Top 10 Books to Read in 2025: Authors and Stories That’ll Blow Your Mind
Here is the list of books you must read in 2025. I have selected the best books you can read to refresh your mind in 2025
The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt
First up, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, is the cool professor you wish you had. He’s a big deal at NYU’s Stern School of Business, dropping truth bombs about how we tick as humans. His book The Anxious Generation is like a wake-up call for anyone wondering why kids today seem so stressed. Haidt argues that smartphones and social media have hijacked childhood, swapping real-world adventures for screen-time doomscrolls.
He’s got the data to back it up—think skyrocketing anxiety and depression rates among teens since the iPhone dropped. His vibe is part science nerd, part concerned dad, blending hard stats with stories that hit you in the feels. If you’ve read his earlier stuff like The Coddling of the American Mind, you know he’s not afraid to call out BS. This one’s a must for parents or anyone who cares about Gen Z’s mental health. It’s practical and urgent and makes you rethink that TikTok habit.
Why It Rocks: Haidt’s not just whining about tech—he’s got solutions, like delaying smartphones till high school. It’s a game-changer for real.
Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari - A deep dive into information networks and their influence on history.
Yuval Noah Harari is the dude who makes history feel like a sci-fi thriller. This Israeli historian and philosopher blew minds with Sapiens, and now he’s back with Nexus. It’s all about how information networks—think everything from ancient scribes to AI algorithms—shape our world. Harari’s got this knack for zooming out to the big picture without losing you in jargon. In Nexus, he digs into how data flows control everything from wars to elections, and why we’re kinda screwed if we don’t get a grip on AI. His writing’s sharp, almost poetic, but he doesn’t sugarcoat the stakes. Harari's your guy if you’re into big ideas that make you question reality. This book is perfect for 2025, with tech debates raging hotter than ever.
Why It Rocks: It’s like a history lesson, future forecast, and philosophy class rolled into one. You’ll feel smarter just cracking it open.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin - Insights on creativity from a legendary music producer.
Rick Rubin’s a legend in music—produced everyone from Johnny Cash to Kanye—but The Creative Act isn’t just for musos. This bearded guru’s book is like a zen guide to unlocking your inner artist, no matter what you do. Rubin’s all about creativity as a lifestyle, not some mystical gift. He dishes out wisdom in bite-sized chunks, like how to ditch perfectionism or find inspiration in the mundane. His vibe’s chill, almost spiritual, but grounded in real-world hustle. It’s less a how-to and more a “here’s how to be.” If you’re stuck in a rut or just wanna level up your side gig, Rubin’s got your back. This one’s still trending hard into 2025 for a reason.
Why It Rocks: It’s like having a wise mentor in your pocket, minus the pretentious fluff. Pure inspiration.
Her memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, is less about recipes and more about her life—growing up, building a career, and snagging love with her husband Jeffrey.
Ina Garten, aka the Barefoot Contessa, is everyone’s dream aunt who cooks like a goddess. Her memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, is less about recipes and more about her life—growing up, building a career, and snagging love with her husband Jeffrey. Ina’s stories are warm, funny, and real, like she’s spilling tea over coffee. She talks about seizing opportunities (hence the title) and rolling with life’s punches, from her White House days to Food Network fame. If you’re into memoirs that feel like a hug, this is it. Plus, it’s Ina—she’s basically a national treasure. Expect this to stay a bestseller as we cozy up in 2025.
Why It Rocks: It’s heartfelt without being sappy, and you might pick up a life hack or two. Also, Jeffrey’s the MVP.
The Tortured Poets Department" by Taylor Swift - Poetic reflections tied to her cultural phenomenon.
Okay, Taylor Swift isn’t just a pop queen—she’s a poet with a pen that cuts deep. The Tortured Poets Department ties into her album of the same name, but this book’s a standalone gem. It’s a collection of lyrics, reflections, and maybe some Easter eggs for Swifties (because, duh, it’s Tay). Her writing is raw, clever, and packed with emotions you didn’t know you were feeling. Whether she’s dissecting heartbreak or throwing shade, Taylor’s got a way of making it universal. She’s not an author in the classic sense, but her storytelling’s on par with any novelist. This one’s for fans and newbies alike, especially as her cultural reign continues into 2025.
