Popular Reads in the UK 2025: Bestsellers, Awards, and Recommendations

Choosing your next book can feel overwhelming with so many new titles hitting the shelves. The UK’s reading scene in 2025 is packed with compelling stories, but finding the right one isn’t always easy.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the books making waves this year. From well-loved bestsellers to hidden gems discovered in local shops, we’ll explore the titles that are truly standing out. You’ll also see how book awards and reader recommendations are shaping what’s popular. If you’re on the hunt for something special to read, this is your go-to list for 2025.

Top Bestsellers in the UK 2025

As someone who’s always keeping a close eye on the latest in the book world, I’ve seen some incredible titles rise to the top of the charts this year. Whether you’re a fan of gripping thrillers, thought-provoking science fiction, or emotional journeys, 2025’s bestsellers in the UK offer something for everyone.

Fiction Chart-Toppers

The fiction scene this year has been buzzing with excitement. Here are three novels that have truly left an impression on readers:

Impact of Social Media on Book Sales

The use of social media makes it possible for Goodreads and Amazon to create unique recommendations for every user, leading to greater sales and a higher level of recognition for the author. Authors On Mission

Social media has transformed book marketing, creating direct pathways between authors, readers, and sales. Here’s a quick look at the key platforms driving book sales and popular hashtags:

Instagram – With its visual focus, Instagram is excellent for book promotion through #Bookstagram. Authors and readers share reviews, book hauls, and recommendations. Hashtags like #AmReading, #BookLover, and #BookRecommendations drive engagement.

TikTok – BookTok has become a major force in promoting books, especially among younger audiences. Short, viral videos with emotional reactions to books boost sales. Popular hashtags include #BookTok, #BooksOfTikTok, and #ReadingCommunity.

X/Twitter is a hub for literary conversations and book recommendations. Hashtags such as #BookTwitter, #AmWriting, and #IndieAuthor are frequently used to drive book discussions.

Goodreads – While not as flashy, Goodreads remains a significant platform where readers review and recommend books, often influencing purchasing decisions through #GoodreadsGiveaway and #CurrentlyReading.

I’ve noticed that books featured in viral TikTok videos often show a significant sales spike within days:

Rising Genres and Trends

Based on my searches, several book genres and trends are rising in popularity in 2025:

Fantasy

Fantasy remains a beloved genre, with several subgenres gaining traction:

• High fantasy with intricate world-building and epic conflicts;
• Dark fantasy exploring morality and the human condition;
• Retellings of classic myths and legends;
• Romantasy (romance + fantasy blend).

Romance

• Romance subgenres, especially romantasy;
• Multigenerational love stories, particularly by writers of color;
• Uplifting romance novels offering escapism.

Escapist Fiction

There’s a growing demand for escapist fiction across genres as readers seek reprieve from real-world issues. This includes fantasy, science fiction, and uplifting stories.

Escapist fiction is fiction that provides escapism by immersing readers in a “new world” created by the author. This “new world” aims to compensate for the arbitrariness and the unpredictability of the real one. Typically, an author of escapist fiction offers structure, rationality, and resolution to real-world problems throughout their medium. Wikipedia: Escapist Fiction

Mystery/Thriller

Mystery, suspense and psychological thrillers remain popular, with readers craving twisty narratives and complex plots.

Young Adult (YA)

YA fiction is seeing a resurgence, with increased focus on:

• Diverse voices and representation
• Blending of YA with other genres like romance and fantasy

Self-Help/Personal Development

Non-fiction focused on mental health, productivity, wellness and personal growth continues to be in high demand

Non-Fiction Favorites

This year, non-fiction has really connected with readers looking for deeper understanding and reflection on current issues. From environmental concerns to the balance between technology and life, here are three books that have been making waves:

Memoirs and personal stories:

Books on technology and social media:

Historical non-fiction:

Self-help and personal development:

Books on current events and politics:

Science and health:

These books aren’t just selling well — they’re sparking important conversations about where we’re headed as a society.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at how literary awards are influencing reader choices, and which outstanding works are receiving the recognition they deserve.

