Best Contemporary Books May 2025

The Starless Sea

Zachary stumbles upon a mysterious book in his university library, unlocking a world of underground harbors, magic, and lost cities. As he delves deeper, he discovers his own story intertwined with ancient tales of pirates and star-crossed lovers. Morgenstern’s lyrical prose weaves a spellbinding tapestry of interconnected narratives, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. I found myself lost in the labyrinthine plot, savoring each twist and turn like a perfectly crafted cocktail. A love letter to storytelling that left me breathless and yearning for more.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

In a moment of desperation, Addie LaRue makes a Faustian bargain: immortality in exchange for being forgotten by everyone she meets. Thus begins her extraordinary journey through centuries, leaving no mark, until one day, she encounters a young man who remembers her name. Schwab’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, weaving a tale of love, loss, and the ache of loneliness that spans lifetimes. As Addie navigates the complexities of her curse, readers are drawn into a mesmerizing exploration of what it truly means to leave a lasting impression on the world.

Silver Sparrow

Tayari Jones weaves a poignant tale of family secrets and sisterhood in “Silver Sparrow.” Set in 1980s Atlanta, the novel follows Dana and Chaurisse, two teenage girls linked by a shocking truth: they share the same father. As Dana grapples with her role as the “secret” daughter, Jones masterfully explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of love. With lyrical prose and deeply human characters, this heart-wrenching story will linger long after the final page.

The Mothers

In a tight-knit Black community in Southern California, three young lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Nadia, reeling from her mother’s suicide, finds solace in the arms of Luke, the pastor’s son. Their secret romance leads to consequences that echo through the years, touching the lives of Aubrey, Nadia’s best friend, and the church mothers who watch over them all. Bennett’s poignant debut explores the weight of secrets, the power of friendship, and the complexities of motherhood in a tale that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful.

The Girl with the Louding Voice

Adunni’s voice may be small, but her dreams are mighty. Growing up in a Nigerian village, she yearns for education and a chance to shape her own destiny. Despite facing crushing poverty and societal expectations, Adunni’s spirit remains unbroken. Her journey from child bride to domestic servant in Lagos is fraught with hardship, yet her determination to find her “louding voice” never wavers. Abi Daré’s debut novel is a poignant tale of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Hypnotist’s Love Story

Ellen O’Farrell, a hypnotherapist with a thriving practice, thinks she’s finally found Mr. Right in Patrick. There’s just one hitch: his ex-girlfriend is stalking them. As Ellen becomes increasingly fascinated by this shadowy figure, she finds herself drawn into a complex web of relationships and secrets. With Moriarty’s signature wit and insight, this captivating tale explores love, obsession, and the blurred lines between past and present. A page-turner that will leave you questioning the nature of truth and perception.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Nestled in the Australian bush, Tranquillum House promises transformation. Nine stressed city-dwellers arrive, seeking rejuvenation. But as the days unfold, something feels off. The enigmatic resort director, Masha, seems to have her own agenda. Secrets simmer beneath the surface, and tensions rise. Each guest grapples with personal demons, unaware they’re pawns in a dangerous game. Moriarty weaves a captivating tale of redemption, deception, and the unexpected connections that can bloom in the most unlikely places. A gripping exploration of human nature that will leave you questioning everything.

No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy’s haunting masterpiece follows a deadly game of cat and mouse across the desolate Texan landscape. When Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong, he sets in motion a chain of events that will change his life forever. Pursued by the relentless hitman Anton Chigurh, Moss must use all his wits to survive. Meanwhile, aging sheriff Ed Tom Bell grapples with the violence engulfing his once-peaceful county. A gripping meditation on fate, morality, and the changing face of America.

The Mermaid Chair

Diving into the mystical waters of Egret Island, Sue Monk Kidd’s “The Mermaid Chair” weaves a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. As Jessie Sullivan grapples with her mother’s erratic behavior, she finds herself drawn to a Benedictine monk on the brink of taking his final vows. The island’s legends and secrets slowly unravel, mirroring Jessie’s own journey of awakening. Kidd’s prose shimmers like sunlight on waves, inviting readers to explore the depths of the human heart and the power of transformation.

Firefly Lane

In “Firefly Lane,” Kristin Hannah weaves a poignant tale of friendship that spans decades. Tully and Kate, inseparable since adolescence, navigate life’s twists and turns together. From wild teenage years to the challenges of adulthood, their bond remains unbreakable. Hannah’s vivid prose brings their world to life, evoking nostalgia and tugging at heartstrings. As I turned each page, I found myself reflecting on my own friendships, laughing and crying along with these unforgettable characters.