"2025's Must-Read Books We're Excited About"

# Most Anticipated Books of 2025: A Sneak Peek Into Next Year’s Literary Gems If you’re anything like us, you’re already thinking ahead to next year’s TBR (To Be Read) list. While 2024 had its fair share of literary hits, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year with a lineup of diverse and compelling titles. From award-winning authors making their long-awaited return to fresh voices promising groundbreaking debuts, there’s something for every reader. So, dust off your bookshelf, set those reminders, and get ready to dive into **the best contemporary fiction**, historical dramas, speculative storytelling, and more. For an even deeper dive into upcoming literary releases, you can check out the original article on [BookBrowse’s website](https://www.bookbrowse.com/coming_soon/index.cfm/view/year/xdate/1). --- ## Contemporary Fiction: Stories That Mirror Our World One of the most exciting genres to explore is contemporary fiction, which often holds up a mirror to the world around us, reflecting our evolving cultural landscape. The anticipated titles for 2025 are no exception, seamlessly weaving personal stories with broader societal themes. Here’s a preview of some standout reads we can’t wait for: ### **A/S/L by Jeanne Thornton** Release Date: April 1, 2025 | Publisher: Soho Press | 496 Pages Award-winning author Jeanne Thornton is diving deep into the intersection of **queer identity** and pop culture in her new novel, *A/S/L*. Centered on three friends who create a video game together as teenagers, the story fast-forwards to their adult lives, exploring the complex codes—both literal and metaphorical—that shaped their bonds. This Lambda Literary Award winner promises another unforgettable exploration of modern identity. **Why You’ll Love It:** If you’re a fan of stories that mix creative tech culture with heartfelt human connections, this is a must-read. Thornton’s unique perspective promises both emotional depth and rich commentary on the dynamics of friendship and self-discovery. --- ### **Audition: A Novel by Katie Kitamura** Release Date: April 8, 2025 | Publisher: Riverhead Books | 208 Pages Known for her quiet, suspenseful prose, Katie Kitamura follows her critically acclaimed *Intimacies* with *Audition: A Novel*, a story about one woman navigating love, performance, and identity. Kitamura’s novels are often likened to stepping into a world of fragile, quiet intensity, and this upcoming release looks to expand on her signature style. **Why You’ll Love It:** If you’re drawn to explorations of human relationships layered with subtle, psychological intrigue, Kitamura’s newest book will captivate you. --- ### **Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie** Release Date: March 4, 2025 | Publisher: Knopf | 416 Pages It’s been a decade since *Americanah*, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is finally back with *Dream Count*, a novel that intertwines the lives of four women navigating love, ambition, and heartbreak. Brimming with Adichie’s usual wit and brilliant storytelling, this promises to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. **Why You’ll Love It:** With universal themes of relationships and longing, Adichie’s storytelling has a way of feeling deeply personal no matter where you are in life. Her return is a publishing event you won’t want to miss. --- ## Fiction That Goes Beyond: Historical and Speculative Gems If contemporary tales tethered to the present aren’t your thing, no worries. The 2025 lineup includes sweeping historical dramas and speculative fiction that stretch the boundaries of imagination. ### **The Dissenters by Youssef Rakha** Release Date: February 4, 2025 | Publisher: Graywolf Press | 272 Pages Spanning 70 years of Egyptian history, *The Dissenters* centers on a character who glimpses his deceased mother’s life in a series of vivid visions. Written by acclaimed Egyptian author Youssef Rakha, this piece is both transgressive and deeply introspective, balancing personal grief with wider historical reflections. **Why You’ll Love It:** Rakha’s ability to knit together Egypt’s tumultuous history with lyrical prose will appeal to fans of raw, transformative storytelling. If you loved previous works like *The Yacoubian Building*, circle this one in red ink. --- ## A Focus on Family: Stories Rooted in Connection Stories of family, sibling dynamics, and generational ties continue to dominate the literary landscape, with books like *Everybody Says It’s Everything* and *The Float Test* bringing fresh intensity to these familiar themes. ### **Everybody Says It’s Everything by Xhenet Aliu** Release Date: March 18, 2025 | Publisher: Random House | 320 Pages Set against the backdrop of the Kosovo War and late-‘90s America, Aliu’s new novel delves into sibling bonds and the discovery of identity amidst geopolitical chaos. Following the twins’ journey, this promises a unique lens on large-scale events spreading through the intimate dynamics of family.   *“What moves us to connect, and what drives us apart? Aliu delves into these questions with profound honesty,”* said one literary critic. --- --- ## Most Anticipated Titles Also Mean Proven Pairings It’s no surprise then that many of these authors are favorites of readers who pick up books suggested for Book Clubs driven by thoughtful discussions . Take Lynn