Books Everyone Is Talking About
Some books take off! You see them everywhere, and everyone is talking about them. It could be a popular author, the release of a new book in a series, or they may be on bestseller lists; it could also be an excellent read that you need to get your hands on.
Whatever the reason, it’s fun to be part of the conversation. Popular books make great conversation starters. Whether they’re good or bad, they provide fun topics to discuss. If the book is by one of your favorite authors, it’s even more exciting. There’s always a curiosity about the latest new releases and whether they live up to the hype.
Recommending books is one of my favorite things to do. Asking someone what they’re reading almost always starts a great exchange of our favorite books, usually ending with your next great read.
Popular Books You Must Read!
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
LITERARY Fiction/MYSTERY ~ 320 pages ~ Simon & Schuster (March 4, 2025)
Why it’s trending: This book is beautifully written and suspenseful. Hall is a masterful storyteller, delivering an emotionally rich book filled with romance, family drama, and moral dilemmas. It’s part romance, part mystery, and the story moves effortlessly between the two genres. It would make an excellent Book Club selection.
All The Broken Places by John Boyne
Historical Fiction ~ 400 pages ~ Penguin Books (November 28, 2023)
Why it’s trending: Historical Fiction lovers will enjoy this sequel to “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”. It’s an emotional and powerful read from the perspective of Gretel, Brono’s sister, who is now in her nineties. It’s one of the best books I’ve read about World War II, and it would provide a lively discussion for a book club meeting.
The God Of The Woods by Liz Moore
Mystery/Thriller ~ 496 pages ~ Riverhead Books (July 2, 2024)
Why it’s trending: This slow-burning mystery/thriller will keep you turning the pages. The setting is a summer camp in the Adirondacks where a camper goes missing. The unsettling fact is that she is the daughter of the camp’s owner, and their son went missing years before. It’s suspenseful and layered and one of the best thrillers I’ve read lately. Don’t miss this one.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Self-Help~ 336 pages ~ Hay House LLC (December 24, 2024)
Why it’s trending: Self-help books provide readers with practical tools and strategies to enhance their lives, including mental well-being. In this New York Times bestseller, Mel Robbins gives personal examples of her own life struggles that we can all relate to. She also offers a clear plan to overcome them and guides on how to set boundaries. These are valuable life tools and doable. I was surprised at how open and honest she was about her journey and what she overcame.
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros
Romance/Fantasy ~528 pages ~ Entangled: Red Tower Books (May 2, 2023)
Why it’s trending: Fantasy is having a moment, and this page-turning series delivers a fantastic read. This book is not my usual genre, but I was pulled in and thoroughly enjoyed it. Most people I have talked to agree. So don’t be dissuaded because it’s fantasy. It has romance, action, flying dragons, and richly developed characters. It’s thrilling, fun, and the first book in a five-book series. If you haven’t tried Romance/Fantasy, this would be an excellent first time read!
Iron Flame (The Empyrean, 2) by Rebecca Yarros
Romance/Fantasy ~ 640 pages ~ Entangled: Red Tower Books (November 7, 2023)
Why it’s trending: In the second book of the series, the story continues and becomes darker, delving deeper into the world of Basgiath War College. There are plenty of twists to keep you turning the pages, and the romance heats up. The main content still centers around the characters we love, but we learn more about them. Without giving too much away, the story will feature betrayal, political intrigue, and more.
Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros
Romance/Fantasy ~ 544 pages ~ Entangled: Red Tower Books; Deluxe, Limited edition (January 21, 2025)
Why it’s trending: This series has mass appeal, featuring dragons, romance, action, politics, and more. You can’t help but immerse yourself in the fantasy world of Navarre, where the Basgiath War College is located and turns out some fantastic flyers. If you need an escape that isn’t your typical light read, grab this series.
Happy Reading!
Andrea
