think about the what-ifs of life.

13 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 368

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This coming-of-age story mixed with mystery is a gripping read. It’s a tale of resilience and nature’s beauty.

12 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 deep dive into young love and the intricacies of relationships. Emotional and compelling, it resonates with many readers.

11 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Humor
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 337

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Heartwarming story about a grumpy old man whose world is turned upside down by his chatty new neighbors.

10 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

A gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing till the end. It’s a blend of mystery and suspense.

9 The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Vanishing Half cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Historical
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 343

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A tale of identity, race, and family. It explores the long-lasting effects of choices and secrets.

8 Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Anxious People cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Humor
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 352

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A humorous and poignant tale about a bank robbery gone wrong, exploring human behavior and relationships.

7 Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Humor
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 327

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A quirky, heartwarming story about overcoming loneliness and embracing community. It’s both funny and serious.

6 Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 393

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A unique retelling of Greek mythology, focusing on the life of the goddess Circe. It’s magical and empowering.

5 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus cover

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

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A magical and enchanting tale of a mysterious circus that appears unannounced. It’s rich in atmosphere and wonder.

4 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist cover

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

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A transformative novel about following one’s dreams and listening to the heart. It’s philosophical yet simple.

3 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

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

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A classic tale of love and ambition in the Jazz Age. It’s both tragic and beautiful.

2 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

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

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A powerful classic that deals with serious themes of racism and morality. It’s a story of empathy and understanding.

1 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This dystopian classic paints a future of surveillance and control. It’s a must-read for its relevance and depth.

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!