The ever-growing book industry has been thriving in the past few years. After a dip in sales in 2020, bookstores were revived with the help of "BookTok." Since then, notable books have been released weekly, engaging both new and old readers, and redefining the hobby itself.
This year has been no exception. Although it is still not over, statistically, around a million books are published each year. Out of those millions, it’s safe to say that many stand out.
Most popular authors these days have a large online social following. John Green is a well-known author and is most known for his hit young adult fiction novel, “The Fault in Our Stars.” The book sold over 23 million copies. As well as being an author, John Green is also a YouTuber.
He has two channels, both of which he runs with his brother, Hank Green. “Crash Course,” with 16.6 million subscribers, is an educational channel. The brothers debate topics in their weekly back-and-forth videos on their channel “VlogBrothers,” which has 4 million subscribers.
Across these two channels, John Green has shared his knowledge on Tuberculosis. He shares the history, facts and even fundraisers involving the disease.
In March, John Green released his second nonfiction novel, “Everything is Tuberculosis.” The idea of the book was sparked after John Green met Henry, a tuberculosis patient.
Fans of John Green, both for his fiction and social media presence, will be glad to get their hands on the book.
Many prominent authors have also resurfaced this year. After her 2020 release of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” Suzanne Collins, the best-selling author of The Hunger Games trilogy, released yet another prequel to the original series.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” follows Haymitch Abernathy, who you may remember from the original series, through the trials and terrors of his own games in a completely new arena. To nobodies' surprise, a movie is in the works. It will star Joseph Zada as Abernathy, McKenna Grace as Maysilee Donner and Ralph Fiennes as President Snow.
Taylor Jenkins Reid, the author of the famed “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” released another book, “Atmosphere,” earlier this year. Lovers of Reid know that four of her previously released books are in the same universe and follow fictional historical figures through drama and love. “Atmosphere,” however, is set in its own universe.
The book takes place in the 1980s and follows Joan Goodwin, a Rice University professor turned astronaut. The book discusses what it’s like to be a woman in these competitive, male-dominated fields, and Goodwin’s desire to prove herself worthy. If you’re looking for a STEM book with interesting space facts, lots of action with a sprinkling of romance, then “Atmosphere” is for you.
Speaking of fictional historical figures, Emily Henry was also on many people’s anticipated-reads list. She has published books before, and Henry’s first solo adult release, “Beach Read,” has been well-received on multiple platforms.
The majority are set in vacation towns, including complex characters, family issues and a love interest. Henry crafts romance that features real chemistry and connection.
“Great Big Beautiful Life” is no different. It centers on Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson, two writers competing for the position of writing a biography of mysterious heiress Margaret Ivies. The book follows two timelines: the present and Ivies’ past.
The intertwining history and present timelines reveal shocking truths that will keep readers gripped throughout. The literary fiction mixed with romance delightfully portrays both genres.
The most popular books of 2025 aren’t just about romance, history or deadly games. R.F. Kuang, author of “The Poppy War” trilogy, along with multiple standalones, released her sixth novel, “Katabasis.” Ranked in Goodreads' most popular books of 2025, “Katabasis” takes readers down to Hell with protagonist Alice Scott and weaves ideas from Dante’s Inferno within the pages.
Kuang, until recently, had been known as a very academic writer, following her book “Babel,” which centered around history and translation, along with some magical aspects. Kuang has been known to write raw, real stories. She’s never been afraid to hold back the harsh realities within her universes.
Although the book isn’t for everyone, fans of dense, content-packed reads have found Kuang to be a new favorite. One user of Fable, a book-reviewing platform, wrote, “Metaphorical, magical, mystical; the book has it all.” And, if you want to read a book with an adorable feline side character, perhaps this is the book for you!
It’s safe to hope that the rest of 2025 brings wonderful books. A few anticipated releases this autumn include “Girl Dinner” by Olivie Blake, “Revolve” by Bal Khabra and “Mate” by Ali Hazelwood.
