Wednesday, December 03, 2025

Best of 2025: Holiday Gift Guide

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month's Best New Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday shopping doesn't need to be stressful! We looked through 2025's biggest, buzziest books to find the perfect gift for every reader on your list. (And don't forget to treat yourself, too!)
 
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Book cover for Strangers in Time by David Baldacci
This unforgettable New York Times bestseller is the perfect pick for booklovers
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • David Baldacci is "one of the best authors alive, and every page of Strangers in Time shows why" (Lisa Scottoline)
  • In World War II–era London, a grieving bookstore owner finds his life transformed by two struggling teenagers — but his secrets could put all their lives in danger
  • Kate Quinn and Jodi Picoult are praising this transportive, heart-wrenching story of found family
Learn more...
Media mentions for Strangers in Time by David BaldacciMEDIA MENTIONS:The Times, New York Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews
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Book cover for The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Gift 'this year's breakout novel' (The Wall Street Journal) to anyone looking for a feel-good read
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Sybil has always loved sending letters to her family and friends. But when she receives messages from someone from her past, she's forced to confront painful truths — and find a path to forgiveness
  • Rave reviews from Ann Patchett, Adriana Trigiani, and Ann Napolitano, who says, "This novel is a complete and utter joy"
  • A New York Times bestseller named a best book of 2025 by NPR, The Washington Post, and more
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Correspondent by Virginia EvansMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, PBS, People, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, USA Today, Good Housekeeping, Parade, The Times, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn
Gripping nonfiction that reads like a propulsive thriller
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • After receiving a letter from a screenwriter, Christine Kuehn learned about her family's involvement as Nazi and Japanese spies — and the role they played in the attack on Pearl Harbor
  • "An amazing and gripping tale, full of suspenseful twists and cinematic details" (The New York Times Book Review)
  • Gift this to readers of World War II history and anyone captivated by shocking true stories
Learn more...
Media mentions for Family of Spies by Christine KuehnMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, New York Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Highly recommended for readers who love juicy family dramas
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • This Reese's Book Club pick and New York Times bestseller "fires directly at the human heart and hits the mark" (Delia Owens, author of Where the Crawdads Sing)
  • When her first love reappears, farmer's wife Beth must reckon with unspeakable secrets in her past — and decide what her future holds
  • Think Atonement meets The Paper Palace
Learn more...
Media mentions for Broken Country by Clare Leslie HallMEDIA MENTIONS:Reese's Book Club, Book of the Month, People, Parade, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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Book cover for Nightshade by Michael Connelly
A surefire bet for fans of twist-filled suspense
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • The creator of Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller introduces a brand-new protagonist, Los Angeles County detective Stilwell
  • Exiled from the homicide desk and sent to Catalina Island, Stilwell investigates a Jane Doe found in the harbor — but what will he risk for justice?
  • An electrifying #1 New York Times bestseller from "a master of the genre" (The Washington Post)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Nightshade by Michael ConnellyMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson
History buffs will enjoy this riveting account with Ken Burns's seal of approval
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • This #1 New York Times bestseller was named a best book of 2025 by The Washington Post, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and more
  • Chronicles the tumultuous middle years of the United States' fight for independence, from 1777 to 1780
  • "To say Atkinson can tell a story is like saying Sinatra can sing" (The New York Times Book Review)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Fate of the Day by Rick AtkinsonMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, New York Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) by Rabih Alameddine
Hand this sensational National Book Award winner to the devoted book club member
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • The literary world is abuzz over this dazzling novel that also won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction
  • Outside the tiny apartment Raja shares with his elderly mother, Beirut is in turmoil — but Raja's search for love and hope is eternally optimistic
  • "It's a ravishing performance… Skillfully juxtaposes unflinching depictions of war and deprivation with the narrator's joie de vivre" (Publishers Weekly)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) by Rabih AlameddineMEDIA MENTIONS:The New Yorker, Time Magazine, NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Associated Press, USA Today, Vulture, Parade, The Guardian, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage, Literary Hub
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Book cover for My Friends by Fredrik Backman
One of 2025's buzziest books is begging for a screen adaptation
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • After a world-famous painting winds up in her possession, Louisa unravels its mysteries — and discovers the fascinating story of three friends 25 years ago
  • This #1 New York Times bestseller is a "moving ode to friendship" (People)
  • "Every Backman book should come with the warning that your heart will be split in two" (NPR)
Learn more...
Media mentions for My Friends by Fredrik BackmanMEDIA MENTIONS:The New Yorker, NPR, TODAY Show, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, USA Today, New York Post, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Booklist, BookPage
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Book cover for 100 Rules for Living to 100 by Dick Van Dyke
An uplifting stocking stuffer for celebrity memoir fans
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Ahead of his 100th birthday, beloved actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke shares stories and advice on how he maintains his optimistic outlook on the world
  • "With his characteristic goofball charm, Van Dyke encourages readers to stay true to their passions and to find joy by spreading joy" (Booklist)
Learn more...
Media mentions for 100 Rules for Living to 100 by Dick Van DykeMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Show, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, USA Today, Parade, The Times, New York Post, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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Book cover for Circle of Days by Ken Follett
For the historical fiction fan who loves long, epic reads
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • This New York Times bestseller from the author of The Pillars of the Earth imagines the creation of Stonehenge
  • The worlds of a flint miner and a priestess intersect as the vision of a civilization-defining monument comes to life
  • Take it from Lee Child: "There could be no better match between author and subject than Ken Follett writing about Stonehenge… A superb novel"
Learn more...
Media mentions for Circle of Days by Ken FollettMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Show, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist
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GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Good Things by Samin Nosrat
2025's hottest cookbook is the ideal gift for home chefs
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • The expert mind behind Salt Fat Acid Heat is back with another indispensable New York Times bestseller!
  • Features 125 dishes from a James Beard Award winner called "America's next great cooking teacher" (Alice Waters)
  • "A collection of essential recipes and kitchen wisdom that celebrates the art of cooking" (Booklist)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Good Things by Samin NosratMEDIA MENTIONS:The New Yorker, NPR, Good Morning America, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Eater, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, San Francisco Chronicle, Booklist
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GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan
For anyone looking to escape into the pages of a magical book
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "World War II meets A Discovery of Witches" (Kate Quinn) in this USA Today bestseller
  • Abandoned by her coven, Lydia must find a deadly grimoire before the Third Reich can use it…
  • "An expertly woven story of fate, witchcraft, and war that will both thrill you and tug at your heartstrings" (Kristin Harmel)
Learn more...
Media mentions for A Resistance of Witches by Morgan RyanMEDIA MENTIONS:USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
 
  

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