As we turn the page into 2026, the literary world is buzzing with anticipation for a new year of releases. Yet, before diving headfirst into the fresh titles, it's the perfect moment to look back at the remarkable books that defined 2025. From powerful memoirs to gripping historical fiction, last year offered a treasure trove for readers.
Reflecting on a Stellar Year for Books
The past twelve months saw publications from a host of literary giants, including Maggie O'Farrell, Douglas Stuart, and Margaret Atwood. It was also a year celebrated for stunning debuts and compelling narratives across all genres. While new 2026 titles from authors like Ian McEwan and Suzanne Collins beckon, the standout hits from 2025 absolutely deserve a place on your 'to be read' pile for the year ahead.
Based on a year of reading that included numerous new releases, here is a curated selection of five exceptional 2025 books that you won't want to miss.
Memoirs That Move and Inspire
Malala Yousafzai's 'Finding My Way' stands out as a profoundly impactful read. The Nobel laureate's coming-of-age memoir is a masterful blend of humour, heartbreak, and inspiration. She details her life following the traumatic attack on her, sharing intimate stories of her physical and mental recovery, her time at Oxford University, and her ongoing global advocacy for girls' education through the Malala Fund. It's a compelling listen as an audiobook, offering a powerful, unflinching look at resilience.
For a quieter, reflective read, Michael Morpurgo's 'Spring' offers charm and wisdom. This marks the beloved author's first adult non-fiction work in four decades. In it, he chronicles the changing seasons on his Devon farm, observing the nuances of nature and reflecting on what must be preserved for future generations. It's a soothing companion, ideal for lifting spirits during the colder months with its visions of leaping lambs and blooming fields.
Fiction That Transports and Transforms
#BookTok favourite Taylor Jenkins Reid returned with the stellar novel 'Atmosphere'. Departing from tales of Hollywood, this historical fiction immerses readers in the 1980s US space shuttle programme. It retains the author's signature gripping narrative and heartfelt romance, making it arguably her best work yet. For a complementary perspective, pairing it with Samantha Harvey's 2024 Booker Prize-winning 'Orbital', set on the International Space Station, is highly recommended.
Yael van der Wouden's 'The Safekeep' became the undisputed book of the summer following its paperback release. Set in the rural Netherlands post-Second World War, this debut novel brings two opposite women together for a transformative summer. Exploring themes of truth, desire, and survival, it proved to be a runaway book club hit and a deserving favourite.
Finally, for mythology enthusiasts, Natalie Haynes's 'No Friend to This House' provides a fresh and thought-provoking retelling of the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece. Haynes, known for her meticulous research, translated Euripides' 'Medea' by hand before writing, ensuring an impeccably detailed and compelling new interpretation of the classic tale.
This list merely scratches the surface of 2025's rich literary offerings. Whether you're seeking inspiration, escapism, or profound insight, these five titles provide an excellent starting point for your 2026 reading journey. Have you read any of these? What were your top books of last year? Share your thoughts and recommendations.
