Better Reading’s Top 100 books of 2025 announced

Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen

#2

Austen's most popular novel, the unforgettable story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy

To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee

#5

‘It would be difficult to argue that Harper Lee's classic isn't one of the most - if not the most - beloved of American novels.’  – The New Yorker

The Venice Hotel Tess Woods

#9

‘A love letter to a gorgeous city, its people and those who are drawn to it, crafted with such rich detail, I felt I knew every character to the core.’ – Melina Marchetta

Where the Birds Call Her Name Claire van Ryn

#20

‘A dual timeline novel set in Tasmania, where a family's secrets are uncovered forcing more than one journey of self-discovery. A story of love, hope and courage ...a wonderful read.’ – Tricia Stringer

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife Anna Johnston

#21

‘An endearing story about an Aussie battler with a heart of gold. This book is like a big, warm hug – I couldn't get enough of Fred Fife and his borrowed life.’ – Kerryn Mayne

The Other Bridget Rachael Johns

#22

‘Rachael Johns is an absolute force in storytelling and stands firmly alone, no comparisons needed . . . The Other Bridget is Rachael at the top of her game. The writing sings. It’s a superb celebration of libraries, friendship and books. It will be difficult to top this for a feelgood read this year.’ – Better Reading

Cloudstreet Tim Winton

#25

‘This is that rare book, a novel of both heart and intellect. It pulses with a sense of wonder and shines with the clear light of truth.’ – Robert Drewe

Lessons in Chemistry Bonnie Garmus

#30

'The most charming, life-enhancing novel I've read in ages. Strongly recommend.' – India Knight

There are Rivers in the Sky Elif Shafak

#34

‘There are Rivers in the Sky is an enchanting epic, told through the vantage of single raindrop, where the sacred mysteries of water, science, and poetry collide.' – Safiya Sinclair

Wild Dark Shore Charlotte McConaghy

#39

'SPELLBINDING . . . Exceptionally imagined, thoroughly humane.' – Washington Post

A Gentleman in Moscow Amor Towles

#51

‘I think the world feels so disordered right now. The count’s refinement and genteel nature are exactly what we’re longing for. His world was also in shambles but he maintained his grace and humour.’ – Ann Patchett

Project Hail Mary Andy Weir

#56

Soon to be a major motion picture.

‘Undisputedly the best book I've read in a very, very long time. Mark my words: Project Hail Mary is destined to become a classic.’ – Blake Crouch

Outlander Diana Gabaldon

#57

'Scotland's answer to Game of Thrones.' – Herald

The Handmaid's Tale Margaret Atwood

#59

The bestselling dystopian classic that became a cultural phenomenon and inspired an award-winning TV series.

‘Fiercely political and bleak, yet witting and wise . . . this novel seems ever more vital in the present day.’ – Observer

1984 George Orwell

#62

The powerful and prophetic novel that defined the twentieth century.

The Night Circus Erin Morgenstern

#66

‘The only response to this novel is simply: wow. It is a breathtaking feat of imagination, a flight of fancy that pulls you in and wraps you up in its spell.’ – The Times

Jane Eyre Charlotte Brontë

#68

A passionate portrayal of a woman struggling to make a life for herself in a cruel and indifferent world.

Happy Place Emily Henry

#69

‘Emily Henry's books are a gift, the perfect balance between steamy and sweet.’ – V.E. Schwab

The Thursday Murder Club Richard Osman

#76

‘What a great read this book is. Brimming with fascinating characters, humour, intrigue and warmth. And of course a brilliant whodunnit.’ – Lesley Manville

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Gabrielle Zevin

#77

‘The sort of book that comes around once in a decade – a magnificent feat of storytelling. It is a book about the intersection between love and friendship, work and vocation, and the impossible and relentless pull of our own west-bound destinies.’ – Rebecca Serle

The Tea Ladies Amanda Hampson

#83

‘A multi-layered fictional world inhabited by vivid characters who bounce off the page . . . Crime, comedy and fashion, it’s a layer cake of which any tea lady would be proud.’ – Sydney Morning Herald

The Secret History Donna Tartt

#84

‘A huge, mesmerizing, galloping read.’  – Vanity Fair

None of This is True Lisa Jewell

#90

‘A mix of novel, podcast and Netflix documentary script, it’s a creepy and compelling story.’ – Woman & Home

The Bee Sting Paul Murray

#91

‘Funny, dark, moving and deeply humane. It’s also driven by an inexorable tragic force, and Murray’s intricate narrative dexterity makes it very easy to keep turning all those hundreds of pages.’ – The Observer

Orbital Samantha Harvey

#95

Winner of the Booker Prize 2024

‘Our unanimity about Orbital recognises its beauty and ambition. It reflects Harvey’s extraordinary intensity of attention to the precious and precarious world we share.’ –  Edmund de Waal, Chair of the 2024 Booker Prize judges.