10 Classic Books that Sum Up 2025

As the year draws to a close, it's customary to reflect back. For a fun twist on this tradition, we've gathered a set of books, from a wide mix of genres, new and old, that sum up a handful of the events that dominated the headlines this year and grabbed people's attention. Here are ten great reads that capture the essence of some of the biggest stories from 2025.

1. I, Robot vis-à-vis the rise of AI

In 2025, the AI industry made big moves and garnered widespread use in the form of ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools across various sectors including music, healthcare, and engineering. This rapid growth fueled excitement, fear, and inspiration leading many to wonder if we are on the cusp of a future like that depicted in Isaac Asimov's collection of stories suggesting a world in which humanity could be rendered obsolete.

2 August Lane vis-à-vis Beyoncé making history at the Grammys

At the 67th Grammy Awards, Beyoncé made history as the first Black artist to win Best Country Album. The megastar's winning album, Cowboy Carter, highlighted the underappreciated contributions of pioneering Black artists to the country music genre. Regina Black's searing new novel hits a lot of similar notes with its small-town romance with a focus on the importance and visibility of Black voices in country music.

3.  Moomin Adventures vis-à-vis the Labubu Frenzy

The plush dolls that became the must-have accessory of 2025 were inspired by the storybook characters created by artist Kasing Lung. Born in Hong Kong, Lung moved with his family to the Netherlands at a young age where he was influenced by Celtic fairytales to create his stories about the elfin Labubus. Lung's inspirations likely included Tove Jansson's collection of picture books and comic strips about a tribe of hippo-like trolls.

4. Conclave vis-à-vis the first American pope

The page-turning thriller by Robert Harris shines a light on the highly secretive and insular tradition of selecting a new pope. Adapted into an Oscar-winning 2024 film starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow, the gripping tableau may have been slightly more dramatic than the gathering of the College of Cardinals last spring, which resulted in the first American Pope. Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, Illinois.

5. The God and the Gumiho vis-à-vis KPop Demon Hunters

From KPop superstars to Oscar-winning films to binge-worthy TV, the Korean Wave is going strong. This trend continues with the wildly popular new movie, an ode to K-culture backed by an endlessly catchy soundtrack. The animated urban fantasy draws from elements of Korean mythology with the story of a K-pop girl group leading double lives as demon hunters. This pairs well with Sophie Kim's enchanting fantasy romance.

6. The Devil Wears Prada vis-à-vis Anna Wintour's semi-retirement

On June 26, Anna Wintour officially announced that she would be stepping down as editor-in-chief of Vogue, marking the end of an era that spanned nearly 40 years. The publishing mogul has long been an iconic tastemaker in the world of haute couture. In 2003, Lauren Weisberger published a novel that just might have been based on her experience working as Wintour's personal assistant, which was adapted into a hit film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

7. A Room with a View vis-à-vis Taylor and Travis

A classic love story with a happy ending? Songstress extraordinaire Taylor Swift and Superbowl-winning NFL player Travis Kelce announced their engagement on August 26. E. M. Forster's 1908 novel tells the story of Lucy Honeychurch, a sheltered young British woman who finds unexpected love with a free-spirited man after he kisses her on an Italian hillside. Like Taylor, Lucy is introspective and artistic. Like Travis, George is a man unafraid to follow his heart.  

8. In the Shadow of Man vis-à-vis Jane Goodall's passing

World-renowned primatologist, conservationist, and humanitarian Jane Goodall's account of her life among the wild chimpanzees in Tanzania is one of the most enthralling stories of animal behavior ever written. We couldn't think of a better read to honor Dr. Goodall who died Oct. 1 at age 91. Born in London in 1934, Goodall spent more than six decades in the field researching the social and family life of chimpanzees and the key traits they share with humans.

9. Stealing Mona Lisa vis-à-vis Louvre heist

Carson Morton's sophisticated, engaging caper is based on the actual 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. On October 19, thieves disguised as construction workers broke into the storied museum and stole eight pieces of the French Crown Jewels. The latest Louvre robbery took less than eight minutes and occurred during regular opening hours. The location of the jewels is still unknown. Can we look forward to novels about this bold heist?

10. Matrix vis-à-vis Wicked: For Good

The finale of this blockbuster came out in November and has been wowing audiences with high-flying performances and operatic crescendos from stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Adapted from a broadway musical based on a 1995 novel, which borrows elements from 1939's The Wizard of Oz, itself an adaptation of L. Frank Baum's 1900 fantasy, this new iteration is a portrait of female power, reminding us of Lauren Groff's award-winning 2021 novel.

As always, we love hearing from you. So let us know if you have any thoughts on our 2025 retrospective here in the comments.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon