Top 10 Books of 2025: A Memoir on Epstein, 'Hunger Games' and Reflections on 2024

NEW YORK The literary world in 2025 featured standout titles, including a new addition to the Hunger Games universe and Thomas Pynchon's first book in several years. Readers also engaged with self-help guidance from Mel Robbins, political insights from Kamala Harris, and Virginia Giuffres posthumous memoir recounting her experiences as a victim of Jeffrey Epstein.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins returned to her celebrated Hunger Games series with this prequel, set 24 years prior to the original story. Selling over 4 million copies worldwide, the book explores the early dystopian world that captivated readers in 2008. Fans attending the release event reflected on how their understanding of the series had matured, experiencing a deeper connection to the characters and their struggles.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Robbins widely discussed self-help book encouraged readers to focus inward and accept what cannot be changed. Drawing inspiration from ancient Stoics to Martin Luther King Jr., Robbins work topped bestseller lists and earned her recognition from Time magazine as one of the top 100 creators, empowering readers to overcome overthinking and embrace action.

Flesh by David Szalay

This Booker Prize-winning novel offered a darkly humorous exploration of life through the lens of Istvn, a working-class Hungarian. The narrative spans multiple countries and experiences, blending misfortune and fleeting pleasures, and was praised for its unique rhythm and compelling storytelling.

Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams

Sarah Wynn-Williams insider account of Meta made waves before its release, highlighting alleged corporate censorship and workplace misconduct. Despite challenges from the company and legal barriers, the book reached the top of The New York Times nonfiction list, drawing attention to corporate accountability.

Nobody's Girl by Virginia Giuffre

Released posthumously, Giuffres memoir detailed her years of abuse and her fight for justice. The book influenced public discussion on the Epstein case, affecting decisions by political and royal figures and keeping Giuffres story in the spotlight for months.

The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson

The second volume of Atkinsons Revolutionary War history series received acclaim for its detailed depiction of battles from 1777 to 1780 and vivid portrayals of historical figures, reinforcing his reputation as a leading narrative historian.

Shadow Ticket and Vineland by Thomas Pynchon

After a long hiatus, Pynchon returned with Shadow Ticket, a 1930s detective story spanning cities from Milwaukee to Budapest. Meanwhile, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson adapted Pynchons Vineland into a celebrated film, incorporating elements that resonated personally with him, with Pynchons approval.

Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson

This book analyzed the 2024 election from a Democratic perspective, examining President Joe Bidens public performance and the partys internal handling of his reelection campaign, highlighting what the authors considered the pivotal missteps.

107 Days by Kamala Harris

Harris recounted her abbreviated 2024 campaign following Bidens withdrawal, reflecting on challenges, rapid decision-making, and her efforts to navigate the presidential race in just over three months.

Independent by Karine Jean-Pierre

Former White House press secretary Jean-Pierre offered an insiders view of the Biden administration while explaining her departure from the Democratic Party. She critiqued media coverage and party strategy, emphasizing Bidens enduring capabilities despite public perception.

Author: Riley Thompson