Ready to dive into the literary highlights of 2025? The year's best books are here, promising a journey through diverse worlds and thought-provoking narratives. Let's explore the picks from the Guardian, guaranteed to ignite your imagination.
Fiction: Prepare to be captivated by the best fiction of the year, as chosen by Guardian fiction editor Justine Jordan. From Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 'Dream Count' to Thomas Pynchon's return, David Szalay's Booker winner, and a remarkable collection of short stories, this selection promises to be a literary feast.
Memoir and Biography: Fiona Sturges highlights the most compelling memoirs and biographies. Discover the acting world through the eyes of Anthony Hopkins and Kathy Burke, delve into a brave memoir by Arundhati Roy, and explore Helen Dunmore’s prize-winning diaries.
Crime and Thrillers: Laura Wilson spotlights the year's most gripping crime and thriller reads. Uncover a new case for Mick Herron’s 'Slow Horses,' get lost in 'The Good Liar' by Denise Mina, and unravel a clever, creepy Japanese detective mystery from YouTuber Uketsu.
History and Politics: Pratinav Anil guides us through the best history and politics books. Explore radical extremism in the 1970s with Jason Burke’s 'The Revolutionists,' delve into modern Russian history through the eyes of women in 'Motherland,' and discover how the Tories fell apart and Keir Starmer won.
Poetry: Rishi Dastidar curates the poetry highlights, featuring Seamus Heaney’s collected poems, Simon Armitage’s animal spirits, and Forward prize winners Karen Solie and Vidyan Ravinthiran.
Children’s: Imogen Russell Williams selects the best children’s books of 2025. Enjoy a new read-aloud favorite, explore doughnuts with world-conquering ambitions, and journey through high fantasy from Katherine Rundell.
Science and Nature: Anjana Ahuja presents the must-read science and nature books. From the threat of superintelligent AI to the secrets of a longer life, plus the evolution of language and the restless genius of Francis Crick.
Translated Fiction: John Self picks the best translated fiction, including the return of Nobel laureate Han Kang, filmmaking under the Nazis in 'The Director' by Daniel Kehlmann, life on loop with Solvej Balle, Scandinavian thrills, and essential stories from postwar Iraq.
Food: Bee Wilson serves up the year's standout recipe books. Sami Tamimi celebrates Palestine’s culinary heritage, Helen Goh uncovers the psychological benefits of baking, and Roopa Gulati reveals tricks used in the best Indian kitchens.
Graphic Novels: James Smart picks the graphic novels too good to miss. Featuring the return of Alison Bechdel and Joe Sacco, alongside Black Country cowboys, vengeful gods, and an angling classic reimagined.
Young Adult: Imogen Russell Williams highlights the best YA books. Explore space-traveling telepaths, LGBTQ+ activism, a war-torn Britain, online alter egos, and feminist trailblazers.
Music: Alexis Petridis chooses five titles that strike a chord. From an enraging indictment of Spotify to a compelling biography of Tupac Shakur.
Science Fiction: Adam Roberts selects the best science fiction of the year. Icy intrigue, cyberpunkish cyborgs, memory-eating aliens, and new super-fast travel that sends the world spinning out of control.
Sports: Jonathan Liew picks the best sports books. From the trauma and triumphs of Olympic cyclist Bradley Wiggins to the secret life of a match fixer.
And there you have it – a glimpse into the literary treasures of 2025!
Which genre sparks your interest the most? Are there any titles that have already captured your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!**