Why It Rocks: It’s Taylor freaking Swift—need I say more? Perfect for vibing with your feelings.
Atomic Habits by James Clear - A Timeless guide to building effective habits (still trending).
James Clear is the guy who made habits sexy. Atomic Habits is still a juggernaut years after its release because it’s just that good. Clear’s a former athlete turned self-help wizard, breaking down how tiny changes—like flossing one tooth—can snowball into massive wins. His style is clear (pun intended), practical, and has zero fluff. He’s not yelling “you can do it!” like some cheesy coach; he’s giving you a blueprint. Whether you’re trying to hit the gym or write a novel, this book’s got universal hacks. It’s a staple for 2025 because, let’s be real, we’re all trying to adult better.
Why It Rocks: It’s the least boring self-help book ever. You’ll actually wanna try his tips.
Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell - It revisits social tipping points with fresh perspectives.
Malcolm Gladwell is the king of making you go, “Huh, never thought of it like that.” Revenge of the Tipping Point revisits his OG hit The Tipping Point, diving into how social trends explode—or fizzle. Gladwell is a journalist with a knack for storytelling, blending science, history, and random fun facts (like how Sesame Street changed TV). This time, he’s looking at modern epidemics—think viral TikToks or cultural shifts—with his signature wit. Gladwell's your dude if you like books that make cocktail party convos way more interesting. Expect this to spark debates in 2025 book clubs.
Why It Rocks: It’s brain candy that doesn’t feel like homework. Gladwell makes smart stuff fun.
The Untitled Future by Neal Stephenson - Sci-fi novel blending tech and human survival (anticipated release).
Neal Stephenson’s a sci-fi god who writes like he’s hacking the matrix. The Untitled Future (placeholder title, because he’s mysterious like that) is his latest, blending tech, survival, and big what-if questions. Stephenson’s known for chunky novels like Snow Crash, but they’re worth the wrist strain. His worlds feel scarily plausible—think AI overlords or climate chaos—yet he’s got this dry humor that keeps it human. If you’re into futuristic vibes with a side of brain food, this one’s a lock for 2025’s sci-fi hype train.
Why It Rocks: It’s a wild ride that’ll make you rethink tomorrow. Stephenson’s always ahead of the curve.
Doppelganger" by Naomi Klein - Examines identity and misinformation in a fractured world.
Naomi Klein is a journalist-activist who doesn’t mess around. Doppelganger is her trippy dive into identity, misinformation, and how we’re losing it in the digital age. It starts with her being mistaken for another Naomi (yep, it’s personal) and then spirals into a look at conspiracy culture and fractured realities. Klein’s writing is fierce but accessible, like she’s arguing with you over beers. If you’re sick of fake news and want a book that calls it out, this resonates into 2025.
Why It Rocks: It’s a reality check with a side of existential crisis. Klein’s sharp as hell.
The Boyfriend" by Freida McFadden - A gripping psychological thriller with twists galore.
Freida McFadden’s a thriller machine, churning out twists like nobody’s business. The Boyfriend is her latest rollercoaster, a psychological ride about love gone wrong. Think creepy dates, secrets, and “oh snap” moments that keep you up past midnight. McFadden’s a doctor by day, so she knows how to dissect human nature (and maybe a plot twist or two). Her books are popcorn reads—fun, fast, and addictive. Perfect for 2025 when you need a break from heavy stuff.
Why It Rocks: It’s a guilty pleasure that doesn’t make you feel guilty. You’ll devour it in one sitting.
Final Thoughts
These ten books are straight-up fire for 2025. From Haidt’s tech warnings to McFadden’s pulse-pounding thrills, every mood has a flavour. The authors? They’re a mix of brainiacs, storytellers, and cultural icons, each bringing something fresh.
Whether you’re into fixing your life, escaping to sci-fi, or just vibing with Taylor’s poetry, this list has you covered. Grab one (or all), and let’s make 2025 the year of epic reads.
Here are the other articles you can read:
Mrinal
Pushpender Yadav
Pushpender Yadav
Thanks for supporting our work by sharing with more students.
