The 10 Most Popular Books Of 2025, According To Bookshop

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

Is there a topic hotter than the state of politics right now? I think not. Timothy Snyder, who's the Temerty Chair in Modern European History at the University of Toronto and a permanent fellow at Vienna's Institute for Human Sciences, published On Tyranny in 2017. Yet, the premise of his book arguably feels more relevant now than ever.

The New York Times bestselling novel has been described as a "call to arms" while America veers into authoritarian territory, as well as a guide for resistance as individuals try to preserve their rights and freedoms against the threats to democracy.

"Today, our political order faces new threats, not unlike the totalitarianism of the twentieth century. We are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience," per the synopsis.

Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams

Sarah Wynn-Williams had a front-row seat to the rise of tech giant Facebook, ultimately becoming the company's director of global public policy. Now, she's dishing on the dark underbelly of the beast in her explosive memoir, Careless People.

"From trips on private jets and encounters with world leaders to shocking accounts of misogyny and double standards behind the scenes, this searing memoir exposes both the personal and political fallout when unfettered power and a rotten company culture take hold," the synopsis reads.

The author takes readers through the rise of Facebook while mixing in her own experiences as a working mother in the chaotic company environment. Careless People is candid, pointed, and dissects how social media has assumed such a major role in our lives.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins, the mastermind behind the iconic Hunger Games series, delivered another binge-worthy blow with the release of her latest novel this past March, Sunrise on the Reaping.

Fans of the saga have been eagerly awaiting this installment, which focuses on Haymitch Abernathy's story. It's set during the 50th annual Hunger Games, and in honor of the "Quarter Quell," even more tributes are going to be ripped away from their homes to participate in the deadly competition.

Haymitch, who hails from District 12, is ultimately called, and he's brought to the Capitol with the other tributes from his region. From there, his legendary tale starts.

"As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight... and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena," per the synopsis.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Published in 2019, this post-apocalyptic book, penned by Octavia E. Butler, follows Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old girl who resides in a gated community, hidden away from the chaos of the outside world. The climate crisis and economic strife have caused society to suffer anarchy, and Lauren is particularly at risk due to her hyper-empathy.

She is extremely sensitive to other people's emotions and feels called to speak up about the "imminent disasters" that her neighborhood is ignoring.

"But what begins as a fight for survival soon leads to something much more: the birth of a new faith...and a startling vision of human destiny," the synopsis reads.

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle

Do you ever find yourself floundering through life, wishing there were an instruction manual or guidebook for simply being an adult? If so, you're not alone, and you're also in luck, because that's basically the premise for We Can Do Hard Things.

Glennon Doyle, her wife, Abby, and her sister, Amanda, penned this book together after dealing with two difficult medical diagnoses and the loss of a relative, all within one year. Amidst the grief, the trio called on each other, their friends, and 118 "brilliant wayfinders" of the world for their advice and wisdom.

"They put all of that wisdom in one place, We Can Do Hard Things, a place to turn when you feel clueless and alone, when you need clarity in the chaos, or when you want wise company on the path of life," per the synopsis.

The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer

The Serviceberry will push you to question how we can learn from the natural world and center our lives on community and thankfulness as opposed to greed. Robin Wall Kimmerer, an Indigenous scientist and author, uses serviceberries as an aid in this commentary. While harvesting the berries, she wonders what lessons we can glean from the plant world to refocus our values.

"Our economy is rooted in scarcity, competition, and the hoarding of resources, and we have surrendered our values to a system that actively harms what we love. Meanwhile, the serviceberry's relationship with the natural world is an embodiment of reciprocity, interconnectedness, and gratitude," the synopsis details.

Kimmerer argues that serviceberries point toward another way of life, one that's built on reciprocity or the nurturing of relationships. The Serviceberry is a poignant reminder that in order to truly flourish, we must work together.

How We Learn to Be Brave by Mariann Edgar Budde

You probably first heard of Bishop Mariann Budde after she conducted a prayer service at Donald J. Trump's second inauguration and issued a courageous personal plea to the president himself, asking him to show mercy on everyone in America, from refugees and immigrants to members of the LGBTQ+ community.

"But for Bishop Budde, this moment was the culmination of a lifetime spent thinking about those pivot points when we're called on to push past our fears and act with strength. With How We Learn to Be Brave, she teaches us that being brave is not a singular occurrence; it's a journey that we can choose to undertake every day," per the synopsis.

In the book, published in 2023, readers are taken through all sorts of decisive life moments, like whether to go or stay, whether to start something new or accept suffering. Bishop Budde uses examples from both scripture and pop culture to help people realize their true beliefs and live in accordance with them.

Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson

Ezra Klein, an opinion columnist and host of his own podcast at The New York Times, teamed up with Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, to deliver Abundance, a "paradigm-shifting call to renew a politics of plenty."

They believe that the 21st century has been plagued by shortages, as evidenced by the housing crisis, labor deficiencies, and inadequate clean-energy infrastructure. And in Abundance, they argue that the rules and regulations set in motion during the 1970s have stifled the very projects that would solve our modern problems.

"Laws meant to ensure that the government considers the consequences of its actions have made it too difficult for the government to act consequentially. In the last few decades, our capacity to see problems has sharpened while our ability to solve them has diminished," the synopsis reads.

Together, Klein and Thompson examine how the country can progress to a "liberalism" that protects, preserves, and builds to foster a "politics of abundance."

The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad

Journaling has soared to popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, but that doesn't mean it's a new practice. Author Suleika Jaouad has been journaling ever since she was a child, using the technique to document her biggest life milestones, as well as punctuate some of her toughest tribulations.

So, in The Book of Alchemy, she shares her experience with the art of journaling and teaches readers how putting pen to paper can help us tap into our creativity.

"She has gathered wisdom from one hundred writers, artists, and thinkers in the form of essays and writing prompts. Their insights invite us to inhabit a more inspired life," per the synopsis.

The Book of Alchemy is also divided into themes, tackling everything from love to loss. That means there are tools and encouragement for everyone, no matter what life chapter you're in right now.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Last but certainly not least is Emily Henry's latest novel, Great Big Beautiful Life. The author has delivered feel-good romance stories time and time again, and I can personally attest that Henry's newest title is no different.

The plot centers on Alice Scott, a journalist who's trying to get her big break by writing the biography of an heiress named Margaret who vanished from the public eye years ago. The only problem is that she's up against a brooding Pulitzer-winning writer, Hayden Anderson, who's going to give her a run for her money.

To Alice's surprise, both she and Hayden are essentially put on a one-month trial period with the heiress as she tries to determine which journalist she'd like to move forward with. And while the pair are stuck on a little island together, fighting for the same job, sparks start to fly that complicate everything.

"It's becoming abundantly clear that their story, just like the tale Margaret's spinning, could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad... depending on who's telling it," the synopsis reads.