50 books we can’t wait to read in 2025

The new year here is here and with it comes new books — lots of them. To help you navigate the year’s literary offerings, TODAY.com’s editors and books writer Lupita Aquino shared the books we’re most excited about.

Below, the 2025 books we’re most excited about, with picks chosen by Aquino and TODAY.com staffers Arianna Davis, Bryanna Cappadona, Maddie Ellis, Georgina DiNardo, Anna Kaplan, Ayanna Miller, Elena Nicolaou and Kelly Vaughan.

Books to read in January 2025

“The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus” by Emma Knight (Jan. 7)

If you loved “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” you’ll be pleased to know that one of the anticipated books about 2025 also involves cephalopods (at least in the title). In this debut, a young Canadian woman attends school in Scotland in an attempt to understand her father’s past and what went wrong in her parents’ marriage. She ends up finding a family secret bigger than she bargained for. (E.N.)

More books to read in January 2025:

“How to Sleep At Night” by Elizabeth Harris (Jan. 7): A couple doesn’t let being on different ends of the political spectrum get in the way of their love, until one of them decides to run for Congress. Reading Elizabeth Harris’ book, you can’t help but wonder what you would do in this situation. (E.N.)
“A Sea of Unspoken Things” by Adrienne Young (Jan. 7): I’ve been chasing the high of Adrienne Young’s novels — 2023’s “The Unmaking of June Farrow” and 2022’s “Spells for Forgetting” — since reading them both in 2024. She puts twists of mystery and romance in her magical realism books that are so alluring and captivating that I will be running to the bookstore in January when “A Sea of Unspoken Things” drops. This one is about a woman who goes back to her hometown to investigate the mysterious circumstances around her brother’s death and winds up reconnecting with people from her past (including a broody ex-flame). (B.C.)
“Homeseeking “by Karissa Chen (Jan. 7): Suchi was seven when she met Haiwen in their hometown of Shanghai, and they see each again in Los Angeles — 60 years later. This novel follows the pair through six decades of Chinese history, as they travel separately through Hong Kong, Taiwan and New York City until they meet again and learn the meaning of family, sacrifice, loyalty and love that endures beyond distance and time. (A.K.)
“The Life of Herod the Great” by Zora Neale Hurston (Jan. 7): This never-before-published novel from one of the most distinguished writers of the 20th century is a historical retelling of Herod the Great. Written in 1958 and rescued from a fire, the novel is presented as closely to its original form as possible with only minor edits to reflect the “work-in-progress” state of Hurston’s unfinished novel. (L.A.)
“Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros (Jan. 21): “Onyx Storm” is the third installment in Rebecca Yarros’ smash romantasy Empyrean series made popular by the wildly successful first book “Fourth Wing.” The Empyrean series follows Violet Sorrengail, a dragon-rider navigating political twists and turns, a steamy love triangle, bouts of self-growth, life-altering revelations and a strenuous war surrounding her. Yarros previewed the new book exclusively on TODAY.com. (G.D.)
“Black in Blues” by Imani Perry (Jan. 28): Imani Perry, interdisciplinary scholar and author of “South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation,” which won the 2022 National Book Award for nonfiction, returns with an in-depth exploration of the color blue and its deep roots in Black contemporary culture. Perry’s ability to weave history, research, personal narrative and storytelling will captivate any reader. (L.A.)

Books to read in February 2025

“Back After This” by Linda Holmes

Linda Holmes, co-host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, is a cultural critic and a prolific novelist. Her latest is set in the world of radio. Cecily Foster is given the chance to host her own show (a dream!) but only if she’s willing to document her dating journey in real time. (E.N.).

More books to read in February 2025:

