Best Social Issues Books April 2025

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

In the misty mountains of Yunnan, young Li-yan’s life is steeped in tradition and tea. As she comes of age, she grapples with her Akha heritage and the lure of the modern world. A heart-wrenching decision sets her on an unexpected path, intertwining her fate with that of a baby girl across the ocean. Through the aromatic lens of Pu’er tea, See weaves a tale of mothers and daughters, bridging cultures and continents. It’s a story that lingers, like the last sip of a perfect brew.

The Book of Lost Friends

In “The Book of Lost Friends,” Lisa Wingate weaves a poignant tale of hope and connection across generations. Set in post-Civil War Louisiana, the story follows Hannie, a former slave, on a perilous journey to find her lost family. Alternating with a modern-day narrative, we meet Benedetta, a struggling teacher who uncovers Hannie’s story. As I read, I found myself captivated by Wingate’s rich historical detail and the way she effortlessly blends past and present. The characters’ resilience in the face of adversity touched me deeply, reminding me of the power of human spirit.

The Henna Artist

Lakshmi’s nimble fingers dance across skin, weaving intricate henna designs that tell stories of love and fortune. In 1950s Jaipur, she’s carved out a life as a sought-after henna artist, but her carefully constructed world trembles when a long-buried secret resurfaces. As vibrant as the city itself, this tale of ambition, tradition, and unexpected sisterhood paints a mesmerizing portrait of post-independence India. Joshi’s debut novel is a sensory feast, rich with the scents of spices and the whispers of women’s dreams.

The Night Watchman

Louise Erdrich’s “The Night Watchman” is a captivating tale of resilience and heritage. Set in the 1950s, it follows Thomas Wazhashk, a Chippewa Council member fighting against Native dispossession. Erdrich’s prose is both lyrical and raw, weaving together family bonds, love, and the struggle for identity. I was particularly moved by the way she captures the quiet strength of her characters. It’s a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights, leaving me with a lingering sense of hope and admiration.

A Little Life

Haunting and deeply moving, “A Little Life” follows four college friends as they navigate the complexities of adulthood in New York City. At its heart is Jude, a brilliant but tormented lawyer whose past trauma casts a long shadow. Yanagihara’s prose is both beautiful and brutal, exploring the depths of human suffering and the redemptive power of friendship. This novel will break your heart and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

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.

Beartown

In the depths of a Swedish forest, where winter’s grip never truly loosens, lies Beartown – a community on the brink. Hockey is their lifeline, their passion, their everything. As the junior team prepares for a crucial game, hopes soar and tensions simmer. But when a shocking incident shatters their fragile unity, the town must confront its darkest secrets and deepest fears. Backman’s prose cuts like ice, revealing the raw humanity beneath small-town facades. A powerful exploration of loyalty, dreams, and the price we pay for belonging.

An American Marriage

Celestial and Roy, newlyweds brimming with hope, find their world shattered when Roy is wrongfully convicted. As he languishes behind bars, Celestial’s love wavers, and she finds solace in Andre, her childhood friend. Jones weaves a poignant tale of love tested by injustice, exploring the complexities of marriage, loyalty, and the American Dream. Through intimate letters and raw emotions, we witness the unraveling of a union and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic prejudice.

Little Fires Everywhere

Shaker Heights seems perfect: manicured lawns, successful families, and a rigid sense of order. But when enigmatic artist Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl rent a house from the Richardsons, their arrival ignites hidden tensions. As the two families become entangled, long-buried secrets surface, challenging everything they thought they knew. Ng’s captivating prose explores motherhood, identity, and the weight of choices made in pursuit of dreams, leaving readers questioning the true meaning of belonging.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant leads a simple life. She wears the same clothes to work every day, eats the same meal deal for lunch, and buys the same two bottles of vodka to drink every weekend. Eleanor is fine. Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled life. Except, sometimes, everything. One simple act of kindness is about to shatter the walls Eleanor has built around herself. Now she must learn how to navigate the world that everyone else seems to take for granted – while searching for the courage to face the dark corners she’s avoided all her life.