Literary Awards Shaping the UK Reading Landscape

Award	Winner/Shortlisted Work

International Booker Prize

“Kairos” by Jenny Erpenbeck, translated by Michael Hofmann

Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

“Night Watch” by Jayne Anne Phillips

Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction

“A Day in the Life of Abed Salama” by Nathan Thrall

Carol Shields Prize for Fiction

“Brotherless Night” by V. V. Ganeshananthan

British Book Awards – Overall Book of the Year

“Murdle” by T. Karber

British Book Awards – Fiction

“Yellowface” by Rebecca F. Kuang

British Book Awards – Nonfiction Narrative

“Politics on the Edge” by Rory Stewart

British Book Awards – Children’s Fiction

“Impossible Creatures” by Katherine Rundell

British Book Awards – Debut Fiction

“In Memoriam” by Alice Winn

Women’s Prize for Fiction (shortlisted)

“Brotherless Night” by V. V. Ganeshananthan and “Enter Ghost” by Isabella Hammad

Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction (shortlisted)

“Doppelganger” by Naomi Klein and “A Flat Place” by Noreen Masud

Miles Franklin Literary Award (shortlisted)

“Anam” by André Dao

Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction

“Dark Corners” by Megan Goldin

Davitt Award for Best Young Adult Novel

“Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer” by Amy Doak

Women’s Prize for Fiction Highlights

The International Booker Prize this year illuminated the ever-captivating work of Jenny Erpenbeck, whose novel “Kairos”, masterfully translated by Michael Hofmann, wraps itself around readers like a question waiting to be answered, or perhaps never meant to be. Time, fate, love—Erpenbeck plays with these elements with a delicate precision, each word as poignant as a sigh in the night.

Over in the American literary landscape, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction did not disappoint, awarding the deeply introspective “Night Watch” by Jayne Anne Phillips. In a world built on haunting prose, Phillips takes readers on a journey through time, memory, and the lingering ghosts of the past, each page teeming with echoes of loss and redemption.

@kjbreads

3⭐️ for recent Pulitzer Prize winner, Night Watch, by Jayne Anne Phillips. I had such high hopes for this book 🫠 #booktok #bookreview #civilwar #historicalfiction #mentalhealth #bookworm #kindle #unpopularopinion

♬ original sound – Kendra

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction found its home in the tender, devastating novel “Brotherless Night” by V. V. Ganeshananthan. Against the violent backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, this story hums with the quiet, unshakable strength of a 16-year-old girl named Sashi, whose dreams of becoming a doctor crumble amidst the chaos, but whose spirit burns ever brighter. It is a book that lingers, much like the scent of jasmine on a hot summer night.

@bookwhimsy

Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan #BookWhimsy #Over30BookTok #AAPIHeritageMonth

♬ original sound – Cynthia

But wait—there’s more magic yet. The Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlisted V. V. Ganeshananthan once again for “Brotherless Night”, standing proudly alongside Isabella Hammad‘s “Enter Ghost”, a tale that resonates like the final, aching notes of a song long forgotten. Meanwhile, the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction took us down the rabbit hole of identity and illusion with Naomi Klein‘s “Doppelganger”, and Noreen Masud‘s poignant “A Flat Place”.

In the Australian landscape, the Miles Franklin Literary Award’s shortlist bore gems, none brighter than André Dao‘s “Anam”, a story that seems to pulse with the lifeblood of family and memory, while in the dark corners of crime fiction, Megan Goldin‘s “Dark Corners” grabbed the Ned Kelly Award with a tightly woven tale of suspense. And for the young adult readers, Amy Doak delivered a coming-of-age mystery in “Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer”, taking home the Davitt Award for Best Young Adult Novel.

Man Booker Prize Candidates and Shortlists

The prestigious Man Booker Prize continues to be a benchmark for literary excellence. I find that its winners and shortlisted books often become instant classics, sparking conversations across the UK and beyond.
Some notable authors on the longlist include:

• Percival Everett
• Hisham Matar
• Sarah Perry
• Richard Powers
• Rachel Kushner
• Anne Michaels
• Tommy Orange

The winner receives £50,000 and can expect international recognition and a significant increase in global sales.

The winner of the 2023 Booker Prize was Paul Lynch for his novel “Prophet Song”.

@thebookerprizes

Watch Caitríona Balfe read from ‘Prophet Song’, the BookerPrize2023-shortlisted novel by Paul Lynch. Tap the link in bio to discover the book. #BookerPrize #BookPrize #BookExtract #ShortFilms

♬ original sound – The Booker Prizes – The Booker Prizes

Genre-specific Standouts

As I dive deeper into the UK’s reading landscape for 2025, I’m excited to share some genre-specific standouts that have captured readers’ hearts and minds. Let’s explore the books that are making waves across various genres.

Non-fiction breakthroughs

In the non-fiction realm, I’ve noticed a surge in popularity for books that tackle pressing global issues anIn the swirling maelstrom of modern life, where the constant hum of technology and the march of progress seem to leave little room for quiet reflection, the books that capture our attention are those that dare to pause, to ask questions, and to unravel the intricate threads of what it means to be alive right now.

