7 Brilliant Books To Read In 2025

Reading has always been an essential part of human culture, offering not just an escape into new worlds but also a chance for growth and learning. Books have the incredible power to shape our perspectives, expand our knowledge, and inspire us. Whether you're a casual reader or a voracious bookworm, selecting the right books can be a daunting task. With so many genres, themes, and authors to explore, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Below you will find a list of 7 brilliant books to read in 2025.

1. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: A Moving Story of Friendship, Guilt, and Redemption

The story follows Amir, a young boy from a wealthy family in Kabul, Afghanistan, who forms a close bond with Hassan, the son of his father’s servant. However, Amir’s betrayal of Hassan during a traumatic event leaves a lasting scar on both their lives, and the novel traces Amir’s journey of seeking forgiveness and redemption years later.

The novel explores the effects of guilt and the search for personal redemption against the backdrop of the political turmoil in Afghanistan. Hosseini’s evocative storytelling paints a vivid picture of the culture, landscape, and the devastating consequences of war, making The Kite Runner a poignant exploration of the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. This novel remains an essential read for those interested in the complexities of guilt, loyalty, and the journey toward personal healing.

2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: A Tale of Adventure, Courage, and Friendship

The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is unexpectedly thrust into a quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug.

Though it is often seen as a more accessible entry point into Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth, The Hobbit is much more than just a children’s adventure story. It explores themes of personal growth, courage in the face of adversity, and the importance of loyalty and teamwork. The novel introduces readers to the enchanting world of Middle-earth and its inhabitants, making it an essential read for fantasy lovers of all ages, as well as for anyone interested in stories of heroism and adventure.

3. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: A Deeply Moving Novel About Mental Illness and the Struggles of Womanhood

Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the emotional and psychological struggles of Esther Greenwood, a young woman who seems to have it all—an opportunity for a prestigious internship and a bright future—but slowly succumbs to the pressures of societal expectations and her own mental health issues. The novel dives deep into depression, and the complexities of mental illness, providing a powerful and often uncomfortable look at the pressures women face.

Plath’s writing is rich with symbolism, and the titular "bell jar" becomes a metaphor for Esther’s suffocating sense of entrapment.

4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A Tale of Love and Social Expectations

Set in the early 19th century, the novel tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her complicated relationship with the aloof and wealthy Mr. Darcy. While the story is often remembered for its romantic elements, it also offers a sharp critique of class and social expectations in Georgian England.

Austen’s keen social commentary, combined with her sparkling wit and memorable characters, makes this novel a timeless exploration of love, pride, and prejudice in human relationships.

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The American Dream in the Jazz Age

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a quintessential American novel that captures the excesses and disillusionments of the Jazz Age. Set during the Roaring Twenties, the novel centers on the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a man obsessed with recreating the past and achieving his version of the American Dream. Through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, Fitzgerald explores themes of wealth, social class, love, and the corrupting power of materialism.

This novel is a brilliant commentary on the illusion of the American Dream and the inherent flaws in the pursuit of personal success at the expense of morality and human connection.

6. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: A Tale of Beauty, Vanity, and Corruption

Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is a gothic masterpiece that explores themes of beauty, vanity, and the corrupting power of indulgence. The novel follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages and reflects his sins while he remains physically unchanged.

Under the influence of the morally corrupt Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian embarks on a hedonistic lifestyle, leading him down a dark path of self-destruction.

7. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: A Classic Tale of Teenage Alienation and Search for Identity

The novel follows Holden Caulfield, a disenchanted teenager who has just been expelled from a prestigious prep school. As he wanders through New York City, Holden grapples with feelings of isolation, alienation, and confusion about his place in the world.

Salinger’s portrayal of teenage angst, identity crises, and the struggle to find meaning in life has made The Catcher in the Rye a timeless classic for anyone navigating the complexities of adolescence.

Conclusion

The books listed above represent just a small sample of the diverse and enriching world of literature that awaits readers. Each of these works offers unique insights into human nature, society, and the world around us. Whether you’re interested in classic novels, modern dystopias, or thought-provoking non-fiction, there’s a book on this list that will leave a lasting impact.