2025 has already proven to be a remarkable year for literature, with powerful nonfiction, gripping fiction, and imaginative fantasy releases. From bestselling authors to debut voices, here’s a roundup of the most talked‑about books so far — and the writers behind them.
1. An Oral History of Hiroshima, Nagasaki – Various Contributors
This moving nonfiction work collects survivor accounts expert interviews and historical insights to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings. Compiled by a team of historians and journalists, it offers a deeply human perspective on a pivotal moment in history.
2. How to Survive Camping – Author Toni Lynn
Toni Lynn delivers a fresh, humorous, and practical survival guide that mixes true outdoor tips with fictional anecdotes. It’s an engaging read for anyone who loves camping or wants a witty escape.
3. Extinction Capital of the World: Stories – Author Melissa D. Vega
Vega’s short story collection captures human resilience and vulnerability in a rapidly changing world. Her prose is rich and immersive, making each piece feel like a snapshot of our collective future.
4. The Complete Kennections – Author Ken Jennings
Known as the beloved host of Jeopardy! and a legendary trivia champion, Ken Jennings delivers a massive puzzle and quiz book containing 5,000 questions in 1,000 puzzles. It’s a must‑have for puzzle enthusiasts.
5. Dream Count – Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
One of Nigeria’s most celebrated writers, Adichie weaves an intergenerational tale of Nigerian women navigating love, identity, and migration. Her storytelling blends cultural heritage with universal themes of resilience.
6. Angel Down – Author Daniel Kraus
Daniel Kraus, known for The Shape of Water (co‑written with Guillermo del Toro), delivers a haunting WWI horror novel filled with psychological tension and historical depth.
7. Long Distance – Author Ayşegül Savaş
Turkish‑born author Ayşegül Savaş crafts a collection of short stories exploring intimacy, separation, and the quiet moments that shape relationships. Her style is poetic yet sharp.
8. Oddbody – Author Rose Keating
In her surreal debut, Rose Keating blends bodily horror with tender emotional storytelling, making this one of 2025’s boldest new literary voices.
9. I’ll Tell You When I’m Home – Author Hala Alyan
Hala Alyan, also a clinical psychologist, writes a memoir about home, displacement, and personal transformation, reflecting on her Palestinian heritage and global upbringing.
10. King of Ashes – Author S.A. Cosby
S.A. Cosby, acclaimed for Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears, returns with a gritty crime thriller exploring loyalty, revenge, and morality in the American South.
Final Word
Whether you want history, heart‑pounding thrills, or imaginative worlds, 2025’s latest releases offer something for everyone. These authors bring unique perspectives and voices to the literary scene making this a year worth reading about.