Kyle Chayka’s “Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture” pulls back the curtain on the invisible forces shaping our digital lives. Algorithms, those unseen architects of our online existence, have become both gatekeepers and curators. They funnel our thoughts, our art, our very identities through narrow channels of predictability. Chayka doesn’t just critique; he urges us to take back control, to be more mindful of what we consume and, more importantly, how it shapes us. Like an explorer mapping an unfamiliar digital wilderness, he gives us a way to see through the fog, to reclaim a sense of agency in an era when it feels as though our minds are being led by invisible hands.

From the cold logic of code to the warmth of the earth, Hannah Ritchie offers a lifeline to those drowning in the rising tide of climate despair with “Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet”. It’s easy, in this age of environmental doom, to believe that we are teetering on the brink of an inevitable end. But Ritchie, armed with data and hope in equal measure, reminds us that we are not merely witnesses to this moment—we are its shapers. With clarity and precision, she charts a course toward sustainability, one where action, not apathy, reigns supreme. It’s not a blind optimism she offers, but a roadmap grounded in the belief that this world, fragile though it may be, is still within our power to save.

Of course, to understand the present, we must often revisit the past. In Dan Stone’s “The Holocaust: An Unfinished History”, the weight of history presses down on us, demanding attention. Yet Stone doesn’t merely recount the horrors of one of humanity’s darkest chapters; he pushes us to see its reverberations in today’s world of rising nationalism and division. History, it seems, is never truly finished, and Stone’s meticulous examination serves as both a warning and a call to remember, to learn, and to resist the easy temptations of forgetting.

Meanwhile, amidst these grand, external forces, the internal landscape of the human soul continues its journey. Chip Conley invites us into the quieter, often overlooked season of life in “Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age”. In a world obsessed with youth, Conley offers a refreshing perspective: midlife isn’t a descent, but a renaissance, a time when the cacophony of early ambition gives way to a deeper, more meaningful symphony of wisdom and self-discovery.

Similarly, the complexities of identity and social justice echo in Antonia Hylton’s “Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum”. Here, Hylton unpacks the brutal intersection of race, mental health, and systemic oppression. Through the lens of history, she tells the stories of those who were silenced, whose very minds were caged by a system that refused to see their humanity. It’s a sobering reminder that the struggles of the past are often still very much alive in the present.

And then there’s the question of how we connect—not just with the world, but with each other. In “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection”, Charles Duhigg breaks down the art of communication, revealing the invisible threads that bind us to one another. It’s not just about speaking or listening, but about truly understanding the language of connection in a world that sometimes feels more disconnected than ever. In a similar vein, Cal Newport’s “Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout” offers a blueprint for how to live and work with intention, reminding us that speed and efficiency aren’t the only measures of success—sometimes, slowing down is the key to moving forward.

And while we often look to the future, the past holds stories of incredible strength and resilience, particularly in the lives of women. Philippa Gregory’s “Normal Women: Nine Hundred Years of Making History” and Annabelle Hirsch’s “A History of Women in 101 Objects” weave together narratives of women who, despite being often overlooked, have shaped the world in ways both grand and subtle. These aren’t just histories—they are testaments to the enduring power of women’s voices, a power that refuses to be silenced.

Finally, as we seek to understand the broader purpose of our existence, Samuel T. Wilkinson takes us on a scientific journey in “Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence”. With a deft hand, Wilkinson blends biology, psychology, and philosophy, guiding us through the labyrinth of human nature in search of that most elusive of treasures—meaning.

And through it all, the personal stories, the memoirs, continue to captivate. Whether it’s Patric Gagne’s stark revelations in “Sociopath: A Memoir” or Simone Gorrindo’s poignant reflections in “Wives: A Memoir”, these books offer us a glimpse into lives lived on the edge of what we think we know. They remind us that every person carries a story, a story that, like all the best tales, leaves us changed.

These are not just books; they are portals, each one a key to unlocking new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of seeing. And in the end, that is what stories have always done—they remind us that no matter how vast or overwhelming the world may seem, there is always a place within it for magic, for wonder, and for hope.

Science fiction and fantasy must-reads

First, there’s Olivie Blake’s “The Atlas Complex”, the much-anticipated finale to The Atlas trilogy, where magical academics trade secrets like whispers in a library. It’s not merely the end of a tale but a crescendo, one that promises to wrap its readers in a dizzying whirlwind of power, betrayal, and the kind of dark, intoxicating magic that lingers long after the last page has been turned. In Blake’s world, knowledge is dangerous and, perhaps more alarmingly, so are those who seek it.

Heather Fawcett, meanwhile, returns us to her world of faerie lore with “Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands”, the second in her series about a decidedly un-charming professor whose life’s work is studying the fae. There’s something delightfully dry and ironic in Emily’s curmudgeonly ways, as she navigates the wonders and terrors of a world where the fae are as unpredictable as they are dangerous. This isn’t a tale of wonder and awe—it’s one of academic rigor meeting the utterly unknowable, and in Fawcett’s hands, it’s gloriously understated magic.

