Keeping track of everything you read has never been easier, and for millions of readers, Goodreads has become the go-to place to do exactly that. With an enormous, highly active user base logging books every single day, Goodreads offers something most reading lists can’t: real data that shows what people are actually reading. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the most read books on Goodreads in 2025.
Over the past week, we’ve sifted through countless book lists from major publications. From The New York Times to PEOPLE, nearly everyone has weighed in with their picks for the year’s standout reads. While those lists offer expert opinions and curated recommendations, Goodreads tells a different story—one shaped entirely by readers themselves.
Unlike hand-selected “best of” lists, Goodreads rankings are driven by sheer volume. With tens of millions of users tracking their reading habits, rating books, and updating shelves, the platform provides a fascinating snapshot of what captured readers’ attention throughout the year. The result is a list that often looks very different from traditional literary rankings.
You’ll notice clear patterns here. Bestselling authors show up more than once. Beloved series dominate the rankings. And yes, certain genres rise to the top—reflecting a readership that skews younger and is largely made up of women. But these books didn’t land here by accident. They’re the novels readers couldn’t put down, the ones passed around on social media, and the titles you’ve likely seen stacked front and center in bookstores.
Whether you’re looking to spot trends, discover wildly popular reads, or simply see how your own reading list compares, this roundup offers a revealing look at the books that defined 2025 for millions of readers. Scroll on to see the full list of the most read books on Goodreads this year.
Most Read Books on Goodreads in 2025
- Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros
- Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2) by Rebecca Yarros
- The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
- The Wedding People by Alison Espach
- Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
- The Crash by Freida McFadden
- Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy, #1) by Callie Hart
- Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
- Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Nobody should be surprised at seeing Onyx Storm at the top spot at this point. It is most likely also the best selling book of the year. And Rebecca Yarros charted three books in the top, showcasing her star power. She has become a household name because of the Empyrean series.
Violet is a 20-year-girl who is forced to enter the Rider Quadrant even though she was supposed to become a scribe. Her mother forced her to join and now she must survive against all odds in the war college and become a dragon rider as other contestants try to kill her.
Coming in second place was Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games prequel. I loved the original series and I am happy that even over a decade later, the series is still going strong. That goes to show you that The Hunger Games was a well-written series and not just part of the hype.
As the fiftieth annual Hunger Games approaches, Panem is taken over by fear. They have to send twice as many tributes to honor the Quarter Quell. Haymitch Abernathy from District 12 wants the day to end and go back to his old life. But his name is called and he’s forced to participate in the hunger games.
When the games start, he soon realizes that he has been set up to fail. But he has something to live for won’t be going down without a fight. A fight that will have consequences far and wide.
Bestselling author Freida McFadden also had three books that made the list. She released a ton of books in 2025 alone so this should surprise nobody. It is impressive to see her churning out books and competing with herself on the bestselling charts.
You have most likely seen most of these books in bookstores or on various lists. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid has a beautiful cover that makes it perfect for displays. And it is a great novel from what I have been hearing.
Conclusion
That is all for this list of the most read books of Goodreads in 2025. I think Goodreads does a great job of capturing what is popular and trendy at the moment. Unfortunately for me, this list doesn’t speak to me. Still, it speaks to and for millions of readers. I am just glad that these groups of people are reading and not just doom scrolling.
How many of these books have you read or plan to read? And do you want to see more lists from Goodreads? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, happy reading!
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