my most anticipated 2025 books
+ oodles of links
This stretch of days is a most specific slice of calendar, like a collective held breath. Completing much of anything feels like wasted effort when there’s that sparkling excitement of a new year just ahead.
That being said, before I drop my big list of everything I read this year, I wanted to share some books I’m looking forward to come 2025.
Each of these has a cover and a release date, unlike my true most anticipated book — a project about Persephone from Madeline Miller (of Circe and Song of Achilles). The fateful 2021 Instagram post! Such teasing!
In no particular order, let’s begin!
Good Girl by Aria Aber; Expected publication January 14, 2025
Admittedly, I am enamored right now by any book that takes place in my adopted city, Berlin. But this one sounds so good! It’s described as “an electric debut novel about the daughter of Afghan refugees and her year of nightclubs, bad romance, and self-discovery—a portrait of the artist as a young woman set in a Berlin that can't escape its history.”1
I don’t know much about Aria Aber, but I am excited to see what she brings to the table. The description certainly checks a lot of my boxes.
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang; Expected publication August 2025
R.F. Kuang may be the most exciting author working right now. You’ll know her from the bestselling Poppy Wars science fiction trilogy and the much-acclaimed Babel, an inventive tome that takes place at Oxford. Last year, I read and loved Yellowface, a twisty novel that skewers the publishing industry and performative “allyship.” I think she’s brilliant, and the description of her new book is tantalizing:
“Dante’s Inferno meets Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi in this all-new dark academia fantasy in which two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul—perhaps at the cost of their own.”
My ears perked up at the mention of Piranesi — a book I struggled with, but ultimately loved. (Shout out to my friend Sydney for choosing in our book club!)
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins; Expected publication March 18, 2025
I have no problem admitting I will read any and everything in the Hunger Games universe. I relished The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (both the book and the movie), and I think Suzanne Collins is wildly talented. I love how she climbs out of hiding every ten years or so to drop more lore about Panem.
And this one is about Haymitch, a criminally underrated character! Eek. Middle school me is so jazzed.
Too Soon by Betty Shamieh; Expected publication January 28, 2025
I’m excited to read this debut because of the blurb and its reference to two books I adore: “For readers of Pachinko and Queenie, a funny, sexy, and heart-wrenching literary debut that explores exile, ambition, and hope across three generations of Palestinian American women.”
Familial plot line? Immigrant narrative focused on women? Secret love affairs? Yes, please!
📚 On my shelf
The Wedding People by Alison Espach was great! It reminded me of Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead, a book I really loved from a few years ago. I would recommend if you’re seeking a lighter read that will also prompt inquiry into your own relationships.
I also finished Cold Crematorium (a book I mentioned last week), and was gutted, unsurprisingly.
Current TBR: Middlesex, Sophie’s Choice, My Husband, and Greta and Valdin (finally got from the library!)
📚 Links and Things
Great suggestions for what to read next from your book pal 📚
The documentary Your Fat Friend is available online and follows Aubrey Gordon (no relation, lol). You’ll know Aubrey as the host of the popular Maintenance Phase podcast, but she started as a little-known blogger. I love her laugh, and appreciate her frank, nuanced perspective on “body positivity.”
The NYT dropped its celebrated Christmas cookie list! My friends Adam and Paige served a collection of these treats at their dinner party last week, and the Ginger Cheesecake Cookies blew my mind. Best cookie I’ve had in AGES 🎄
💄 beauty corner
my friends are raving about the Rhode peptide lip balm and pocket blush (Kyra says: “they're both amaaazing and make me want to put on makeup all the time”)
I’ve also heard that the rare beauty blush in shade “encourage” is great for sun-starved skin
I really want to pull the trigger on the caudalie vinoperfect serum since it’s half the price here in Germany.
And this always makes me laugh.
Happy reading! 💛
XOX
Alli
If this sounds good to you, I recommend Berlin by Bea Setton. I read this before moving here, and loved it! It’s a similar vein to My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, The Guest by Emma Cline, and Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados.