In 2025, nonfiction books have captured public attention with compelling narratives, transformative ideas, and cutting-edge research. From powerful memoirs to groundbreaking explorations of technology and society, the most talked-about nonfiction books in 2025 blend memoir, history, science, and social critique to address the urgent questions and cultural shifts defining our era. These titles provoke conversations and set trends across the literary landscape.
Most Talked-About Nonfiction Books in 2025
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins’s The Let Them Theory tops bestseller lists and social media conversations alike. Robbins urges readers to abandon the pressure of conforming to others’ expectations, introducing a simple-but-radical concept: let people be themselves, and focus on what you can control. This idea struck a chord in a fast-paced, performative world, inspiring widespread discussion and practical applications in personal growth and workplace culture. The book’s actionable advice and relatable anecdotes have made it a staple in book clubs and workplace seminars.
Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey
Hollywood actor and author Matthew McConaughey delivers a unique blend of poetry, personal reflection, and prayers in Poems & Prayers. This collection bridges memoir and inspiration, offering readers insight into McConaughey’s philosophies on gratitude, resilience, and creativity. Its blend of accessibility and emotional depth resonates across diverse audiences, fueling conversations in both literary and entertainment circles.
Authority by Andrea Long Chu
Authority by Andrea Long Chu boldly examines the concept of power and its role in contemporary culture. With sharp wit and incisive analysis, Chu explores politics, art, and social media’s influence on identity and belonging. The book stands out for its fearless takedown of complacency in criticism and its call for intellectual engagement in real-world emergencies—from authoritarianism to the crisis of truth.
Me, But Better: The Science and Promise of Personality Change by Olga Khazan
Can you fundamentally change your personality in just one year? Olga Khazan’s Me, But Better explores the science behind personality transformation through a year-long experiment with herself as the subject. Using research from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral economics, Khazan shares practical insights for anyone seeking growth. Reviewers praise the book’s honesty and scientific rigor, pushing it into the forefront of conversations on self-improvement and mental health.
Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls
Tessa Hulls’s Feeding Ghosts stands as a visual and emotional tour de force. In this graphic memoir, Hulls explores generational trauma, immigration, and the search for belonging, blending art and storytelling with a raw emotional honesty. The book finds frequent mention in award shortlists and best-of-the-year lists, reinforcing the rise of graphic nonfiction as a powerful vehicle for personal and historical narratives.
Source Code by Bill Gates
Bill Gates returns to nonfiction with Source Code, an insider look at technology’s profound impact on global society. Gates details lessons from his career and reframes the ethics of innovation for a new generation. This book serves both as a memoir and a manifesto for responsible tech development. Gates advocates for sustainable progress amidst the rapidly shifting landscape of artificial intelligence and climate change, sparking debates and policy discussions worldwide.
Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity by Eric Topol
Eric Topol, a leading medical researcher, illuminates the science of aging in Super Agers. Drawing on groundbreaking data, Topol deconstructs myths about longevity and provides an optimistic outlook for healthy living. Readers turn to his book for trustworthy advice and actionable strategies, making longevity science a hot topic for 2025.
The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
Blending memoir and emotional depth, Shari Franke’s The House of My Mother explores heritage, resilience, and the ties that bind families across generations. Praised for its lyrical prose and poignant storytelling, the book remains a favorite among readers seeking meaning in personal history and family relationships.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Though not new, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk remains a perennial bestseller and talking point for readers, therapists, and advocates. The book’s in-depth exploration of trauma and its impact on physical and mental health continues to resonate, driving ongoing conversations about healing and recovery in 2025.
Emerging Titles Changing the Conversation
- Authority by Andrea Long Chu — critiques the crisis in criticism and explores political engagement.
- Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson — discusses new economic paradigms and an abundance mindset.
- Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson — offers gripping insights into political scandals and national identity.
- Climate Justice — raises urgent questions on activism and environmental ethics.
- Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future by Reid Hoffman and Greg Beato — confronts society’s future under AI’s growing influence.
- Sick of It: The Global Fight for Women’s Health by Sophie Harman — a call to action on women’s health crises.
- Bibliophobia: A Memoir by Sarah Chihaya — a memoir blending literary criticism and mental health.
- Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir by Tessa Hulls — visual storytelling that challenges genre limits.
