Updated on 23 10 2025.
Ever wonder what the entire country is reading? As we navigate 2025, the New York Times bestseller list offers a fascinating snapshot of our collective literary tastes, showcasing everything from massive fantasy sequels to deeply personal memoirs and urgent nonfiction. This year has proven that readers are drawn to both epic escapism and stories that speak to our core human experiences.
For anyone looking for their next great read, this list is the perfect starting point. Let’s dive into the titles and trends that have defined the year in books so far.
The Fiction Landscape: Escapism and Edge-of-Your-Seat Thrills
The fiction chart in 2025 has been dominated by long-awaited sequels, gripping thrillers, and fantastical worlds that offer a complete escape from reality.
Trending Now: Series and Sequels
Readers have shown a massive appetite for returning to beloved worlds. A significant portion of the year’s top spots has been held by new installments in major series, demonstrating the power of a great saga.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros: This title dominated the early part of the year, proving the enduring appeal of the Empyrean series (following the blockbuster Fourth Wing) and showing that dragon-fueled fantasy remains a major force .
Framed in Death by J.D. Robb: The consistent appearance of Robb’s long-running “In Death” series on the list is a testament to a dedicated fanbase that cherishes returning characters and reliable, suspenseful storytelling .
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: The acclaimed author of Daisy Jones & The Six captured the top spot, bringing her signature immersive and character-driven storytelling to a new story .
Top-Tier Thrillers and Mysteries
The thriller genre remains a staple for a reason, and 2025’s list is packed with masters of suspense.
Nightshade by Michael Connelly: The perennial bestseller returned with another sure-fire hit, likely featuring either Harry Bosch or Renée Ballard, captivating crime fiction fans .
Lethal Prey by John Sandford: Another powerhouse in the genre, Sandford’s latest Prey novel secured the #1 position, delivering the tense, cat-and-mouse action his readers expect .
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell: The queen of the psychological thriller claimed the top spot in July, proving her uncanny ability to craft unsettling and unputdownable stories .
Nonfiction Bestsellers: Understanding Our World and Ourselves
On the nonfiction side, the list reflects a desire to understand our complex world, from social commentary and history to personal growth and resilience.
Social Science and Personal Development
Several books have broken through by addressing contemporary anxieties and the challenges of modern life.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: This book, which examines the mental health impacts of a “phone-based childhood,” hit #1 and has remained a topic of intense discussion, indicating a deep public concern about technology and youth .
The Body Keeps the Score: While not a new release, Bessel van der Kolk’s seminal work on trauma has had a remarkable resurgence, returning to the #1 spot multiple times throughout 2025. This underscores a lasting and growing engagement with mental health and healing .
Memoirs and Biographies
Personal stories from prominent figures have also captured the reading public’s attention.
Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey: Following the massive success of Greenlights, the actor’s latest literary offering quickly climbed to #1, blending his unique philosophy with new reflections .
107 Days by Kamala Harris: The Vice President’s account of her 2024 presidential campaign was a major publishing event, offering an insider’s perspective on modern American politics .
A Glimpse into a Bestselling Author’s Mind
What does it take to write a book that resonates with thousands of readers? Jess Walter, author of the #1 bestseller Beautiful Ruins, emphasizes the importance of character and relentless curiosity.
When crafting characters, Walter strives to reflect the diverse, real world. His approach is to focus on their core humanity—”desires, failings, ambitions, fears”—which allows them to feel authentic and complex, rather than one-dimensional .
On the subject of research, he describes it as a wonderful “obsession.” He advises writers to go beyond internet searches: “Relish the obsession.” He recommends using resources like public libraries, where serendipitous discoveries in old newspapers and microfilms can open up new, unexpected storylines and add rich, authentic detail to a narrative .
How to Discover Your Next Favorite Book
Navigating the bestseller list can be a great way to find your next read. Here are a few tips:
Look Beyond the #1 Spot: While the top book gets the most attention, scan the entire list. You might find a gem in the #8 spot that perfectly matches your interests. The current lists for early November 2025, for example, feature a wide range from speculative fiction like Alchemised to historical narratives like Boleyn Traitor .
Follow Your Favorite Authors: Notice a pattern? Authors like Rebecca Yarros, John Sandford, and James Patterson are frequent fliers on the list for a reason—they deliver what their readers love .
Mix Genres: Don’t limit yourself. If you typically read fiction, try a gripping nonfiction title like The Anxious Generation or a memoir. The bestseller list is a perfect place for cross-genre discovery.
New york ny times best sellers 2025
New York Times Bestsellers 2025 Books & Authors
Fiction & Literary Novels
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The Frozen River – Ariel Lawhon
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The Wedding People – Alison Espach
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The God of the Woods – Liz Moore
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First Lie Wins (Reese’s Book Club) – Ashley Elston
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In Five Years – Rebecca Serle
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Trust (Pulitzer Prize Winner) – Hernan Diaz
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The Oligarch’s Daughter – Joseph Finder
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Summer Island – Kristin Hannah
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All the Colors of the Dark (Read with Jenna Pick) – Chris Whitaker
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Magic Hour – Kristin Hannah
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The Last Thing He Told Me (Reese’s Pick) – Laura Dave
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Counting Miracles – Nicholas Sparks
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The Whistler – John Grisham
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We All Live Here – Jojo Moyes
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Something in the Water (Reese’s Book Club) – Catherine Steadman
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The Memory of an Elephant – Alex Lasker
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The Secret Life of Sunflowers – Marta Molnar
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The Spy and the Traitor – Ben Macintyre
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James – Percival Everett
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Code Name Hélène – Ariel Lawhon
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None of This Is True – Lisa Jewell
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The Paris Library – Janet Skeslien Charles
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All the Ugly and Wonderful Things – Bryn Greenwood
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The Paper Palace (Reese’s Book Club) – Miranda Cowley Heller
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
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Hello Beautiful (Oprah’s Book Club) – Ann Napolitano
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The Midnight Library (GMA Book Club Pick) – Matt Haig
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The Dictionary of Lost Words (Reese’s Pick) – Pip Williams
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Never Flinch – Stephen King
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Funny Story – Emily Henry
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The Girl Who Was Taken – Charlie Donlea
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The Wife Before – Shanora Williams
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Just for the Summer – Abby Jimenez
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The Things We Do for Love – Kristin Hannah
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The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides
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Things We Never Got Over – Lucy Score
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Society of Lies (Reese’s Book Club) – Lauren Ling Brown
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We Are All the Same in the Dark – Julia Heaberlin
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Dark Matter – Blake Crouch
Thrillers & Suspense
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The Crash – Freida McFadden
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Lethal Prey (A Prey Novel) – John Sandford
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The Waiting (Ballard & Bosch Series) – Michael Connelly
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Ward D – Freida McFadden
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Battle Mountain (Joe Pickett Series) – C.J. Box
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The Couple Next Door – Shari Lapena
Historical & Nonfiction
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The Boy From Block 66 – Limor Regev (Holocaust Survival Story)
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The Zen Monkey and the Lotus Flower – Tenpa Yeshe
Top Authors of 2025
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Kristin Hannah (Summer Island, Magic Hour)
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Ariel Lawhon (The Frozen River, Code Name Hélène)
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Freida McFadden (The Crash, Ward D)
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Nicholas Sparks (Counting Miracles)
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Reese’s Book Club Picks (First Lie Wins, The Paper Palace)
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Stephen King (Never Flinch)
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Emily Henry (Funny Story)
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