“This Is a Love Story” by Jessica Soffer (Feb. 4): Get ready to have your emotions rocked by this moving family saga about a couple’s enduring love and the son who feels left out of their story. (E.N.).
“Deep End” by Ali Hazelwood (Feb. 4): After releasing two adult romances in 2024 (“Bride” and “Not In Love” ), Ali Hazelwood promises another steamy romance, while wading into new waters. Though Hazelwood is known for her “steminist” focus — female-centered romances set in the world of academia and science — “Deep End” follows two student athletes. Hazelwood calls “Deep End” a “love letter to the new adult books I read in the 2010s.” Hazelwood’s characters’ tend to have chemistry that leaps off the page, with a perfect mix of sentimental, sweet and spicy. I’m thrilled to see her make a splash in the sports romance genre with “Deep End” (aka “Whet,” if you know you know). (M.E.)
“Loca” by Alejandro Heredia (Feb. 11): Set in New York City in the late ‘90s, Loca follows Sal and Charo, two best friends who seek to reestablish themselves after arriving from the Dominican Republic. The novel explores the concept of found family and how self-discovery unfolds when given space and safety. (L.A.)
“Stone Yard Devotional” by Charlotte Wood (Feb. 11): “Stone Yard Devotional,” a finalist for the Booker Prize, is getting published in the U.S. in February, and follows a woman who leaves her life in Sydney behind to check into a retreat house at a convent in the plains of rural Australia. I’ll leave the rest to the Booker Prize judges, who in their remarks called the novel “a fierce and philosophical interrogation of history, memory, nature, and human existence.” (A.K.)
“Alligator Tears” by Edgar Gomez (Feb. 11): From the 2023 Lambda Literary Award winner for gay memoir comes a memoir-in-essays about a working-class immigrant family living in Florida in the early 2000s. Relatable, funny and deeply heartfelt, this memoir is one not to miss. (L.A.)
“Tilda is Visible” by Jane Tara (Feb. 25): What would you do if you were invisible? Tilda doesn’t have to ask — she finds out when, at 52, people stop being able to see her. “Tilda Is Visible” uses a magical twist to confront the very real phenomenon of women feeling unseen as they get older. (E.N.)

Books to read in March 2025

“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins (March 22)

Big news for anyone who read and loved “The Hunger Games”: There’s another book on the way. This book is a prequel about Haymitch Abernathy. Read more about the book in TODAY’s exclusive cover reveal. (E.N.)

More books to read in March 2025:

“33 Place Brugman” by Alice Austen (March 6): Fans of historical fiction are sure to be pulled into this polyphonic novel, focusing on the residents — some friends, some enemies — of an apartment building in Belgium on the eve of the German invasion. Everyone in the book knows their lives are about to change and answer the call differently, all the while, watching each other in ways friendly and menacing. Alice Austen’s writing is engrossing and the plot will sweep you away. (E.N.)
“The Dream Hotel” by Laila Lalami (March 8): What if you were arrested for a crime you haven’t done — yet? Laila Lalami’s latest is a haunting work of speculative fiction about a woman arrested for having the wrong kind of dreams. (E.N.)
“Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One” by Kristen Arnett (March 18): Working at an aquarium and pet store in Orlando, Cherry Hendricks dreams of becoming a full-time professional clown. But she can’t seem to get out of her own way — that is it seems, until she connects with Margot the Magnificent, an established lesbian magician, via a dating app. This is a hilarious and ingenious novel for anyone who’s ever felt like a misfit. (L.A.)
“The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones (March 18): The era of the vampire is back in full force and author Stephen Graham Jones makes the subgenre his own with The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. It’s a historical horror novel that follows a Lutheran priest who transcribes the interviews of Good Stab, a Blackfoot vampire, haunting the fields of the reservation seeking revenge. (A.M.)
“Tilt” by Emma Pattee (March 25): The premise of “Tilt” is out of a nightmare; the characters, out of your everyday life. “Tilt” imagines what might happen should the next Cascadia Fault earthquake occur and wreak havoc on the Pacific Northwest. It’s a big concept, but only follows a day in one pregnant woman’s life who is caught away from home, leading to riveting and relatable survival tale. You will be biting your nails and Googling at the same time. (E.N.)

Books to read in April 2025

“Matriarch” by Tina Knowles (April 22)

I think we’ve all been waiting for the multihyphenate Tina Knowles to give us a glimpse into her story and she’s finally giving us a peek in 2025. Her memoir will follow the highs and lows of becoming the mogul she’s known as today, while also focusing on Black motherhood. (A.M.)

More books to read in April 2025:

