NPR Staff Picks: Top Plot-Driven Books of 2025
El-Balad recently highlighted some of the most anticipated plot-driven books for 2025, featuring selections from NPR staff. Andrew Limbong, a prominent NPR host, discussed these exciting titles in an engaging conversation that underscored the publication’s annual “Books We Love” roundup.
NPR’s Annual Books We Love Roundup
“Books We Love” is more than a simple compilation of top reads. This initiative gathers recommendations from various members across NPR, encompassing editors, producers, and business staff. This year, the list includes around 380 books, showcasing a diverse range of genres and themes.
Top Picks for 2025
- Tilt by Emma Pattee
This novel follows a very pregnant woman navigating her way home from IKEA during a catastrophic earthquake in Portland. Besides its thrilling plot, the book cleverly critiques parental pressures and materialism in motherhood.
- The Payback by Kashana Cauley
A heist narrative inspired by “Ocean’s Eleven,” this story features a group of friends planning a caper to eliminate student loan debts. Set in a heightened reality, it presents a gripping tale of rebellion against oppressive debt collectors.
- A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst
This nonfiction title chronicles a young British couple’s ill-fated attempt to sail to New Zealand in the 1970s. Their journey leads to comedic yet harrowing moments as they find themselves adrift in the Pacific Ocean.
- Fetishized by Kaila Yu
This essay collection delves into the complexities of objectification, offering a personal insight from a former model. Through her narrative, Yu explores the implications of catering to societal expectations and the male gaze.
- The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits
A finalist for the Booker Prize, this novel follows a man reflecting on life after his wife’s infidelity. His journey of self-discovery unfolds during a road trip as he grapples with his past and uncertain future.
The selections reveal a wide array of stories ranging from personal tales to societal critiques, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The full “Books We Love” list will be available tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. Eastern time, promising an enriching literary experience for readers in 2025.
