Amazon Editors’ Best Books of 2025

Amazon Editors have unveiled their Best Books of 2025 list, with Patrick Ryan’s Buckeye taking the No. 1 spot. The list marks the 25th anniversary of Amazon’s annual tradition and highlights standout titles across genres from fiction to biography, history, mystery, and romantasy.

Top picks

• #1: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan: A “quietly magnetic and compassionate” multigenerational tale about two Midwestern families linked by a secret; described as a “true Great American Novel.”

Other featured titles

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A richly layered novel exploring relationships and identity.
• Awake by Jen Hatmaker: A memoir blending humor, resilience, and personal growth.
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans: A sharp, character-driven narrative about journalism and truth.
• The Boys in the Light by Nina Willner: Historical fiction with emotional depth.
• The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong: Lyrical, poetic storytelling.
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy: Eco-fiction with themes of survival and nature.

Why this list matters

• 25th anniversary: Editors spend thousands of hours reading, debating, and voting on impactful titles.
• Themes of 2025: Found family and finding calm amidst chaos; many books feature shorter chapters.
• Reader engagement: Live conversation with Patrick Ryan and Editorial Director Sarah Gelman on November 12, 2025.

Takeaway

The Top Books of 2025 span genres and audiences, but Buckeye stands out as the defining novel of the year—blending family drama, generational secrets, and compassionate storytelling.