The five most-read books of 2025 you’ll want to pick up next
The five most-read books of 2025 prove that good stories never go out of style. Each one offers escape, reflection, or inspiration.
There’s something magical about a good book. It takes you out of your world and places you right inside someone else’s. From fantasy worlds filled with dragons to deeply human stories of love, leadership, and loss, the most-read books of 2025 prove that reading is still one of the most powerful escapes.
Here are the titles readers around the world can’t stop talking about this year.
1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Following the success of Fourth Wing, this sequel swept global reading charts in 2025, selling millions of copies within months of release.
What it’s about: A gripping fantasy set in a world of dragon riders, loyalty, and betrayal. Violet Sorrengail faces new enemies and choices that test her courage and love.
Who should read it: Perfect for young adults and fantasy lovers who crave adventure, passion, and power dynamics that mirror real life.
2. The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton and James Patterson
A political thriller that became a global bestseller, merging intrigue with emotional tension.
What it’s about: The husband of America’s first female president finds himself at the centre of a national scandal when a dark secret threatens to ruin everything.
Who should read it: Those who love fast-paced thrillers, political drama, and unexpected plot twists.
3. Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart
This haunting novel reflects on what it means to grow up in a collapsing world.
What it’s about: A ten-year-old girl navigates survival and belief when everything she knows begins to fall apart. It’s a satirical yet heartfelt look at innocence amid chaos.
Who should read it: Mature readers who appreciate deep storytelling about family, faith, and resilience.
4. The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey
An emotionally rich blend of fiction and memoir that captivated literary readers worldwide.
What it’s about: A woman’s quiet unraveling after heartbreak turns into a profound meditation on identity, memory, and the human condition.
Who should read it: Anyone drawn to lyrical writing and stories that reflect inner transformation should take this item form this list of most-read books of 2025.
5. 107 Days by Kamala Harris with Geraldine Brooks
This memoir, released in late 2025, gives readers a rare look into life on the campaign trail and the cost of public leadership.
What it’s about: A candid retelling of Harris’s political journey, sacrifices, and reflections on democracy and gender in politics.
Who should read it: Professionals, leaders, and anyone inspired by perseverance and purpose.
Why reading books still matters
These most-read books of 2025 remind us the art of reading is timeless. Reading keeps the mind alive in a world full of noise. It sharpens focus, builds empathy, and feeds imagination.
Studies show that reading just 15 minutes a day can lower stress levels, expand vocabulary, and boost emotional intelligence.
For South Africans at home or abroad, reading also connects us our cultures, stories, and experiences become part of a larger African voice in a global conversation.
How to get your child to love reading
- Start early. Make reading part of bedtime or morning routines.
- Let them choose. Ownership sparks interest; graphic novels, folk tales, even comics count.
- Create reading spaces. A comfy chair, a lamp, and a small book collection can do wonders.
- Read with them. Children mimic what they see – your love for books becomes theirs.
- Celebrate small wins. Every book finished deserves a cheer, not a test.
Reading isn’t just a hobby, it’s a life skill that grows empathy, patience, and imagination.