3 book trends to watch in 2025
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
If you're aiming to spend more time reading this year or are already planning your book list for the months ahead, here's a look at this year's emerging reading trends.
The latest: Daniel Matsumoto, a librarian at the San Francisco Public Library, offers his insights on what he expects to take off this year.
"Romantasy" novels in high demand
- These fiction works, which center on love stories set in mystical or magical realms, will continue to have a moment this year.
- Rebecca Yarros' best-selling novel "Fourth Wing" was a hit among readers last year, and the trend is expected to continue with the release of her forthcoming book, "Onyx Storm," scheduled for Jan. 21.
- The new book already has about 300 hold requests, Matsumoto said.
E-book use on the rise
- E-books became an increasingly popular option during the pandemic because of their convenience, and popularity will continue to grow, Matsumoto said.
- With Libby, you can enter your library card information and borrow e-books on demand without needing to visit a physical location.
More mental health and wellness reading
- More people are looking for books that can help them manage the high levels of anxiety and stress they are experiencing.
- That trend is expected to grow as the new year brings many uncertainties.
- "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb has been a top circulating title for years now, and Matsumoto expects a renewed interest in similar self-help or therapy-focused books will take off as well.
What we're watching: Paul Yamazaki, who has been the chief buyer at City Lights Bookstore for more than 50 years, shared some of his favorite upcoming titles:
- "One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This" by Omar El Akkad. Described as the author's "heartsick breakup letter with the West," El Akkad's nonfiction debut details his fierce criticism of western indifference to the war in Gaza. Expected in February.
- "The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life" by Sophia Rosenfeld. The author explores how personal choice has become the defining feature of freedom and the social costs behind them. Expected in February.
- "Pacific Circuit" by Bay Area journalist Alexis Madrigal examines Oakland's social and political history and how it helps explain the modern world. Expected in March.
- "Audition" by Katie Kitamura. The dual narrative reveals truths through fiction about the roles we play in our interpersonal relationships in everyday life. Expected in April.
- "Awake in the Floating City" by Susanna Kwan. Set in San Francisco after the city has been flooded and abandoned, the story hones in on the deep connection formed between an artist and the 130-year-old woman she cares for. Expected in May.
Other noteworthy releases to keep an eye on:
- "Hope" by Pope Francis and Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Described as "the first autobiography in history to be published by a pope." Expected this month.
- "Source Code" by Bill Gates. A memoir exploring Gates' early years and how he started Microsoft. Expected in February.
- "My Name Is Emilia del Valle" by Isabel Allende. The newest novel from the Chilean-American author best known for her magical-realism works is set in San Francisco during the 1800s. Expected in May.
🔎Struggling to find the time? Here are some tips to help you read more this year:
🎯 Make it a habit: Carve out intentional reading time. Minimizing distractions, setting a specific reading goal or joining a book club can help integrate reading into your routine.
📱 Reduce screen time: Don't give in to the temptation of the dopamine hits that Instagram or TikTok might bring. Put the phone on the other side of the room and spend time with your book instead.
📚 Use your library: Reading can be an expensive hobby, but taking full advantage of your local library can blunt the costs.