Top 10 Books of 2025 That Every Lover of Contemporary Literature Must Read

2025 has brought readers worldwide dozens of unique books capable of offering fresh perspectives on the world. We’ve compiled a Top 10 list of must-read titles for all contemporary literature lovers: from profound novels to captivating fantasies.
Contemporary Literature Contemporary Literature

Every year, the literary world expands with new works that capture the minds and hearts of readers. 2025 has been no exception, presenting many outstanding books worthy of attention. We’ve analyzed critical and reader opinions to highlight the most striking works that have already become bestsellers and gained global recognition.

Our Top 10 Books of 2025

  1. “Dream Count” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
    A decade after “Americanah,” Adichie returns with a novel described as “four novels for the price of one”. It weaves interconnected narratives around the friendship of three Nigerian women whose lives have diverged from their aspirations. The book explores themes of masculinity, race, colonialism, and power, delving into profound questions of identity and self-realization.
  2. “We Do Not Part” by Han Kang
    Translated into English, this novel by “The Vegetarian” author blurs the lines between reality and dreams, exploring the bond between two women, Kyuna and Seon, while revealing a violent and often overlooked aspect of Korean history. The book is called “exquisite and profoundly disquieting,” affirming Han Kang’s exceptional talent.
  3. “Caledonian Road” by Andrew O’Hagan
    A Sunday Times bestseller that has already garnered critical and reader acclaim.
  4. “Death at the Sign of the Rook” by Kate Atkinson
    Another work by an author known for creating compelling plots.
  5. “Universality” by Natasha Brown
    Described as “utterly phenomenal” by Elizabeth Day.
  6. “The Art and Making of Arcane” by Elisabeth Vincentelli
    A book that provides insight into the world of the popular animated series Arcane.
  7. “Breath: Wake Up to Life” by Prem Rawat
    A non-fiction book offering a perspective on how to live a fulfilling life.
  8. “Climate Is Just the Start: How We Can STOP the Climate Crisis…” by Mikaela Loach
    An important work about the climate crisis and ways to address it.
  9. “Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World” by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
    A book that helps readers break free from the constant pursuit of goals.
  10. “Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War – the instant…” by Ash Sarkar
    An instant bestseller offering a perspective on culture wars.

Why You Should Read These Books

  • They explore global themes and contemporary challenges such as race, identity, technology, ecology, and social justice.
  • They represent diverse voices and cultures, including authors from Nigeria, South Korea, the UK, China, and other countries.
  • They possess high literary value, offering complex plots and profound psychological portraits.
  • They include both fiction and non-fiction works, expanding the reader’s horizons.

Key Aspects of Selected Books

Book TitleAuthorGenreKey Themes / Features
Dream CountChimamanda Ngozi AdichieFictionFriendship, identity, race, colonialism
We Do Not PartHan KangFictionReality and dreams, Korean history, female bonds
Caledonian RoadAndrew O’HaganFictionRelevant social issues
Death at the Sign of the RookKate AtkinsonFictionGripping plot, literary craftsmanship
UniversalityNatasha BrownFictionPhilosophical reflections, universal human values
The Art and Making of ArcaneElisabeth VincentelliNon-FictionAnalysis of a popular animated series’ creation
Breath: Wake Up to LifePrem RawatNon-FictionSelf-improvement, life philosophy
Climate Is Just the Start…Mikaela LoachNon-FictionClimate crisis, activism
Tiny ExperimentsAnne-Laure Le CunffNon-FictionPsychology, life without goal obsession
Minority RuleAsh SarkarNon-FictionCulture wars, social commentary

2025 has offered us a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in a world of literature that not only entertains but also provokes thought, inspires, and broadens perspectives. The books presented here are just a fraction of the vast number of talented works released this year, but each is capable of leaving a profound mark on every reader’s heart. Don’t miss the chance to explore them!