The New York Times’ Best Books of the Year So Far

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Naming the best books of the year so far may seem premature, not just due to the time of year. The literary scene in 2025 has been relatively quiet when it comes to major releases. While there hasn’t been a standout book generating “book of the year” buzz yet, some exceptional titles have hit the shelves. The New York Times has compiled a list of the best books of the year up to this point, including noteworthy mentions like Stone Yard Devotional. I was pleased to see We Do Not Part on the list and a bit surprised that Audition by Katie Kitamura didn’t make the cut. How many of the 15 featured books have you read?

A New Literary Era?
It’s a widely accepted fact that the emergence of a new online platform focused on writing will spark literary innovations, and Substack is currently in the spotlight. Writers are sharing fiction, releasing memoirs chapter by chapter, reviewing books, and commenting on the publishing industry. Anticipating experimentation in this realm is promising and could lead to groundbreaking work. While I commend the individuals highlighted in the New Yorker article by Nicholas Konrad, I do have some thoughts on the matter:

Historically, the literary landscape has been influenced by institutions like university creative writing programs, small literary magazines, and newspaper book reviews. Substack might become a similar influential force, a modern hub for literary community, fostering new reader sensibilities, and enabling rapid and cost-effective experimentation.

The literary scene Konrad refers to, shaped by creative writing programs, indie journals, and newspaper book sections, has not been a cohesive entity for at least two decades. Coincidentally, this period aligns with the onset of the blogging surge catalyzed by Web 2.0, which democratized literary discussions and gave rise to indie newsletters. Should Substack evolve into a novel form of literary institution promoting community, sensibility, and experimentation efficiently and inexpensively, that would be commendable. However, let’s acknowledge that we’ve witnessed similar trends before. Don’t reminisce about the olden days, for I was present when history was made.

Motherly Complexity
I may have missed Mother’s Day, but it’s never too late to explore a roundup of books portraying intricate maternal relationships. Whatever complexity means to you, there’s a recommendation on this list that will resonate and spark meaningful conversations.

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Pulitzer Drama Unpacked
Listen to the latest episode of the Book Riot Podcast, where Jeff and I delve into the controversies surrounding James’s Pulitzer win, John Lithgow’s reaction to J.K. Rowling’s transphobia, and other literary news. Additionally, Sharifah Williams joins us for a brief book club discussion on Kevin Wilson’s latest novel, Run for the Hills. Tune in on your preferred podcast platform.