7 Books Everyone Will Be Reading This Year

As the literary landscape continues to evolve, each year brings a fresh wave of books that capture our imaginations, challenge our perspectives, and leave an indelible mark on culture. Whether you're a lifelong bibliophile or someone looking to reignite your love for reading, staying ahead of the must-read list ensures you're part of the conversations shaping our world. This year, a compelling mix of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and thought-provoking narratives are set to dominate bookshelves and reading lists. Below is a list of 7 books everyone will be reading this year.

1. The Midnight Library – Matt Haig

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a profound exploration of life, regret, and the choices that define us. The story follows Nora Seed, who, at a crossroads of despair, discovers a magical library existing between life and death. Each book offers her the chance to live an alternate version of her life, revealing how small decisions can lead to vastly different outcomes. Haig’s writing balances philosophical depth with accessibility, making readers reflect on their own “what ifs.” The novel encourages self-compassion and mindfulness, reminding us that fulfillment is often found not in perfection, but in embracing life’s possibilities.

2. Atomic Habits – James Clear

James Clear’s Atomic Habits revolutionizes the way we think about personal growth and behavior change. The book emphasizes that tiny, consistent actions—what Clear calls “atomic habits”—can compound into life-altering results. Backed by scientific research, real-world examples, and actionable strategies, it explains how to break destructive patterns, build positive routines, and optimize environments for success. Clear also highlights the psychological and identity-based components of habits, showing that sustainable change stems from shifting how we see ourselves. This book is a practical, insightful guide for anyone aiming to improve productivity, health, relationships, or professional performance through incremental, achievable steps.

3. The Lincoln Highway – Amor Towles

Amor Towles’ The Lincoln Highway is a sweeping tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery set in 1950s America. The novel follows Emmett Watson, recently released from a juvenile work farm, as he embarks on a cross-country journey accompanied by unexpected companions. Towles’ signature prose combines elegance, humor, and historical richness, bringing both characters and the era to life. Themes of redemption, loyalty, and chasing dreams resonate deeply, while the narrative’s twists maintain suspense and engagement. This novel showcases Towles’ ability to create multi-dimensional characters and emotionally compelling stories that blend historical detail with timeless human struggles, making it a literary triumph.

4. Caste – Isabel Wilkerson

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson is an essential work on understanding systemic inequality in America and beyond. Wilkerson examines how hidden social hierarchies—caste systems—shape societies, drawing parallels between the United States, India, and Nazi Germany. Using meticulous research and compelling personal stories, she illuminates the pervasive impact of social stratification on individuals’ opportunities, mental health, and societal cohesion. The book challenges readers to confront privilege and complicity, offering a lens to understand historical and contemporary injustice. With eloquent prose and rigorous analysis, Wilkerson provides a framework for awareness, empathy, and action, making Caste a vital resource for social reflection and reform.

5. Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir

Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary is a thrilling science-fiction novel that masterfully blends adventure, humor, and scientific rigor. The story follows Ryland Grace, the sole survivor on a mission to save humanity from an extinction-level threat. Stranded in space with limited resources, Grace must rely on ingenuity, experimentation, and critical thinking to solve unprecedented problems. Weir’s meticulous attention to scientific detail creates a sense of realism, while the emotional undertones of friendship, sacrifice, and resilience add depth to the narrative. With suspenseful pacing and a captivating premise, the book demonstrates the excitement of scientific exploration and the enduring human spirit in the face of uncertainty.

6. Untamed – Glennon Doyle

Untamed by Glennon Doyle is a memoir and manifesto advocating for authenticity, courage, and self-liberation. Doyle recounts her personal journey of breaking free from societal expectations, toxic relationships, and internalized self-doubt to live a life aligned with her true identity. With raw honesty and empathetic storytelling, she addresses themes of love, motherhood, empowerment, and vulnerability. The book is both a reflective guide and a call to action, encouraging readers to trust their intuition and embrace personal freedom. Doyle’s warmth, humor, and relatability make Untamed inspiring for anyone seeking transformation, self-acceptance, and the courage to lead an unapologetically authentic life.

7. Klara and the Sun – Kazuo Ishiguro

Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun is a hauntingly beautiful novel that explores artificial intelligence, human emotion, and ethical dilemmas. Told through the eyes of Klara, an AI companion designed for children, the book examines love, hope, and sacrifice. Ishiguro’s subtle, introspective prose prompts readers to consider what makes us human and how technology shapes our relationships. Themes of loneliness, societal expectation, and the limits of science intersect with philosophical questions about consciousness and morality. With lyrical storytelling and emotionally complex characters, the novel is both futuristic and timeless, offering profound insights into empathy, human connection, and the ethical challenges of an AI-driven world.

Conclusion

This year’s literary landscape is rich with books that entertain, educate, and inspire. From the imaginative realms of fiction to the reflective depth of memoirs and non-fiction, these 7 titles offer a diverse array of experiences and insights. Reading them not only broadens your mind but also equips you with empathy, knowledge, and fresh perspectives that are crucial in our interconnected world.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth, historical understanding, or thrilling escapism, these books provide meaningful experiences that will stay with you long after the final page. Make a plan to explore these works—they are the literary conversation starters of the year.