Then there’s Tlotlo Tsamaase’s “Womb City”, a dystopian fever dream that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Tsamaase conjures a chilling, tightly-woven world where surveillance isn’t just a tool of the state, it’s a part of your body—insidious, inescapable, and deeply personal. Themes of bodily autonomy run through this novel like veins of molten gold, and the reader is left both unsettled and enthralled by a story that feels, in so many ways, far too close to reality.

We shift gears with Hao Jingfang’s “Jumpnauts”, a debut novel that stretches the very concept of first contact to its absolute limits. Set in the same universe as her Hugo-winning novelette, Jumpnauts is at once a sprawling space opera and an intimate exploration of what it means to be human—or alien. Jingfang’s gift lies in her ability to make the incomprehensible feel familiar, while reminding us that in the vastness of the cosmos, understanding is often elusive, but connection, when it happens, is profound.

In the realm of dark fantasy, John Wiswell gives us “Someone You Can Build a Nest In”, a story as twisted and beautiful as a thorny vine climbing toward the light. A monster-hunter falling for her prey—it’s the kind of romance that’s destined for disaster, and yet, Wiswell spins it with a dark elegance, a haunting reminder that love, like magic, is often unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous.

Vajra Chandrasekera’s “The Saint of Bright Doors” steps forward as the 2024 Nebula Award winner, a novel that sparkles not just with invention but with heart. Chandrasekera’s story takes us into a world of saints and doors, where every choice feels monumental and every loss, a wound. It’s the kind of novel that nestles itself deep in the reader’s chest, its narrative threads tugging at your heartstrings long after you’ve closed the cover.

Shortlisted for that same Nebula Award is Annalee Newitz’s “The Terraformers”, a novel that takes environmental science and reshapes it into something wondrous. Newitz doesn’t just create a world; she builds it, piece by piece, exploring the ethics, the science, and the very human desires that drive the process. It’s a book as lush and sprawling as the worlds it imagines, a reminder that in the hands of the right storyteller, even the future of a planet can feel deeply, intimately personal.

Also shortlisted is Ann Leckie, with “Translation State”, a new entry in her ever-expanding universe. Leckie has always had a way of blending the coldness of space with the warmth of human (and non-human) emotion, and Translation State is no different. It’s a story of identity, politics, and the ties that bind us, and in true Leckie fashion, it asks big questions while delivering the kind of world-building that leaves you awestruck.

On the fantasy front, we find Martha Wells, the master of creating worlds where danger and intrigue are always just a step away. “Witch King”, her latest, steps away from the wildly popular Murderbot series but doesn’t lose any of the edge that makes her writing so electric. Here, Wells conjures a dark, brooding fantasy that’s as sharp as a well-honed blade, where magic is as deadly as it is beautiful.

And speaking of deadly beauty, S.L. Huang brings us “The Water Outlaws”, a queer reimagining of the Chinese classic Water Margin. Huang’s gift lies in her ability to take stories we think we know and twist them into something vibrant and new. In The Water Outlaws, we find a world of rebellion, loyalty, and love, where the lines between hero and villain blur, and the bonds of friendship and family run deep.

Finally, Xiran Jay Zhao continues her genre-bending, heart-pounding narrative with “Heavenly Tyrant”, the sequel to the explosively popular Iron Widow. Zhao’s world of mecha and mythology is unlike anything else in the genre, a dazzling, adrenaline-fueled ride that blends science fiction, history, and feminist rage into something truly spectacular. If Iron Widow was the spark, then Heavenly Tyrant is the inferno.

These are the books that shape our 2025, stories that aren’t just tales but experiences—each one an invitation to step beyond the ordinary and into the realm of the extraordinary. They remind us that the best stories, the ones that stay with us, are the ones that challenge, that provoke, that take us somewhere we didn’t know we needed to go. And, as always, they whisper to us that magic is never far away—it’s just waiting to be found in the pages of a book.

Romance and contemporary fiction hits

Let’s begin with Emily Henry, whose upcoming “Funny Story” (May 2024) promises to wrap readers in the kind of warm, witty dialogue that has become her hallmark. But this isn’t just another fake dating trope—no, Henry has a knack for taking what we think we know and flipping it on its head, layering emotional depth beneath the laughs. There’s always something raw in her stories, a kind of vulnerability that turns what could be a simple romance into something more—a reflection of the way we carry love, loss, and hope.

Carley Fortune steps into the scene with “This Summer Will Be Different”, and indeed, it feels like it will be. Here, forbidden love and forced proximity intertwine beneath the heat of summer, creating a backdrop where every stolen glance, every unspoken word, is charged with tension. It’s the kind of romance where the air feels thick with possibility, where you can almost taste the salt in the breeze, and where the heartache feels as inevitable as the setting sun.

