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 There Are Rivers in the Sky

❤️ loved this book because...

I loved how the author interweaves tjree stproes ja[

I love how the author interweaves three stories happening at different times in history with the theme of water/rivers. It's not only original, but beautifully written and captivating. Especially with the character of Arthur, you just can't wait to keep sharing his story.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Immersion 🥈 Thoughts
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down

By Elif Shafak ,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked There Are Rivers in the Sky as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE TOP FIVE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

This is the story of one lost poem, two great rivers, and three remarkable lives - all connected by a single drop of water.

*****

In the ruins of Nineveh, that ancient city of Mesopotamia, there lies hidden in the sand fragments of a long-forgotten poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh.

In Victorian London, an extraordinary child is born at the edge of the dirt-black Thames. When his brilliant memory earns him a spot as an apprentice at a printing press, the world opens up far beyond the slums and across the seas.

In 2014…


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 The Fountains of Silence

❤️ loved this book because...

I loved the character of Daniel, the protagonist, as he changes from a naive American teenager from a wealthy family to a thoughtful young man, due to his feelings for Ana. From her he learns about the effects of the Spanish Civil War on her family and society in general. A great read.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Character(s) 🥈 Emotions
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down

By Ruta Sepetys ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The Fountains of Silence as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

A haunting and romantic novel set in post-war Spain by Ruta Sepetys - winner of the Carnegie Medal 2017.

Madrid, 1957.

Daniel, young, wealthy and unsure of his place in the world, views the city through the lens of his camera.

Ana, a hotel maid whose family is suffering under the fascist dictatorship of General Franco.

Lives and hearts collide as they unite to uncover the hidden darkness within the city.

A darkness that could engulf them all . . .

Master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history's darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel…


My 3rd favorite read in 2025

Book cover of The Lion Women of Tehran

❤️ loved this book because...

I loved how the city of Tehran came alive for me in the years from 1950 to 1979 and the history. But most of all the book is about friendship. It's the undying but turbulent friendship between two girls from different classes that lasts throughout the years. A beautiful read!

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Emotions 🥈 Immersion
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Marjan Kamali ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Lion Women of Tehran as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An “evocative read and a powerful portrait of friendship, feminism, and political activism” (People) set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran—from nationally bestselling author Marjan Kamali.

In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untimely death of her father, forcing Ellie and her mother to move to a tiny home downtown. Lonely and bearing the brunt of her mother’s endless grievances, Ellie dreams for a friend to alleviate her isolation.

Luckily, on the first day of school, she meets Homa, a kind girl with a brave and irrepressible spirit. Together, the two girls play games, learn…


Book cover of There Are Rivers in the Sky
Book cover of The Fountains of Silence
Book cover of The Lion Women of Tehran

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?