Best Contemporary Books May 2025

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian

Junior, a budding cartoonist, leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school. This heartbreaking yet hilarious chronicle of his attempts to straddle two worlds captures the pain and confusion of adolescence. With wit and raw honesty, Alexie’s semi-autobiographical tale tackles poverty, bullying, and the complexities of modern Native American life. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and ponder long after the last page.

When You Reach Me

Miranda’s world turns upside down when she starts receiving mysterious notes predicting the future. As she unravels the puzzle, she discovers the power of friendship and the complexities of time. Stead’s captivating narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, leaving readers pondering the nature of reality long after the final page. A touching coming-of-age story that will resonate with both young and old, reminding us of the magic hidden in everyday life.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

Greg Heffley’s back, and this time he’s in hot water with his dad. Frank’s had enough of Greg’s lazy ways and decides it’s time to toughen him up. From threats of military school to embarrassing father-son bonding attempts, Greg’s summer is shaping up to be a disaster. As he navigates the perils of adolescence and his dad’s expectations, Greg’s witty observations and stick-figure illustrations bring his world to life. Will he survive his father’s plans, or will this truly be the last straw?

A Walk to Remember

Landon Carter never expected to fall for Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, religious girl in his small town. But as he gets to know her, he discovers a depth and beauty he never imagined. Their unlikely romance blossoms against the backdrop of 1950s North Carolina, filled with tender moments and heart-wrenching challenges. Jamie’s unwavering faith and Landon’s journey of self-discovery will leave you laughing, crying, and believing in the transformative power of love. A poignant tale that reminds us how one person can change our lives forever.

The Choice

Travis Parker had it all—a good job, loyal friends, and a waterfront home. Yet he couldn’t shake the feeling something was missing. Enter Gabby Holland, his new neighbor. Their initial encounters are far from smooth, but an undeniable connection forms. As they navigate life’s twists and turns together, Travis discovers a love that changes everything. But when faced with an impossible choice, he must confront the true meaning of devotion and the depths of his heart.

First Family

In this gripping thriller, Baldacci weaves a tale of political intrigue and family secrets. When the First Lady’s niece is kidnapped, former Secret Service agents Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are thrust into a high-stakes investigation. As they unravel a web of lies, they discover shocking truths that could shake the very foundations of the presidency. With heart-pounding suspense and unexpected twists, this page-turner kept me up all night. Baldacci’s knack for blending real-world politics with edge-of-your-seat action shines through once again.

The Bridges of Madison County

I found myself lost in the pages of this bittersweet tale, swept up in the unexpected romance between Francesca and Robert. Waller’s prose paints a vivid picture of rural Iowa, where passion blooms amidst cornfields and covered bridges. The story’s emotional depth caught me off guard, tugging at my heartstrings with its exploration of love, duty, and missed opportunities. A poignant reminder that sometimes the most profound connections come when we least expect them.

The Horse Whisperer

In this captivating tale of healing and redemption, a young girl’s tragic riding accident sets in motion a journey that will change lives forever. When Grace’s beloved horse is injured, her mother Annie seeks out Tom Booker, a legendary horse whisperer in Montana. As Tom works his magic, Annie finds herself drawn to his quiet strength and the rugged beauty of the West. Evans weaves a spellbinding narrative of love, loss, and the profound connection between humans and horses, leaving readers breathless with each turn of the page.

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Clare first meets Henry when she’s six and he’s thirty-six, appearing naked in her family’s meadow. Their love story spans decades, defying time itself. Henry’s genetic disorder causes him to time travel unpredictably, leaving Clare waiting and wondering. Their relationship is passionate, complicated, and heartbreaking. Niffenegger weaves a tale of enduring love, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the nature of time. It’s a story that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

The Rainmaker

Rudy Baylor, a young law school graduate, finds himself thrust into a world of corruption and greed when he takes on a powerful insurance company. Desperate for his first real case, Rudy stumbles upon a family’s fight against a ruthless corporation denying their son’s life-saving treatment. As he navigates the treacherous waters of Memphis’ legal scene, Rudy discovers his own strength and passion for justice. With wit, heart, and a touch of Southern charm, Grisham weaves a tale of David versus Goliath that will keep you turning pages late into the night.