Music and old flames come together in Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka‘s “The Breakup Tour”. It’s the kind of second-chance romance that aches with nostalgia, like hearing a song from your past and being transported back to a moment in time you thought you’d forgotten. This novel, arriving in January 2024, promises to explore not just the rekindling of romance, but the ways we change, the ways we grow, and the ways the music of our lives plays on, even when we think the song is over.

Then there’s Cara Bastone’s “Ready or Not”, a story that deals with the unexpected twists life can throw at you. Pregnancy, relationships, and the uncomfortable, sometimes beautiful, act of reevaluation are the themes here. Bastone invites us into a romance that’s messy and real, reminding us that love isn’t always about sweeping gestures—it’s often about the quiet moments, the ones where we’re forced to confront who we are and who we want to be.

In February 2024, Tia Williams gives us “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde”, set in the vibrant streets of Harlem. Williams’ tale of self-discovery and new beginnings reads like a love letter to the city, and the romance at its heart feels like a journey not just between two people, but within oneself. There’s a rhythm to Williams’ prose, like jazz notes drifting through the night, where love is found in the spaces between the beats.

Kennedy Ryan, too, has something simmering with “This Could Be Us”. Though details are scarce, the promise of another deeply emotional romance from Ryan—a writer known for tackling complex social issues alongside swoon-worthy love stories—is enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

And then there’s Kevin Kwan, whose “Lies and Weddings” (May 2024) promises the kind of comedic chaos only Kwan can deliver. Family expectations, extravagant wealth, and true love clash in a romantic comedy that will undoubtedly sparkle with Kwan’s signature wit and charm, offering readers both laughter and insight into the dilemmas of the heart.

But the year isn’t all romance. Contemporary fiction takes center stage as well, and nowhere is this more evident than in Olivie Blake‘s “The Atlas Complex”. The final book in The Atlas trilogy pulls us deeper into a world of magical academics, intrigue, and the battle between knowledge and power. It’s the kind of story that reminds us that even in a world of fantasy, the deepest battles are often fought within ourselves.

John Wiswell’s “Someone You Can Build a Nest In” treads into darker waters—a fantasy romance between a monster-hunter and her prey. The premise alone suggests a story steeped in tension and moral ambiguity, a reminder that love, in its strangest forms, often blossoms in the places we least expect.

And then there’s Vajra Chandrasekera’s “The Saint of Bright Doors”, the 2024 Nebula Award winner. This is no ordinary story. Chandrasekera’s novel opens doors—quite literally—into other worlds, but it’s the doors within ourselves, the ones we hesitate to open, that make this book truly sing. The novel is a meditation on faith, destiny, and the choices we make when faced with the unknown.

Rainbow Rowell returns to our hearts with “Slow Dance”, a tender exploration of first loves and the friendships that endure. Rowell has always had a gift for writing characters who feel like people you know—people you love—and in Slow Dance, that gift is in full bloom. It’s a book that promises to leave readers nostalgic, aching for the innocence of young love and the quiet power of lifelong friendships.

Meanwhile, in the Irish countryside, Amy Ewing gives us “The Irish Goodbye” (June 2024), a steamy romance that will have fans of Abby Jimenez and Beth O’Leary swooning. There’s something about Ireland, with its windswept hills and rugged coastlines, that seems to lend itself to passionate, complicated love stories. And Ewing captures that magic, weaving a tale of love and longing that’s as timeless as the land itself.

In the realm of speculative fiction, Annalee Newitz and Ann Leckie continue to push boundaries. Newitz’s “The Terraformers”, shortlisted for the Nebula Award, delves into environmental science, but it’s the humanity in her characters that makes this novel so compelling. Similarly, Leckie’s “Translation State”—another Nebula contender—returns to her acclaimed sci-fi universe with a tale that, as always, explores the intersections of identity, politics, and belonging.

These are the stories that will define 2024—the romances that will make us swoon, the contemporary tales that will make us reflect. They remind us that love, in all its forms, is the thread that connects us all. Whether it’s through the laughter of a rom-com or the quiet reflection of a tender moment, these books invite us to open our hearts and let the stories in. Because, as always, the magic of a good story lies not just in the telling, but in the way it makes us feel.

Crime and thriller sensations

First on the list, S.A. Cosby‘s “All The Sinners Bleed” slices through the veneer of a small Virginian town like a knife through silk. Shortlisted for the 2024 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, Cosby’s latest offering drips with tension as we follow a former FBI agent turned sheriff, forced to confront the unspeakable—both within the crimes he investigates and within himself. This isn’t just a story about a serial killer; it’s a story about the darkness we all carry, and the chilling realization that sometimes, the scariest monsters aren’t hiding in the shadows—they’re sitting right across from you at the dinner table.