“Say You’ll Remember Me” by Abby Jimenez (April 1): Abby Jimenez’s latest book “Just for the Summer” was my first beach read of 2024, and I loved it so much, I immediately went and read everything else she’s written. Abby’s books are witty rom-coms with a touch of reality, and while they’re not part of a series, each book is interconnected and includes Easter eggs of past characters. She’s now an auto buy author for me, and I’m sure “Say You’ll Remember Me” will be just as fun as the rest! (A.D.)
“Heartwood” by Amity James (April 1): How long would you make it stranded in the Appalachian Trail? Valerie Gillis, the 42-year-old protagonist of this nail-biter, has to answer that question for herself when she winds up 200 miles away from her intended destination. (E.N.)
“Audition” by Katie Kitamura (April 8): I absolutely adored “Intimacies” by Katie Kitamura — it was one of my favorite reads of 2021. So when I found out about her upcoming novel, I nearly yelped out of excitement. In “Audition,” an actress meets a younger man for lunch in Manhattan, and as you learn how they actually know each other, it will make you question those closest to you — and the roles they might be playing in your life. (A.K.)
“The Float Test” by Lynn Steger Strong (April 8): Lynn Steger Strong is known for taut and richly rendered family sagas and the latest is no exception. Four siblings are on the brink of personal breakdowns and so is their entire family unit. (E.N.)
“The Pretender” by Jo Harkin (April 10): “The Pretender” is a historical novel and true story set in 1480 England. A young boy is plucked from obscurity and chosen to become a challenger for the throne. (E.N.)
“When the Harvest Comes” by Denne Michele Norris (April 15): Davis, a rising violist star, is marrying the man of his dreams and joining the (almost) picture-perfect Caldwell family. Everything seems to be falling into place for his happily ever after — until he receives a call that his estranged father, Reverend Doctor John Freeman, has been in a terrible accident. “When the Harvest Comes” is a novel choosing love in the face of misunderstanding, and, more importantly, the freedom that comes in finding yourself. (L.A.)
“Somadina” by Akwaeke Emezi (April 15): After Somadina and her twin brother Jayaike begin to develop their magical powers, Jayaike mysteriously goes missing. Somadina must track him down while learning how to navigate her powers that terrify the town — and her. Akwaeke Emezi is a master at their craft and this is one you won’t want to miss. (A.M.)
“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry (April 22): EmHen fans (including myself) are eagerly awaiting the release of “Great Big Beautiful Life.” It features all the hallmarks of a classic Emily Henry novel — a will-they-won’t-they trope featuring one bright-eyed writer and an extremely jaded one, set on a warm and sunny lakefront. (K.V.)
“Bibliotherapy in the Bronx” by Emely Rumble(April 22): In her 14 years as a psychotherapist, Emely Rumble has connected books with clients as a way to offer solace and self-discovery. “Bibliotherapy in the Bronx” delves into how literature can help us connect with our emotions and heal, one book or story at a time. This is for anyone that has ever felt the magic of feeling seen in the pages of a book. (L.A.)
“The Bright Years” by Sarah Damoff (April 22): One family, three points of view, many years. It’s nearly impossible not to be moved by this years-spanning novel about Ryan and Lillian Bright and their daughter, Georgette, and especially by that climactic final scene. (E.N.)

Books to read in May 2025

“My Name Is Emilia del Valle” by Isabel Allende

Isabel Allende never fails to deliver on the sweeping and spellbinding front. Her latest historical novel is about an ambitious young aspiring writer who goes after her dreams — much like Allende herself did. Born in 1866 in San Francisco to an Irish nun and an errant aristocrat, Emilia Del Valle one day travels to Chile to uncover the truth of her father’s identity. (E.N.)

More books to read in May 2025:

“One Golden Summer” by Carley Fortune (May 6): Carley Fortune is back with another anticipated summer-set romance. In it, Charlie Florek, the younger brother in Fortune’s debut “Every Summer After,” gets a love story of his own. (E.N.)
“Can’t Get Enough” by Kennedy Ryan (May 13): All hail Kennedy Ryan, the queen of books that are equal parts relatable and steamy —and center Black women and people of color. Bonus points for the fact that her character development is top notch; you’ll reach the end of all her works rooting for each of the characters. Her latest, “Can’t Get Enough,” is the third installment of a series that follows three best friends. We know Yasmen and Soledad’s stories; now, it’s time for Hendrix’s tale, and I can’t wait. (A.D.)
“Maine Characters” by Hannah Orenstein (May 13): Following two half sisters who meet for the first time after their fathers’ death, this novel is being likened to “The Parent Trap,” but for adults. What’s there not to like? (K.V.)
“Sleep” by Honor Jones (May 13): In this debut novel from Honor Jones, a senior editor at The Atlantic, a newly divorced mother returns to the house she grew up in to reckon with her family’s past, all while trying to raise a family of her own. The cycles of motherhood and childhood intersect as Margaret learns the power of secrets and silence, and the burden of love. (A.K.)
“Along Came Amor” by Alexa Daria (May 27): If you love telenovelas and books, Alexis Daria has you covered. Her rom coms are always a delight, filled with the kind of romantic chemistry that keeps you glued because you just need to know what happens next. Like Abby Jimenez and Kennedy Ryan, Alexa is another author who often interweaves previous characters’ stories into her novels, which I love. Her upcoming book promises to bring us the perspective of Ava Rodriguez, the third cousin in the “Primas of Power” trio we’ve met in her previous books “You Had Me at Hola” and “A Lot Like Adiós.” This will go to the top of my TBR pile! (A.D.)

