Best Books of 2025
· design
The Year’s Reading List: A Study in Contrasts
The annual list of best books has been released, offering a diverse selection of titles that reflect both established trends and emerging voices. However, upon closer inspection, this year’s list reveals a complex interplay between literary merit, commercial pressures, and the evolving tastes of readers.
The dominance of well-known authors in various categories is not surprising, given their reputation and influence within the literary community. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Thomas Pynchon, for instance, are giants in their respective fields, and it’s no surprise to see them making appearances on this list. However, the prevalence of other established names raises questions about whether they are relying on past glories rather than pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Crime and thriller writers like Denise Mina and Mick Herron have a significant presence on the list, but their popularity begs the question: do their books represent innovative genre-bending fiction or simply commercial success based on familiar formulas? The trend towards non-fiction is also notable, with books about food and memoirs by famous actors gaining traction. While this may indicate a deeper engagement with the world around us, it could also be seen as reflecting our voyeuristic tendencies.
Graphic novels stand out as an intriguing category, with titles like Alison Bechdel’s and Joe Sacco’s showcasing their ongoing influence. The diversity of graphic novel entries suggests that the medium is still evolving, incorporating new themes and styles into its narrative scope.
This year’s list raises pressing questions about the nature of our literary culture. Why do so many books focus on the lives of famous and influential individuals? Are we more interested in reading about others’ experiences than our own? What happens to writers who aren’t yet household names – are they lost in the shuffle or can they break through?
Ultimately, this list is a reflection of our times: a world where social media reigns supreme and attention spans are shorter than ever. Readers crave instant gratification and recognition, but beneath the hype lies a deeper truth: great writing still has the power to surprise, challenge, and transform us.
As we enter the new year, it will be interesting to see which books endure beyond their initial buzz. Will they prove themselves to be timeless classics or fleeting sensations? The answer will reveal more about our literary landscape – a world where trends come and go at an alarming rate.
The books we read today shape the conversations we’ll have tomorrow. Let’s celebrate this year’s best titles not just for their own merit, but also as a reflection of who we are as readers and what we value in literature.
Reader Views
- NFNoa F. · graphic designer
One glaring omission from this year's list is any serious consideration of accessibility and representation in literature. With so many titles by established authors dominating the scene, it's easy to overlook the fact that these books often cater to a specific demographic. The lack of voices and stories from outside the literary bubble is staggering, and until we prioritize diversity and inclusion, our notion of "best" books will remain woefully narrow-minded.
- TSThe Studio Desk · editorial
This year's best books list is as much about the marketing machine as literary merit. While established authors like Adichie and Pynchon are undoubtedly talented, their inclusion raises questions about the homogenization of literary voices. The proliferation of non-fiction memoirs by celebrities and experts in popular fields is a symptom of our voyeuristic society's insatiable appetite for stories of privilege and achievement. A more nuanced discussion would be had if we examined how these trends reflect – or perhaps pervert – the very notion of "best books" as a bellwether for societal values.
- TDTheo D. · type designer
It's refreshing to see graphic novels getting their due in this year's list, but what's striking is how few of these titles are pushing the boundaries of typography and layout. As a type designer, I'm acutely aware that the visual aspects of a book can greatly enhance its narrative impact. The art of storytelling through typography has been largely overlooked in favor of more attention-grabbing gimmicks – it's high time this changes.