Then there’s M. W. Craven with “The Mercy Chair”, a novel that should come with a warning label: Once you start, you won’t stop. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and twists like a serpent in the dark. Craven has always had a way of making the impossible feel plausible, and in The Mercy Chair, he ramps up the stakes until every turn of the page feels like it could be your last. If you think you know where this one’s going, think again.

Steve Cavanagh returns with “Witness 8”, the eighth installment in his Eddie Flynn series. Legal thrillers often come with their own kind of tension, and Cavanagh exploits every bit of it. The courtroom becomes its own kind of battleground, and Flynn, as always, finds himself navigating a labyrinth of moral quandaries, legal traps, and a case that’s as tangled as a spider’s web. Each layer of the plot is peeled back with precision, revealing more than we bargained for, and leaving us questioning not just the law, but the very concept of justice.

On a distant Indonesian island, Ruth Ware traps us in “One Perfect Couple”, a thriller that unfolds during a reality TV show, of all things. But Ware, the master of combining the ordinary with the extraordinary, quickly flips what seems like a sunny getaway into a place where danger is always a breath away. The island’s isolation becomes suffocating, and soon, it’s clear that reality TV isn’t the only game being played. Ware pulls the rug out from under her readers with expert precision, leaving us breathless and wide-eyed.

Meanwhile, Claire Douglas plays with the idea of identity in “The Wrong Sister”, a psychological thriller that asks, how well do we really know our own family? Secrets twist and writhe within the pages, and the more we uncover, the less we understand. Mistaken identity becomes the kindling for a fire of tension that builds and builds, threatening to consume everything in its path. Douglas doesn’t just tell a story; she weaves it into the very fabric of your mind, tugging at it until every loose thread unravels.

And then there’s Lisa Jewell, whose “None of This is True” feels like eavesdropping on a conversation you shouldn’t be hearing—except, of course, it’s all being broadcast to the world through a podcast. Jewell’s story about a podcast host and her enigmatic guest digs into the voyeuristic thrill of storytelling itself, and as we listen in on the mystery, we begin to wonder: Who’s manipulating who? It’s a masterclass in psychological tension, where the truth feels as elusive as a shadow slipping through your fingers.

For those who crave the kind of tension that winds tighter with every page, Catherine Ryan Howard’s “The Trap” delivers in spades. It’s a novel that seems to defy prediction, with suspense so thick you could cut it with a knife. The trap here is not just in the plot, but in the way Howard plays with our expectations, setting us up only to pull the rug out from under us in the most delightful, disorienting ways.

And then there’s the eeriness of Andrea Mara’s “Someone in the Attic”. You don’t have to have experienced the unsettling creak of floorboards in an empty house to be drawn into this story, but Mara’s thriller taps into a primal fear: that someone might be living just out of sight, watching, waiting. It’s not just about the physical space—it’s about the unseen, the unknown, and the terrifying question: Who’s really living in your house?

Ruth Mancini brings us a debut that feels like standing on the edge of a precipice with “The Woman on the Ledge”. It’s a thriller that begins with a woman accused of murder after talking someone down from a ledge, and the tension mounts from there. Mancini digs into the psyche of her protagonist with sharp, unrelenting precision, and by the end, we’re left wondering if anyone is truly innocent.

Lastly, Tracy Sierra’s “Nightwatching” takes the tension of a home invasion and layers it with deep family secrets, creating a narrative that is both claustrophobic and explosive. The invaders aren’t just after material things—they’re after the truth, and it’s a truth that could tear the family apart. Sierra crafts a story where every moment feels like a countdown, and every secret uncovered brings us closer to the edge.

Digital Reading Trends

The first trends is Enhanced Interactivity, where ebooks are evolving from static text into living, breathing experiences. Imagine reading a mystery novel and suddenly, a video plays—an old interview clip of the suspect in question, perhaps, or an audio file of a forgotten voicemail that changes everything. Or a quiz at the end of each chapter, testing your detective skills, nudging you deeper into the story. These aren’t just books anymore—they’re experiences, multi-sensory adventures where the narrative moves beyond the page.

The world of e-readers is expanding rapidly, with the global market set to reach $46.94 million by 2031, growing at a swift pace of 15.3% annually. Amazon’s Kindle, with a commanding 72% market share, leads the charge, its influence showing no signs of waning. By 2027, 1.12 billion people are expected to be using e-readers, with ebook consumers nearing 1 billion by 2024, up from 900 million in 2022. The global user penetration rate for ebooks is projected to rise to 13.3% in 2024, and in the U.S., over 75% of the population was using e-readers by 2023, with 20% purchasing an ebook that year.

