The Best Nonfiction Books of 2025

This is more than just a book. This is a time capsule that documents the visceral horror that many of us in the United States and across the Western world felt as we witnessed and were complicit in genocide. Applying his first-hand experience, historical precedent, and journalistic reporting skills to the Gaza war and the suffering of the Palestinian people, Omar El Akkad moved away from fiction to write his first non-fiction book out of the response that echoed throughout the digital world: “One day, everyone will always be against this.” This powerful calculation was a bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award. —S. Zainab Williams

book phobia ” is a must-read memoir in 2025. From the first page, you can tell how much Chihaya loves books. They were with her throughout her life, especially during times when she was struggling deeply with her mental health. Each chapter is centered around one or more books that changed her life. In her chapter on Prime Minister Scott Morrison, she writes: bluest eyesthe book ruined her life in the best possible way. And Chihaya knows who her audience is. She also includes a list of texts at the beginning of the book so readers can easily refer to their favorite titles.

Essayist and cultural critic Skaachi Kuhl surprises the public with a new collection of essays. many sucker punch It follows Cole through her divorce, including the ups and downs of her and her partner’s relationship before and after they split. Cole presents readers with a complex portrait of her marriage, both the good and the bad. Her prose is sharp, funny, and endearing at the same time. She makes honesty the highest virtue and one we should aspire to by sharing honest truths about the realities of messy relationships. sucker punch is a beautifully crafted collection that stands out as one of this year’s standout nonfiction titles.