American Indie Booksellers Select Top 25 New Releases Nationwide

As summer approaches, a variety of new books across genres are being spotlighted for readers seeking their next great read. The American Booksellers Association's Indie Next List highlights top new releases recommended by independent booksellers, offering a diverse range of adventurous nonfiction and fiction. Goodreads reported changes in its most-read books for May 2025, with a slight shift away from romantasy toward new releases by authors like Freida McFadden and Emily Henry, while also noting a lack of diversity in popular picks. The Boston Globe compiled a curated list of 75 notable summer books spanning fiction, nonfiction, romance, thrillers, and mysteries, aimed at appealing to a wide array of readers despite the challenges of finding reading time. Additionally, May’s best-reviewed books include Ocean Vuong’s "The Emperor of Gladness," Ron Chernow’s "Mark Twain," and Daniel Kehlmann’s "The Director," among others, praised for their literary merit and thought-provoking narratives. These various lists and reviews collectively offer readers a rich selection of new and acclaimed titles to explore this season.