Virtual Reality (VR), too, is no longer just for gaming—it’s creeping into books, particularly in educational spaces. Imagine putting on a VR headset and stepping into the Roman Empire for a history lesson, or walking through a VR-enhanced recreation of a beloved novel’s world. There’s something profoundly immersive about this future, where stories aren’t just read—they are lived, explored, and felt in every possible dimension.

The rise of Social Reading Features might not sound groundbreaking at first—after all, sharing quotes and highlights has been around for years. But in 2024, this interactivity has evolved into something more akin to a communal book club on a grand scale. Imagine reading a novel and, in real-time, discussing plot twists with readers across the world, diving into character motivations with strangers-turned-friends. It’s the kind of community-building that turns reading into a shared experience, where every highlight feels like a conversation waiting to happen.

Then there’s the rise of Audio-first Publishing. In a world where the pace never seems to slow down, audiobooks have become more than just an alternative—they’re often the primary mode of storytelling. Writers are beginning to craft books with audio in mind first, weaving narratives that sing in your ear, designed for the pauses, breaths, and tones of the spoken word. It’s an exciting shift where storytelling goes back to its roots—spoken, heard, passed on from voice to listener.

Alongside this comes the proliferation of Subscription-based Models, where books have adopted the model of music streaming. You don’t buy books; you rent them, dip in and out of libraries as vast and varied as your imagination. For a monthly fee, entire worlds are at your fingertips, unlimited and ever-expanding.

In 2024, reading isn’t just about turning pages anymore. It’s about stepping into new worlds—sometimes literally—where stories are interactive, immersive, and deeply personal. This is the future of storytelling, and it’s a place where books aren’t just consumed; they’re experienced, lived, and shared in ways we’re only just beginning to imagine.

Audiobook popularity surge

In 2024, audiobooks continue their meteoric rise. U.S. revenue hit $2 billion in 2023, and 38% of American adults—about 149 million people—now listen to them, up from 35%. Avid listeners consumed an average of 6.8 titles last year, while globally, the market is set to grow by 26.3%, reaching $52.9 billion by 2032. 63% of listeners subscribe to audiobook services, and nearly 46% borrowed from digital libraries. Fiction dominates at 64% of sales, though genres like history, fitness, and romance are quickly gaining ground. In the UK, audiobook revenue surged 24% to £206 million, with downloads up 17%. With smartphones making access easier and multitasking more appealing, younger audiences, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are embracing audiobooks like never before.

E-book vs. physical book preferences

In 2024, the tug-of-war between print and e-books continues, but both are finding their place. By 2027, print book readers will reach 1.87 billion, while e-books will see 1.2 billion readers. Print books remain dominant, pulling in $64.35 billion in 2023, compared to e-books’ $13.72 billion. Print outsells e-books by a 4-to-1 ratio, with 73% of readers preferring physical books for leisure. Yet, e-books are growing, with 33% of Americans reading both formats and 9% reading only e-books.

Regionally, print holds sway in most countries except China, where e-books slightly edge ahead. Younger readers (18-29) still favor print, with 68% preferring physical books. Kindle leads the e-reader market with a 72% share, and while e-books are cheaper (the price gap with hardcovers grew 75%), they aren’t replacing print anytime soon. The future hints at AI personalization, AR integration, and sustainable publishing, but the real trend? Coexistence—print and digital living side by side, each with its own magic.Celebrity Book Clubs and Endorsements.

Books addressing social issues and current events

Here’s a quick look at some of the most impactful books in this category:

Title	Author	Key Issue

Poverty, by America

Matthew Desmond

Economic inequality and perpetuation of poverty in America

The Palestine Laboratory

Antony Loewenstein

Israel’s arms industry and the global export of military technology

The Sum of Us

Heather McGhee

The economic costs of racism and cross-racial solidarity

The Return of Great Powers

Jim Sciutto

Geopolitical tensions and resurgence of great power competition

Invisible Women

Caroline Criado Perez

Gender bias in data and its real-world impact on policy and design

In the year 2024, the world continues to spin its web of challenges, each thread a testament to the complexities of human existence. Among these threads, some glimmer with hope, some with despair, but all are woven into the tapestry of books that reflect the pressing issues of our time. And so, as the ink dries on pages that try to make sense of it all, here are five books that stand as signposts on the road we travel.

1. Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
In the shadows of skyscrapers, behind the gleaming facades of wealth, there lies another America—one where poverty is not merely endured but perpetuated. Matthew Desmond invites us into this hidden landscape, where the affluence of the few is built on the backs of the many. He pulls the curtain back to reveal how even the most well-meaning of us are entangled in this cycle, and, with a sharp but empathetic eye, he offers a path out of the labyrinth of inequality.

