December 30th 2024.
Looking for some recommendations? Well, you've come to the right place! Here at Metro, our shopping writers have carefully selected some amazing products for you to check out. And the best part? If you make a purchase using the links on this page, The Agency will earn a commission. But don't worry, we always provide full disclosure. Click here for more information.
Now, let's get to the good stuff. Are you looking to read more in 2025 or maybe get back into the habit of reading? Then you'll definitely need some inspiration. We know that scrolling through endless lists of new releases can be overwhelming, so we've done the hard work for you. Metro has compiled a collection of books that we absolutely fell in love with in 2024, regardless of when they were published. Some are classic novels that we read for the first time and were blown away by, while others were recommended to us by friends, family, or even TikTok. And let's not forget the book club picks that we never thought we'd enjoy, but ended up loving.
As Metro's resident bookworm and lifestyle reporter, I have personally handpicked many of the recommendations. But sprinkled throughout are also books that other staff members couldn't resist sharing with you. So, whether you're a fan of romance, dystopia, fantasy, or memoirs, we guarantee you'll find your first read of 2025 right here.
Ready to dive into our list? Let's go!
First up, we have "Ten Men" by Kitty Ruskin. This short read is a brutally honest memoir that perfectly captures the struggles of single women when it comes to sex. Kitty documents her year of casual hookups, sharing the highs and lows in a way that will make any woman feel seen. It was even chosen as a Metro Staff Book Club pick, and I can't recommend it enough.
Looking for some fantasy to get lost in? Look no further than "Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros. If you're a fan of BookTok, you've probably heard of this one. Yarros is being hailed as the next Sarah J Maas, and we can see why. This book is the second installment in her Empyrean series, which follows protagonist Violet Sorrengail's second year at Basgiath War College. Dragons, rebellion, love, and plenty of spice make for an exciting read. And the best part? The third book, "Onyx Storm," is set to release on January 21, 2025.
Next up is "Want" by Gillian Anderson. This modern-day version of "My Secret Garden" by Nancy Friday is a must-read for all feminists. It features anonymous confessions from women all around the world, revealing their deepest sexual desires. No matter what your fantasies may be, you'll realize that you're not alone. Plus, who knows? You may even get some inspiration for yourself.
Fans of Sarah J Maas, get ready for "House of Flame and Shadow." This highly anticipated fantasy release is the third book in the Crescent City series and has been taking TikTok by storm. It's a hefty read, but trust us, you won't be able to put it down. With intricate world-building, a complex plot, and even a crossover with Maas' beloved ACOTAR series, this book has it all.
"Yellowface" by R F Kuang has been praised as a masterpiece, and for good reason. Winner of the British Book Awards' Fiction Book of the Year in 2024, this book follows the story of failed writer June Hayward. After witnessing her rival's death in a freak accident, she steals the manuscript that could change her life forever. But with lies and deceit, she soon finds herself in a tangled web that she can't escape from. From start to finish, this book will have you on the edge of your seat.
Looking for a twist on a classic? Check out "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver. Winner of the Woman's Prize for Fiction and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, this modern-day retelling of Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield" takes place in the Appalachian Mountains. It's a dark and heavy read, but with dashes of humor throughout, it's a captivating story that you won't be able to put down.
Who doesn't love Stanley Tucci? If you're a fan, you'll definitely want to check out his latest book, "What I Ate In One Year." This book combines his love for Italian food with his own personal journey living with throat cancer. With simple yet delicious recipes and heartwarming stories, this book is a must-read for any foodie.
"Piglet" by Lottie Hazell received mixed reviews from our Metro Staff Book Club, but that's what makes it so intriguing. If you're someone who loves a plot-driven book, this may not be for you. But if you enjoy a thematic read that delves into ideas of greed, relationships, and the life we want versus the life we have, then this may be just the book for you. The main character is complex and the writing is superb, leaving you with plenty to think about.
And last but certainly not least, we have "Talking At Night" by Claire Daverley. This book follows the lives of two teenagers, Will and Rosie, as they navigate love, loss, and everything in between. Their relationship blooms in secret, but when tragedy strikes, they are forced to go their separate ways. It's a heart-wrenching story that will stick with you long after you finish reading.
So, there you have it. Our top book recommendations for 2025. No matter what genre you prefer, we're confident that you'll find something to love in this list. Happy reading!
