The 5 Must-Read Books of 2025—and How to Read Them Anywhere with Kindle or Audible
I'll admit it, I never have as much time to read as I'd like. But I found a groove that finally worked for me. I'd curl up with my Kindle at night, then pick up where I left off on Audible while running errands or folding laundry.
These five books completely pulled me in. And since I finally bit the bullet and got a Kindle, I was able to read (or listen to) them literally anywhere.
If you're looking for your next can't-stop-thinking-about-it story, these are the ones that stuck with me this year. Whether you're a cover-to-cover type or an audiobook multitasker like me, this list has something for you.
THE TOP 5 BOOKS OF 2025
1. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
From the bestselling author of Migrations, this haunting novel follows a woman who must confront nature's cruelty and her own past on a remote island off the coast of Ireland.
Why it's buzzworthy: Atmospheric, urgent, and deeply emotional
Best on: Kindle for immersive reading or Audible for lush narration
This was not what I expected, but it is an excellent story. Reminiscent of Where the Crawdads Sing and The Light Pirates, the overarching subject is climate change and the land and species being wiped out by rising sea water. The narrower story concerns a man and his three children living alone as caretakers of an island near Antarctica. A woman washes ashore in a storm, creating a scenario none of them anticipated, every one of them with a secret. This is a beautiful, horrifying and fast-moving story that grabs your attention and doesn't let go until the final chapter. │Ginger Russell
2. Kin of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
A Southern crime thriller where revenge is complicated by legacy, blood, and corruption. Cosby delivers another masterclass in genre-bending noir.
Why it's hot: Dark, fast-paced, and razor-sharp
Listen tip: Audible recommended. Cosby's work always lands hard with the right narrator
For fans of: Blacktop Wasteland, Breaking Bad
If you're looking for a book that grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let go, this is it. S.A. Cosby’s King of Ashes is a raw and emotional ride through family loyalty, trauma, and survival. Roman, Dante, and Nevaeh each cope with their mother’s disappearance in self-destructive but painfully human ways—and watching them navigate that pain made for an unforgettable read. │Tia
3. No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris
An exposé that reads like a thriller, this book pulls back the curtain on decades of corporate silence, cover-ups, and the untold consequences of America's "trusted" baby brand.
Why it's chilling: Real-life drama that feels stranger than fiction
Best on: Kindle for highlighting or Audible for true crime-style immersion
Readers also bought: Empire of Pain, Dopesick
Author Gardiner Harris has done an extraordinary job at research and exposing facts and the real-life impacts of those facts. In my opinion, this exposé is a "must read" for all adults across genders, ages, and nationalities. It's easy to read, sobering, and thought-provoking. │Amazon Reviewer
4. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Oprah's latest Book Club pick is a lyrical exploration of grief, identity, and survival. Vuong's writing is raw and luminous, pulling readers into every emotion.
Why it's powerful: A novel you'll want to underline and re-read
Listen or read? Either work; Kindle for quotes, Audible for the poetic rhythm
Perfect for: Fans of literary fiction, LGBTQ+ narratives
I should have known what would happen when a poet writes a novel: readers would be gifted with an extraordinary literary achievement. Author Vuong has done just that. In a novel that is as funny as it is poignant, he has mined the depths of the human experience from inside the cramped confines of a fast-food restaurant in suburban Connecticut. What results is a staggering epic filled with unforgettable characters trying to make sense of a world that has left them behind. │ William J. Cook
5. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Return to Panem in this prequel to The Hunger Games, set during the 50th Games. Expect new tributes, new horrors, and fresh insight into the world Katniss would one day inherit.
Why fans love it: Nostalgia + new rebellion energy
Format tip: Kindle for late-night bingeing or Audible with cinematic voice acting
Pro Tip: Bundle with the Hunger Games box set for complete series immersion
Brutal, harrowing and highly disturbing at times ’Sunrise On The Reaping’ doesn’t simply pack a handful of emotional gut punches and flinch inducing moments into its pages; its jam packed with them throughout. Yet, despite its heavy nature, it’s a highly compelling read that is pretty much impossible to put down. Not a combination that is always easy to come by but Suzanne Collins always nails it somehow. Needless to say I was hooked. │Charlotte Watkins
Kindle Unlimited: Read More for Less
What it is: A monthly membership giving you access to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines
Why it rocks:
No due dates
Download for offline reading
Works on phone, tablet, or Kindle
Often includes titles like #1, #3, and #4 on this list
Try Kindle Unlimited Free for 30 Days
Audible: Audiobooks That Move with You
What it is: The #1 audiobook platform with thousands of titles narrated by award-winning actors
Why it's a game-changer:
Listen while commuting, cooking, or working out
Swap books if you're not hooked
Includes podcasts and Audible Originals
Get 2 Free Audiobooks with Audible's Free Trial
Your Year in Books Starts Now
You don't need more time to read; you need the right tools. With Kindle Unlimited and Audible, you're no longer stuck waiting for the "perfect moment" to start the book everyone's talking about.
Your next great story is literally one click away.