2. The Palestine Laboratory by Antony Loewenstein
Somewhere, far from the safety of our everyday lives, war is not just fought—it is engineered. Antony Loewenstein takes us into the heart of an industry where weapons are tested not on distant battlefields but in occupied lands, their lessons exported around the world. It is a story of technology turned dark, of moral lines blurred, and of the troubling ways in which conflict becomes a commodity, sold to the highest bidder.

3. The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
Racism is often seen as a blight on the oppressed, but what if the real story is that it wounds us all? Heather McGhee traces the invisible lines that connect systemic racism to the economic struggles of every community. In her hands, the threads of history, economics, and personal stories come together, revealing that our fates are intertwined. Her vision is one of solidarity, of a future where the fight against racism is not just for some, but for the good of all.

4. The Return of Great Powers by Jim Sciutto
The echoes of empires long thought dead reverberate once more, as Russia and China rise to challenge a world order that seemed, for a fleeting moment, stable. Jim Sciutto peers into the shifting sands of geopolitics, where alliances are fragile, and the specter of war looms large. In his analysis, the grand chessboard of global power is set, and the moves we make next could decide the fate of nations.

5. Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
In a world built by men, women are, too often, an afterthought. Caroline Criado Perez’s Invisible Women shines a light on the silent bias that shapes everything from the design of cars to the algorithms that dictate our lives. In data, as in life, she shows us, women are missing—not by accident but by design. Yet, with each revelation, she offers a call to arms, a way to build a world that sees us all, equally.

Each of these books, in their own way, reflects the heartbeat of 2024. They are the voices that speak to our fears, our hopes, and the unresolved questions of our time. Perhaps, in their pages, we might find the courage to face these challenges head-on. Perhaps, they will help us weave a better world.

LGBTQ+ literature on the rise

Let’s start with The Fake Dating Game. Just look at this cover—it’s campy, it’s glorious, and I love every inch of it. Here we follow recently dumped Holden, who’s determined to get onto his favorite TV show, Madcap Market. At his hotel, he crosses paths with Leo, a sexy, fit concierge. The plan? Fake date to get onto the show. Chaos, hijinks, and maybe love ensue.

Next up, we drift into Interesting Facts About Space. This one follows Enid, space-obsessed and addicted to true crime podcasts, who’s been on a dating spree, swiping through women like planets in orbit. But when she stumbles into an unexpected romance, things start to feel… off. Is someone following her? Is it paranoia, or something more?

Now, take a breath and feast your eyes on Otherworldly. If this cover doesn’t pull you in, nothing will. It’s from Feet Lucans, whose covers are always a sight to behold—magical, ethereal, and utterly gorgeous. This cozy YA fantasy takes place in a world stuck in winter for five long years. A skeptic and a supernatural being strike a crossroads deal to get what they both desperately need, only to find themselves entangled in more than they bargained for.

Then, there’s The Sins on Their Bones, a dark fantasy reimagining of 19th-century Europe, where two estranged husbands and a daring spymaster are thrust onto opposing sides of a civil war.

Oh, and Skater Boy? Yeah, ‘He was a skater boy, he said, see you later, boy.’ But in this case, bad boy West is dragged to see The Nutcracker and falls hard for the lead dancer, Tristan. Can West shed his tough-guy act and become the better version of himself before graduation?

Lastly, Greta and Velden—two siblings navigating queerness, multiracial identity, and a labyrinth of love interests. And don’t forget The Break Up List, where a stage manager and a supposedly straight swim captain start spending more time together than anyone expected, both on and off the stage.

BAME authors making waves

It’s been inspiring to witness the surge of BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) authors in the UK literary scene. Here are 5 notable BAME authors in 2024:

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Nigerian writer of Americanah, still shaping discussions on race and feminism.
2. Bernardine Evaristo – Booker Prize winner for Girl, Woman, Other, her work on Black British identity remains pivotal.
3. Colson Whitehead – Known for The Underground Railroad, his historical fiction still packs a punch.
4. Brit Bennett – Author of The Vanishing Half, exploring race in America, and still making waves.
5. Abubakar Adam Ibrahim – Nigerian author of When We Were Fireflies, rising fast in global literature.

These authors continue to shape BAME literature, tackling race, identity, and history with striking resonance.

Conclusion

In 2024, the UK’s literary world feels like a map drawn in ink, spreading its tendrils into every curious mind. Books, whether perched in shop windows or whispered about in award ceremonies, still captivate, still pull us in.

What’s most heartening? The rise of voices we haven’t always heard, and the quiet power of independent bookshops nudging readers toward tales they might never have sought. It’s the perfect time to stray from your usual path, wander into the unknown, and find something unexpected. Whether pages or pixels, the stories are out there, waiting. And who knows? The next one might just be your treasure.