Top 7 books of 2025 so far: Viral series to New York Times best-selling authors
And if you're in the market for a newly released read to sink your teeth into, we've got you sorted.
Here at Best Picks, we've rounded up 7 of the best new books so far in 2025, and there's plenty of different genres to choose from.
Think fantasy triologies, personal memoirs or heart-racing thrillers, we've listed the best of the bunch.
1. A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
It's topped the charts for a reason. This personal memoir gives a behind-the-scenes look at leadership, parenting, and politics from the Former Prime Minister of New Zealand. It's surprisingly funny, deeply human and inspiring.
$39 at Amazon Australia.
2. Onyx Storm: The Empyrean Bk 3 by Rebecca Yarros
This romantic fantasy novel is the third book in the viral Empyrean series (think dragons, danger, and romance). A great read for fantasty-newbies, it delves into plenty of adventures, plot twists and spicy scenes.
3. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Set during the 50th annual Hunger Games, it's packed with twists and political drama. With over 60,000 reviews at Amazon Australia, this purple paperback is a hit with teens and adults alike.
$15.97 at Amazon Australia.
4. The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward
A debut novel from the award-winning British author, this beautiful book is set in London and centered around two twin sisters with a past that creeps up on them. Exploring heartbreak and self-discovery, it's the perfect holiday read.
5. Unfinished Business by Shankari Chandran
Love a thriller? This one will tick all your boxes. From the Miles Franklin award-winning author, this fast-paced mystery involves corruption, law and power.
$24.98 at Amazon Australia.
6. Cheesecake by Mark Kurlansky
Determined to save his grandmother's cheesecake recipe, this light-hearted novel is more than just about food. Quirky and charming, it takes you back to New York in the 80s.
7. The House That Joy Built by Holly Ringland
Upflighting and inspiring, this practical guide is all about finding creativity and courage in everyday life. Part memoir, part motivation, this book offers a 'jump-start for anyone whose desire to create is flattened by fear'.
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7NEWS
a day ago
- 7NEWS
Top 7 books of 2025 so far: Viral series to New York Times best-selling authors
Whether you're catching a flight to a European destination, or simply cosying up on the couch, there's no better feeling than delving into a new book. And if you're in the market for a newly released read to sink your teeth into, we've got you sorted. Here at Best Picks, we've rounded up 7 of the best new books so far in 2025, and there's plenty of different genres to choose from. Think fantasy triologies, personal memoirs or heart-racing thrillers, we've listed the best of the bunch. 1. A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern It's topped the charts for a reason. This personal memoir gives a behind-the-scenes look at leadership, parenting, and politics from the Former Prime Minister of New Zealand. It's surprisingly funny, deeply human and inspiring. $39 at Amazon Australia. 2. Onyx Storm: The Empyrean Bk 3 by Rebecca Yarros This romantic fantasy novel is the third book in the viral Empyrean series (think dragons, danger, and romance). A great read for fantasty-newbies, it delves into plenty of adventures, plot twists and spicy scenes. 3. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins Set during the 50th annual Hunger Games, it's packed with twists and political drama. With over 60,000 reviews at Amazon Australia, this purple paperback is a hit with teens and adults alike. $15.97 at Amazon Australia. 4. The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward A debut novel from the award-winning British author, this beautiful book is set in London and centered around two twin sisters with a past that creeps up on them. Exploring heartbreak and self-discovery, it's the perfect holiday read. 5. Unfinished Business by Shankari Chandran Love a thriller? This one will tick all your boxes. From the Miles Franklin award-winning author, this fast-paced mystery involves corruption, law and power. $24.98 at Amazon Australia. 6. Cheesecake by Mark Kurlansky Determined to save his grandmother's cheesecake recipe, this light-hearted novel is more than just about food. Quirky and charming, it takes you back to New York in the 80s. 7. The House That Joy Built by Holly Ringland Upflighting and inspiring, this practical guide is all about finding creativity and courage in everyday life. Part memoir, part motivation, this book offers a 'jump-start for anyone whose desire to create is flattened by fear'.
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3 days ago
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A personal stylist (and mum) shares the two comfiest pants you can own
This story is part of the July 20 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories. Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, personal stylist Liv Brown. How would you describe your style? I wear lots of patterns – I feel most myself in animal print. There's always something oversized, and heaps of fun accessories. What's the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My mum's wedding ring and some of her old handbags. A black leather bag with silver studs from the '90s is a favourite. And the most recent addition? A Blanca matching denim set – jeans and an oversized shirt – in black-and-white zebra stripes. Sets are easy because I feel put together without having to think. What would you wear … on a first date? A denim set with kitten heels and my fluffy Mane by Stable 'Sheila' bag. … on a plane? I know people are into their airport fits, but I just go comfy in sports leggings, a colourful, oversized Jungles Jungles hoodie and my Nike 'TN' sneakers. … on the red carpet? I'm dying to wear a custom dress by Melbourne designer Van Der Kooij. Loading What's your favourite fashion era? The 1960s for the miniskirts, chunky boots, shift dresses and prints. Who are your favourite designers? Locally, its Blanca, Van Der Kooij and P.A.M. (Perks and Mini) for their cool graphic tees. European brands I like are Stine Goya for the prints and great bags, and Baum und Pferdgarten for the cool Scandi vibe. I also love Ganni – it's cool and feminine but not 'pretty'. What's your fragrance of choice? I wear Rabanne 'Olympea'.
The Age
3 days ago
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