UPDATED - Our Favorite Books of 2025

In 'The Warmth of Other Suns', Isabel Wilkerson provides a detailed historical account of the Great Migration, a movement of approximately six million African Americans from the Southern United States to the Midwest, Northeast, and West between 1915 and 1970. The book follows the lives of three primary subjects: Ida Mae Gladney, George Starling, and Robert Foster, illustrating the broader historical context of the migration. Wilkerson examines the social, economic, and political factors that drove this migration, including economic opportunities in Northern industrial cities, escape from Jim Crow laws and racial violence in the South, and the impact of World War I and II on labor demands. The book is notable for its blend of historical analysis and narrative storytelling, making complex historical events accessible through the personal and societal perspectives of those who lived through the Great Migration.

The Personal Librarian is based on the life of Belle da Costa Greene, who was hired by J. P. Morgan in 1906 to curate his collection for the newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle, a light-skinned Black woman passing as white, becomes a fixture in New York City society and a powerful figure in the art and book world. She works tirelessly to acquire and curate rare and ancient works, developing a close but complicated relationship with J. P. Morgan. After Morgan's death, she ensures his son Jack keeps the collection intact and eventually turns it into a public library. The novel explores themes of identity, legacy, and the impact of her work on future generations.

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Marie Hélène Bertino's *Exit Zero* is a collection of short stories that showcases her distinctive voice and storytelling ability. Her work often explores themes of family, relationships, and the complexities of human experience. Bertino's writing is characterized by its emotional depth, insightful observations, and ability to create memorable characters. The stories in *Exit Zero* are likely to resonate with readers who appreciate literary fiction with a focus on character development and emotional resonance. Her unique perspective and ability to craft compelling narratives make her a noteworthy author in contemporary literature.

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The book follows Cora, a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia, who embarks on a harrowing journey to freedom using a secret network of actual tracks and tunnels beneath the Southern soil. Along with Caesar, a fellow slave, Cora faces numerous challenges and dangers, including the relentless slave catcher Ridgeway. The narrative blends historical reality with fantasy, offering a powerful meditation on the history of American slavery and its ongoing impact on society.

Helen Garner's "The Season" offers a poignant exploration of family, aging, and masculinity through the lens of her grandson's amateur football league. Garner's signature unflinching style reveals intimate details of her own aging process and her evolving relationship with her grandson. The book transcends the sporting context, delving into broader themes of generational differences and the complexities of human connection. Garner's keen observations and witty prose create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. The book's emotional depth and insightful reflections on life's transitions make it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

Susan Choi's 'American Woman' is a fictionalized recasting of the Patty Hearst kidnapping by the Symbionese Liberation Army. The story follows Jenny Shimada, a Japanese-American radical, as she helps shelter fugitives, including Pauline, a character inspired by Patty Hearst. The novel delves into the complex relationships and tensions among the group, exploring themes of radicalism, identity, and the American psyche during a tumultuous era.

This book, written by Michael Shurtleff, provides comprehensive advice on auditioning techniques. Drawing from his extensive experience in casting over 200 Broadway shows and various film and television productions, Shurtleff offers practical guidance for actors. The book includes his famous '12 Guideposts' for monologue and scene work, such as 'Relationships – how to create them onstage' and 'Conflict – what are you fighting for? ' It covers every aspect of auditioning, from basic acting techniques to handling distractions and risks, and is applicable not only to actors but also to other areas of life where 'auditions' occur.

In 'Dead and Alive: Essays', Zadie Smith brings her distinctive voice and critical insight to a wide range of subjects that have captured her attention in recent years. The collection is organized into thematic sections—eyeballing, considering, reconsidering, mourning, and confessing—and features intimate reflections on artists like Toyin Ojih Odutola, Kara Walker, and Celia Paul, as well as cultural phenomena such as the film 'Tár' and the rise of Stormzy at Glastonbury. Smith also mourns the passing of literary giants like Joan Didion, Martin Amis, Hilary Mantel, Philip Roth, and Toni Morrison, and considers political shifts on both sides of the Atlantic. Throughout, she demonstrates her unparalleled ability to engage critically and humanely with the most pressing issues of our time, blending personal experience with broader social commentary.

Set in the 1950s in Mexico, 'Mexican Gothic' is a gothic horror tale that follows Noemí Taboada, a young socialite from Mexico City, as she travels to the remote mansion of High Place to check on her cousin Catalina. Upon arrival, Noemí discovers a house steeped in decay and supernatural phenomena, and she must navigate the dark secrets and racist attitudes of the Doyle family. The novel blends elements of classic gothic horror with sharp social commentary on colonialism, exploitation, and the racial divide in the Americas. It is a story of mystery, suspense, and horror, with a vivid and powerful female protagonist at its core.

Jacqueline Goldfinger's adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' is a family-friendly version that includes music, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. This play retains the core themes and characters of the original while adding a musical element to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact.