Best Contemporary Books May 2025

Bad Blood

Carreyrou’s gripping exposé unravels the shocking deception behind Theranos, the once-lauded Silicon Valley startup. Through meticulous reporting, he reveals how Elizabeth Holmes, the charismatic founder, built a house of cards on false promises and faulty technology. I couldn’t put it down, feeling a mix of fascination and disbelief as the truth emerged. It’s a cautionary tale that left me pondering the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical leadership in our tech-driven world.

The Prisoner of Heaven

Zafón’s mesmerizing tale weaves a tapestry of intrigue and mystery in post-war Barcelona. As bookseller Daniel Sempere unravels the secrets of a forgotten prisoner, he’s drawn into a labyrinth of dark memories and forbidden love. With lyrical prose and haunting characters, Zafón crafts a story that lingers long after the final page. I found myself lost in the shadowy streets of Barcelona, feeling the weight of history and the power of words. A truly unforgettable journey through time and the human heart.

Carry On

Simon Snow’s final year at Watford School of Magicks is anything but ordinary. As the prophesied “Chosen One,” he’s struggling with his unpredictable magic and the looming threat of the Insidious Humdrum. His roommate and nemesis, Baz, is suspiciously absent, and Simon can’t shake his obsession with uncovering Baz’s secrets. When Baz finally returns, their antagonistic relationship takes an unexpected turn, forcing Simon to question everything he thought he knew about magic, destiny, and his own heart.

Fangirl

Cath’s world revolves around Simon Snow fanfiction. As she starts college, her twin sister Wren is drifting away, and Cath struggles to navigate new friendships and a prickly roommate. Her writing professor challenges her to find her own voice, while a charming classmate tempts her out of her comfort zone. Balancing her online fandom with real-life relationships, Cath discovers that growing up doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. Rainbow Rowell’s “Fangirl” is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that captures the awkward, exhilarating journey of finding yourself.

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor and Park is a bittersweet tale of first love that will tug at your heartstrings. Set in 1986, it follows two misfit teenagers as they navigate the complexities of high school, family, and unexpected romance. Rowell’s vivid prose brings to life the awkward moments and electric touches that define young love. I found myself rooting for these characters, feeling their joy and pain as if it were my own. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the power of connection in a world that can feel so isolating.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

A.J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over–and see everything anew. This heartwarming tale reminds us of the joy of connecting with others through books, and how love can bloom in the most unexpected places.

Where the Forest Meets the Stars

Joanna Teale, still reeling from her mother’s death and her own battle with breast cancer, returns to her graduate research in rural Illinois. One night, a mysterious child appears at her cabin, claiming to be an alien on a mission. As Joanna and her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel, try to unravel the girl’s past, they form an unlikely family. But the truth threatens to shatter their fragile bond, forcing Joanna to confront her own fears and desires. A poignant tale of healing, love, and the power of human connection amidst life’s uncertainties.

Station Eleven

In this haunting tale of survival and hope, Mandel weaves together the lives of a traveling Shakespearean troupe in a post-apocalyptic world. As civilization crumbles after a devastating flu pandemic, art and human connection become lifelines. The story jumps between timelines, exploring the before and after of societal collapse through richly drawn characters. I found myself captivated by Mandel’s lyrical prose and her ability to find beauty in the darkest of circumstances. A thought-provoking exploration of what truly matters when everything falls apart.

There There

In this raw and powerful debut, Tommy Orange weaves together the stories of twelve Urban Indians in Oakland, California. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways as they journey to the Big Oakland Powwow. Orange’s unflinching prose exposes the harsh realities of Native American life, while also celebrating resilience and identity. I was deeply moved by the characters’ struggles and triumphs. This novel left me pondering the complexities of heritage and belonging long after I turned the final page.

Americanah

Ifemelu’s journey from Nigeria to America is a vibrant tapestry of love, identity, and self-discovery. As she navigates the complexities of race in her new home, memories of her first love, Obinze, linger. Adichie’s prose sparkles with wit and warmth, painting a vivid portrait of immigrant life. I found myself completely absorbed, laughing and aching alongside Ifemelu as she grapples with what it means to be “American” and “African.” A powerful, unforgettable exploration of the human heart.