Fiction books transport us to different worlds, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and ignite our imaginations. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or a casual reader looking for your next great read, this list of the 4 best fiction books in 2025 is curated just for you. These titles span various genres and offer compelling stories that are hard to put down.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Genre: Fantasy / Contemporary Fiction
Why Read It: The Midnight Library explores the idea of parallel lives and the choices that shape us. When Nora Seed finds herself in a mysterious library between life and death, she has the chance to undo her regrets by living the lives she could have had.
Short Description:
The Midnight Library follows Nora Seed, a woman overwhelmed by regrets and depression, who finds herself in a magical library between life and death. Each book in the library allows her to live a different version of her life based on the choices she could have made. Through these alternate realities, Nora explores what truly makes life worth living.
Positive Points:
- Uplifting Message: Encourages readers to embrace life, imperfections and all, and highlights the power of choice and perspective.
- Creative Premise: The concept of a library of infinite lives is imaginative and thought-provoking.
- Accessible Writing Style: Haig’s prose is straightforward and emotionally resonant, making it easy for a broad audience to connect with the story.
- Mental Health Awareness: Tackles themes like depression, anxiety, and suicide with compassion and sensitivity.
Negative Points:
- Repetitive Structure: The “different life” chapters can feel formulaic or predictable over time.
- Lacks Depth for Some Readers: Critics argue that complex themes are treated simplistically or too sentimentally.
- Overt Messaging: Some readers feel the philosophical messages are too on-the-nose or preachy.
- Unrealistic Resolutions: The protagonist’s transformation may seem overly neat or idealized to those seeking a more nuanced portrayal of mental health recovery
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Genre: Literary Fiction / Contemporary
Why Read It: This emotional, character-driven novel dives into friendship, creativity, and the evolution of video games. Zevin weaves a touching story of two friends navigating love and loss over decades.
Short Description:
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a novel that explores the decades-long relationship between Sam and Sadie, two childhood friends who reconnect in college and go on to become celebrated video game designers. Spanning 30 years, the book delves into creativity, friendship, love, ambition, and the power of art to shape lives. It is not a love story in the traditional sense, but a rich portrait of human connection.
Positive Points:
- Complex Characters: The protagonists are deeply developed, flawed, and realistic, making their journey emotionally resonant.
- Unique Setting: The focus on video game design offers a fresh and engaging backdrop that blends technology and artistry.
- Explores Deep Themes: Tackles big ideas like identity, disability, grief, and the search for meaning through work and relationships.
- Literary and Thoughtful: Rich in language and philosophical insight, appealing to readers who enjoy introspective fiction.
Negative Points:
- Slow Pacing: Some sections, especially detailed gaming or backstory elements, may feel slow or overly technical.
- Not Plot-Driven: Readers who prefer action-packed or tightly plotted narratives might find it lacking in momentum.
- Emotionally Heavy: Deals with serious topics like death, trauma, and emotional isolation, which may be intense for some readers.
- Unconventional Romance: Those expecting a traditional romantic arc may be disappointed by the platonic nature of the main relationship
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Genre: Psychological Fiction / Romance
Why Read It: Set against the backdrop of a summer in Cape Cod, this gripping story follows Elle Bishop as she confronts a life-changing decision. With rich prose and layered storytelling, The Paper Palace examines love, betrayal, and family secrets.
Short Description:
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller is a compelling novel set over a single day and a lifetime. It follows Elle Bishop, a woman torn between the life she has built with her beloved husband and the passion she shares with her childhood friend, Jonas. As she reflects on the choices, secrets, and traumas that have shaped her, Elle must confront a life-altering decision. Set against the backdrop of a family summer home in Cape Cod, the novel explores love, betrayal, family, and the lasting impact of the past.
Positive Points:
- Beautiful Writing: Lyrical prose and vivid descriptions bring both the setting and characters to life.
- Emotional Depth: Tackles complex emotional themes like love, infidelity, trauma, and forgiveness with sensitivity.
- Dual Timeline Structure: The narrative shifts between past and present, adding depth and suspense to Elle’s decision-making.
- Rich Setting: The Cape Cod landscape plays a strong role in the novel, enhancing its atmosphere and emotional weight.
Negative Points:
- Graphic Content: Includes scenes of abuse and trauma that may be disturbing or triggering for some readers.
- Ambiguous Ending: The conclusion is open to interpretation, which may frustrate readers seeking closure.
- Slow Build: The pacing can feel slow at times, especially in the beginning as the backstory unfolds.
- Morally Complex Characters: Some readers may find it hard to sympathize with the protagonist’s choices or actions
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Genre: Science Fiction / Thriller
Why Read It: From the author of The Martian, this thrilling sci-fi novel combines science, suspense, and heart. Ryland Grace wakes up alone in space with no memory—and the fate of humanity on his shoulders.
Short Description:
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a science fiction novel centered on Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As his memory gradually returns, he realizes he’s humanity’s last hope to save Earth from an extinction-level threat. Along the way, he encounters an unexpected alien ally, and the two must work together to solve a cosmic mystery and prevent disaster. The novel blends science, humor, and heart in a gripping space survival story.
Positive Points:
- Scientific Accuracy: Features detailed and well-researched science, making it engaging for fans of hard sci-fi.
- Fast-Paced and Suspenseful: The plot unfolds with tension and excitement, keeping readers hooked.
- Unique Alien Character: Introduces a memorable alien species with a believable and compelling friendship arc.
- Humor and Heart: Weir’s trademark wit adds levity, and the emotional depth gives the story weight.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Packed with clever challenges and ingenious solutions, showcasing the triumph of intellect and cooperation.
Negative Points:
- Heavy on Science: Some readers may find the technical explanations overwhelming or too detailed.
- Simplistic Characters: While likable, the human characters can feel underdeveloped or one-dimensional.
- Predictable Structure: The problem-solution format may feel repetitive or formulaic over time.
- Lack of Earth-Based Storylines: The focus on space means there’s little development of Earth-based consequences or characters
Final Thoughts
These four fiction books offer a diverse range of stories and styles, making them excellent additions to any reading list. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding suspense, emotional depth, or imaginative worlds, these titles won’t disappoint.
Don’t forget to bookmark this page and share it with fellow book lovers looking for the best fiction books of 2025!