Books to read in June 2025

“A Family Matter” by Claire Lynch (June 3)

Family secrets take center stage in this decades-spanning novel. Read the book before the twists are spoiled for you. (E.N.)

More books to read in June 2025:

“Bug Hallow” by Michelle Huneven (June 17): Ellis Samuelson had a promising future — then, no future at all. Tragedy changes the course of his parents’ and sisters’ lives, and the daughter he never knew. (E.N.)
“Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 25): “Atmosphere” centers on astronaut Joan Goodwin, who joins the ranks of NASA’s Space Shuttle program as one of its first women scientists. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books are emotional, complex and completely bingeable. Setting my “out of office” message now in anticipation. (K.V.)
“The Satisfaction Cafe” by Kathy Wang (June 26): This irresistible read traverses decades one a woman’s life. The twists are as unexpected yet realistic as the ones you’d hear from a neighbor or a friend. But the writing is uniquely endearing and funny, leaping off the page. You will be moved by this tale of resilience and taking delight in life despite hardships. (E.N.)

Books to read in July 2025

“Maggie; Or, a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar” by Katie Yee (July 22)

We catch the unnamed narrator of this sharp book right at a moment of crisis. Her husband is leaving her for a woman named Maggie and she receives a medical diagnosis that mirrors what her own mother went through. Meanwhile, she has to keep it together to raise her kids. It sounds grim — but Katie Yee’s buoyant and profound writing makes the book surprisingly optimistic and touching, a portrait of everyday resilience and bravery. (E.N.)

More books to read in July 2025:

“The Art of Vanishing” by Morgan Pager (July 1): You’ll never look at a museum the same way again after reading this imaginative book. The plot will remind ‘90s kids of “Super Mario 64”: A young woman is literally pulled into the world of a museum painting. Specifically, a work of Henri Matisse. (E.N.)
“My Train Leaves at Three” by Natalie Guerrero (July 8): Set in Washington Heights, “My Train Leaves at Three” follows Xiomara, an Afro-Latina singer and actress grieving the loss of her sister while struggling to stay afloat and pursue her dreams of Broadway. Dreams that feel increasingly difficult to achieve while staying true to herself in the face of a shallow industry. The novel explores grief and the challenge of balancing self-authenticity with the pressures of success. (L.A.)

Books to read in August 2025

“Katabasis” by R. F. Kuang

After reading “Babel” I was pretty convinced I was a R.F. Kuang stan, but “Yellowface” only confirmed it. All we know about Kuang’s upcoming book “Katabasis” is that two competing Cambridge students have to travel to Hell to save their advisor — and I’m steadily counting down the days for this journey. (A.K.)

More books to read in August 2025:

“The Grand Paloma Resort” by Cleyvis Natera (Aug. 12): A death has occurred at Grand Paloma Resort, one of the Dominican Republic’s most well-known tourist destinations, and the resort staff are believed to have been involved. Laura, a mid-level manager at the resort, must call on Vida, a local healer, to assist with the crisis, while her sister Elena, a resort employee, is suspected of being at fault. This gripping thriller delves into larger themes of class, love and community. (L.A.)

Books to read in September 2025

“Buckeye” by Patrick Ryan (Sept. 2)

Two Ohio families are bound together in the midst of World War II and in its aftermath in this sweeping novel, which got rave blurbs from Ann Patchett and Ann Napolitano. (E.N.)

More books to read in September 2025:

“Middle Spoon” by Alejandro Varela (Sept. 2): Heartbreak is tough to navigate, but what if it’s not from the spouse you love, but from a secondary partner? That’s the premise of “Middle Spoon,” in which the narrator faces not only emotional pain but also judgment as society struggles to understand polyamorous relationships. (L.A.)

Books to read in October 2025

“King Sorrow” by Joe Hill (Oct. 21)

Horror novelist Joe Hill returns with his next page-turning epic. This one has a literary and mythological bent. A group of outsiders summons up a dragon to get revenge, not realizing they’re entering a bargain they can’t win. Hill’s books always are a satisfying blend of pop culture references, heart and horror. (E.N.)

Dates to be announced

“Alchemised” by SenLinYu: SenLinYu published a “Harry Potter” fan fiction called “Manacled” in 2018 that became so beloved she secured a book deal. “Alchemised” will be a re-imagined version of the “Manacled” story, featuring all original characters and settings but the same gut-wrenching themes about womanhood and how a person leaves their mark on the world. Sen has said scenes that are crucial to the plot will remain, while the world surrounding the story will get a rewrite. Her priority is to “try to tell a similarly moving story, but to people that haven’t already experienced it once,” she previously told TODAY.com. (B.C. and M.E.)