End-of-year book lists are still going strong, and today we’re diving into one of the most interesting ones yet: PBS’s Best Books of 2025. This list stands out from the crowd, and not just because of the titles chosen. Keep reading to see which well-known voices helped PBS decide on the best books of the year.

Most “best of” lists are carefully curated by editors and staff—and while those are great, PBS decided to change things up. Instead of relying solely on an internal team, they brought in two highly respected and influential names from the literary world to shape their picks.

The first is Maureen Corrigan, a longtime book critic and familiar voice on NPR’s Fresh Air. Joining her is bestselling author Ann Patchett, known for her thoughtful storytelling and deep love of literature. Together, they share their personal picks for the best books of the year—and more importantly, explain why each book earned a spot.

That extra insight is what makes this list so compelling. Instead of skimming through another roundup of titles, readers get context, passion, and genuine recommendations from people who truly know books. It’s the kind of list that sparks curiosity and instantly adds titles to your TBR. You can check out the full list of PBS’s best books of 2025 below!

PBS’s Best Books of 2025

There are some great novels on this list and I can’t wait t get around to reading them. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny made it onto Barack Obama’s list of the best books of the year. That alone is enough reason for me to check it out.

The novel is about two lovers who are uncertain what the future holds in store the. They are escaping their past as well as navigating all the challenges thrown at them. Their bond is complicated and their lives are woven together by many strings as they try overcome it all.

Another novel I am eager to read is The Antidote by Karen Russell. It was longlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Award and has made many end of year lists. I am hoping I get around to reading it soon.

The best historical fiction books of 2025
The Antidote by Karen Russell

The Antidote tells the stories of many residents of the fictional town of Uz, Nebraska. The town is failing for many reasons; the Great Depression, the dust bowl, and its own violent history. Russell writes about a variety of characters as we follow their life. What one generation passes onto the next and what is lost over time.

the third book on this list that I am determined to read in the near future is Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. It was longlisted for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize and it has been everywhere. I have already purchased it and can’t wait to read it and see if the hype is real.

Two families in Bonhomie, Ohio are connected because of one moment in history. And the secret that refuses to be buried. A secret affair ties two families together and change the way they see each other and what the future holds for them.

Conclusion

If you have been in a reading slump, then this is a great way to get back into reading. Nothing helps then a book that is impossible to put down. And this is a great list to find a book that will do just that.

And with that, we come an end to PBS’s best books of 2025 list. I am curious if PBS will release a list curated by their staff or if this is their end of year list. If it is, then it is a good one. Having two well known people sharing their favorite books of 2025 was a great move.

What books were you excited to see make PBS’s end of year list? How many of these books have you read or plan to read? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, happy reading!

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