Are you looking for some new book recommendations? Look no further! Here at Metro, we have a team of dedicated shopping writers who have handpicked some amazing products for you. And the best part? If you make a purchase through the links on this page, we earn an affiliate commission. So you can shop guilt-free while supporting us.
If you have set a goal to read more in 2025 or to get back into the habit of reading, then you're in luck. We have a collection of books that will inspire and captivate you. We understand that it can be overwhelming to go through endless lists of new releases, so we have compiled a list of books that we fell in love with in 2024, regardless of their publication date. Some of these books are timeless classics that we read for the first time and were worth all the hype. Others were recommended to us by friends, family, or even TikTok. And there are a few picks from our very own Metro staff book club that we thought we would hate, but ended up loving.
As Metro's resident bookworm and lifestyle reporter, I have personally curated many of the recommendations. But sprinkled throughout are books that other staff members couldn't help but share with you as well. So, whether you're a fan of romance, dystopia, fantasy, memoirs, or any other genre, we guarantee that you'll find your first read of 2025 right here.
Now, let's dive into these amazing books that we highly recommend!
Ten Men by Kitty Ruskin is a brilliantly insightful memoir that delves into the struggles of single women when it comes to sex. Kitty documents her year of casual sex, sharing the highs and lows in a painfully accurate manner. If you're a woman, you will definitely feel seen while reading this book. It was a Metro staff book club pick that I will recommend to anyone I meet.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros is a must-read for all fantasy lovers. If you're familiar with BookTok, then you might already know about this book. Rebecca Yarros is being hailed as the next Sarah J Maas in the fantasy world, and for good reason. This is the second book in her Empyrean series, which follows Violet Sorrengail's second year at Basgiath War College. Dragons, rebellion, love, and spice are just a few things that you can expect from this book. And don't worry, the third book, Onyx Storm, will be released on January 21, 2025.
Want by Gillian Anderson is a modern-day version of Nancy Friday's My Secret Garden. Gillian, known for her role in Sex Education, has delivered a feminist masterpiece with this collection of anonymous confessions from women all over the world. This book will make you realize that your deepest sexual desires are not out of the ordinary and might even give you some inspiration.
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J Maas is the most highly anticipated fantasy release of the year. It is the third book in the Crescent City series, and it definitely lives up to the hype. Despite its length, I devoured this book in just three days, completely engrossed in the intricate plot and stunning world-building. And for all you ACOTAR fans, this book also merges with that beloved series, which took TikTok by storm.
Yellowface by R F Kuang was the winner of the British Book Awards' Fiction Book of the Year in 2024, and it's not hard to see why. This book is a masterpiece that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. When failed writer June Hayward steals her rival's manuscript after her death, she gets entangled in a web of lies that will haunt her forever. The absurd beginning and wild ending will leave you unable to put this book down.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver has won numerous awards, including the Women's Prize for Fiction and the Pulitzer Prize. This book is a modern-day retelling of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, set in the Appalachian Mountains. Vanessa Redmond, from Metro's picture desk, says, "I couldn't put this compelling book down. It's a dark, heavy-handed read with enjoyable dollops of humor."
What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci is a heartwarming and delicious read that combines the actor's love for Italian food with his experience of adapting his palate after being diagnosed with throat cancer. His simple yet amazing recipes will leave you wanting more. And if you're a fan of Stanley Tucci (who isn't?), then you'll love this book even more.
Piglet by Lottie Hazell was another Metro staff book club pick, and it received mixed reviews. If you're someone who loves plot-driven books, then this might not be for you. However, if you enjoy thematic reads that touch on ideas of greed, relationships, and the life we want versus the life we have, then this book is a must-read. The main character is complex and the writing is skillful, leaving you with some strong opinions.
Talking At Night by Claire Daverley is a book that follows the lives of Will and Rosie, who meet as teenagers. She's a quiet overthinker, and he's her twin brother's rebellious and unpredictable friend. Their relationship blossoms in secret through late-night conversations and stolen glances. But when tragedy strikes, they are forced to navigate the rest of their lives separately. Social media journalist Kate Rice says, "Talking At Night is a captivating read that explores themes of love, loss, and the choices we make in life."
We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your next read. Happy reading!
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