The best books of 2025

This list is part of the best books of 2025.

Join 1,210 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2025

Book cover of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood

❤️ loved this book because...

This is essential reading for any reader interested in women's issues, particularly the modern politics of motherhood in America. An excellent follow-up to Ann Kessler's The Girl's Who Went Away.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Outlook 🥈 Teach
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Gretchen Sisson ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Relinquished as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Essential reading." ―NPR “Books We Love”

“Dares to imagine a different world where Americans treat adoption like the justice issue it is.” ―Washington Post

“Impressively reported…[Sisson] uses her deep well of knowledge to make the case that adoption is no solution for Americans’ reduced access to abortion.” ―San Francisco Chronicle

A powerful decade-long study of adoption in the age of Roe, revealing the grief of the American mothers for whom the choice to parent was never real

Adoption has always been viewed as a beloved institution for building families, as well as a mutually agreeable common ground in the abortion…


When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

My 2nd favorite read in 2025

Book cover of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls

❤️ loved this book because...

This is the most absorbing exploration of unexpected pregnancy and forced surrender to adoption during the Baby Scoop Era that I've ever read. (Content warning for a few gory scenes, and some birth/body horror.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Originality 🥈 Story/Plot
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Grady Hendrix ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Witchcraft for Wayward Girls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Superb ... a perfect horror for our imperfect age.” – The New York Times

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER

They were never girls, they were witches . . . .

They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they're sent to the Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, to give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened.

Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer…


My 3rd favorite read in 2025

Book cover of Margo's Got Money Troubles

❤️ loved this book because...

Somehow, a funny book about unexpected pregnancy and the dire lack of support for single parents in America today. I was rooting for Margo all the way!

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Originality 🥈 Outlook
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Rufi Thorpe ,

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked Margo's Got Money Troubles as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Enormously entertaining and lovable'
Nick Hornby, New York Times

'Nonjudgmental, original and very funny; the book is warm and generous too. I loved it'
India Knight, Sunday Times STYLE

** Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley is to adapt for A24 - a TV show starring Nicole Kidman and Elle & Dakota Fanning **

Margo Millet's got money troubles. As the child of a Hooter's waitress and an ex-Pro-Wrestler, she's always known she'd have to make it on her own. When she finds herself pregnant by her college professor - who is very keen not to be involved -…


Our podcast is...

The Strong Sense Of Place

In each episode of our show, we get curious about one destination and discuss five great books that took us there on the page. We start with an overview of what makes that place special, then tackle a round of ‘Two Truths and a Lie’ to explore quirky stories. The heart of the show is our book recommendations that explore why we love each title with zero spoilers. (Book spoilers are just rude.)

Our podcasts are released every other Monday. Each season, we’ll take you to 12 different destinations around the world. Our show notes are where you’ll find photos, videos, and links to more information about everything we discuss in the podcast.

Book cover of Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood
Book cover of Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
Book cover of Margo's Got Money Troubles

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,210

readers submitted
so far, will you?