Full Breakdown
Trends in Book Recommendations and Library Checkouts for 2025
12/9/2025, 3:54:58 AM
Overview of Book Trends
In 2025, the literary landscape has been shaped by diverse genres and notable titles, as highlighted by Daniel Goldin, owner of Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee, and various library reports. Goldin aims to read 100 books annually, with his staff reading even more, allowing them to curate a well-informed selection for their bookstore. He notes a growing interest in genres such as horror and personal growth nonfiction, alongside the popularity of "romantasy," a blend of romance and fantasy.
Notable Book Recommendations
Goldin recently shared his top book recommendations for 2025, which include a mix of fiction and nonfiction. Among the highlighted titles is Lisa Ridzén's "When the Cranes Fly South," which Goldin describes as a poignant collection of letters from an elderly man to his wife in memory care. Another significant recommendation is Marian Thurm’s "I Don’t Know How to Tell You This," featuring a family court judge navigating complex personal dynamics with dark humor.
In the realm of historical fiction, Erika Robuck's "The Last Assignment: A Novel of Dickey Chapelle" explores the life of the pioneering war photographer, while John Seabrook's "The Spinach King: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty" delves into the dramatic history of his family in the frozen vegetable business. Goldin also recommends Mary Roach's "Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy," which humorously examines body part technology.
Library Checkout Trends
Library data from Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library indicates a strong preference for mystery, suspense, and romance genres among readers in 2025. Notably, Mel Robbins' "The Let Them Theory" emerged as a standout nonfiction title, achieving over 1,100 checkouts. The library's print checkouts skewed towards mystery and suspense, while digital formats favored romance titles.
In Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Public Library reported its most checked-out books for November 2025, with Kristin Hannah's "The Women" topping the list. Other popular titles included "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt and "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman. The library's data reflects a similar trend, with a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles capturing readers' interests.
Criticism & Opposition
While the trends indicate a thriving interest in various genres, some critics argue that the focus on popular genres may overshadow lesser-known authors and niche topics. Library staff have noted that while national trends highlight certain titles, many local favorites often go unrecognized.
Official Statements & Responses
Goldin emphasized the importance of reading widely to understand what resonates with readers. He stated, “Honestly, I didn’t recommend any books that got terrible reviews,” underscoring his commitment to quality recommendations. Library officials echoed this sentiment, noting the diversity of interests among readers and the importance of catering to various preferences.
What's Next
As 2025 progresses, both bookstores and libraries will continue to adapt to changing reader preferences, with upcoming releases and community discussions likely influencing future trends. Goldin's recommendations and library checkouts will serve as indicators of the evolving literary landscape.
