By Erin Love

Fellow bookworms, literary geeks and casual readers. Are you ready to start the next chapter, oh sorry, New Year with a cup of tea and a good book? Or maybe perhaps your New Year resolution is simply just to read more? Well look no further! I can assure you that this list is for you. These are my top six books from 2024 that I suggest you put on your “To be read” list for 2025.

Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

With 2024 being the centenary year of James Baldwin’s birth, I felt it was only fair that I include one of his works on this list. Giovanni’s Room details the life of David and explores his relationships. Soon, he is embroiled in a love-triangle and must decide whether his shame and fear will keep him from happiness. Sexuality and identity are themes that Baldwin explores with such intimacy and care, that it will leave you with thoughts about this book for days.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

If there is one author you should read more of in 2025, it is Dolly Alderton. This woman has made me laugh out loud on the bus, and cry in the breakroom before starting my shift (inconvenient, but necessary). Good Material follows Andy in the aftermath of a breakup, and details all his various coping mechanisms. A hilariously heart-wrenching story, this book needs to be on your TBR for 2025.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

I feel it would be unfair for me to write a TBR recommendation without including Sally Rooney. Now, we all know about Connell and Marianne from Normal People, but Rooney goes on to break our hearts even more. Intermezzo was one of the most anticipated books of 2024, and it is clear why. Following two brothers as they navigate grief and relationships, Rooney always manages to capture the messiness of life.

There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak

A beautiful story connecting three characters with one just drop of water, Shafak manages to weave these characters together beautifully, not only using it to tell the stories of these three characters, but also forces us to confront the value of water, and how society can misuse it. The novel also revolves around the Epic of Gilgamesh as well as the rivers Tigris and Thames combining cultures and communities.

Strong Female Character by Fern Brady

Fans of Taskmaster might recognise Brady from the show, but her comedy is just as witty and bold in her writing too. Her memoir discusses her trauma, mental health, and relationships. Brady also delves into the experience of her autism diagnosis and talks about why autism in women often gets overlooked. She writes all of this with such morbid humour that you cannot help but laugh.

The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul

RuPaul is just the person we need to conclude the list, published earlier this year, it details his life from homelessness to stardom, and his experiences of growing up queer and black. This intimate insight into a cultural icon is a must-read for 2025. Can I get an amen? Well as the end to 2024 approaches quickly, so does it bring me to the end of my list, what a year for reading it has been! I hope you manage to add some of these books to your ever-growing TBR list and have the chance to enjoy them as much as I did! Remember, make sure to use your local libraries and support independent bookshops when you can.