Best 2025 Top Must Read Fiction Books: 9 Picks

In our list of top must read fiction books, we explore captivating stories that entertain, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.
Where the Crawdads Sing coverThe Night Circus coverThe Great Gatsby cover

Ahoy book lovers! As we set sail on a literary adventure, we bring you our meticulously curated list of the 9 best ‘top must read fiction books’ around. We focus on stories that evoke emotions, paint vivid worlds, and resonate with readers of every stripe. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, there’s a tale for everyone here. Whether you’re on the hunt for something to tug at your heartstrings or to transport you to another realm, we’ve got you covered. So grab a cozy spot, some snacks, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

On this list:

9 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 370

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This book mixes murder mystery with a coming-of-age story, making it easy to get lost in the marshes and small-town drama.

8 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus cover

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

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An enchanting carnival tale that captivates with its magical prose, and dazzling characters. Perfect with popcorn on a rainy night.

7 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

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

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A classic that transports you to the roaring twenties, filled with glamor, jazz, and a profound sense of lost dreams.

6 Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Contemporary
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 266

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This book plunges into the complex relationships of modern youth, and explores themes of love, class, and identity.

5 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

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

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A compelling exploration of race and injustice seen through the eyes of a young girl. Timeless and deeply impactful.

4 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

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A dystopian nightmare that remains eerily relevant today, with a gripping tale of surveillance, power, and rebellion.

3 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief cover

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

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A stunning narrative set in Nazi Germany, where Death himself tells the poignant story of a young book-loving girl.

2 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Romance, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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Witty, romantic, and sharp, this beloved classic never fails to entertain with its delightful characters and social satire.

1 The Dunwich Horror by H.P. Lovecraft

The Dunwich Horror cover

  • Genre: Horror, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1929
  • Pages: 30

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An eldritch horror that grips the mind with cosmic fear. Ideal for a chilly night with a flashlight and cocoa.

0 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 309

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

The book at the top of our ‘top must read fiction books’ list is a globally cherished tale of magic and friendship. It’s not just a story about a boy with a lightning-shaped scar; it’s a journey of imagination, representing the power of love, courage, and the struggle against dark forces. With a world full of wonder, a spellbinding plot, and unforgettable characters, it inspires readers of all ages to embrace the magic in their own lives. This book opened the gateway to an epic series that reshaped children’s literature and captivated hearts worldwide. It’s more than deserving of its place at the pinnacle of our list.

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!