NPR Books We Love

Every year, we ask NPR staff and book critics to share their favorite titles in our annual Books We Love guide. Here are 8 fiction picks that were standout stars.

A woman with a terminal diagnosis asks her husband to leave the house in Ann Packer's new novel. Some Bright Nowhere is an absorbing book about end-of-life care and what the living owe the dying.

Nobel winners Olga Tokarczuk and Peter Handke bring us a reissue and a new book respectively this week. Also, a story from a fictional African country and a commentary on beauty.

Author Christine Kuehn's late grandfather, grandmother and aunt were spies for the Japanese in the run-up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In her debut novel, Marisa Kashino tells the story of a woman who goes to extreme lengths to secure her dream home, and becomes a nightmare to everyone around her.

Earlier this month, Audible released the first in its series of Harry Potter audiobooks, a full-cast recording. What's the listening experience like compared to traditional audiobooks?

As we head into gift-giving season, Here & Now's go-to book expert, Traci Thomas of "The Stacks" podcast, has book gift suggestions.

What's your favorite book of 2025?

"Rooted in Fire" brims with recipes celebrating both her Potawatami and Mexican heritages.

Pediatrician Whitney Casares' new "My One-Of-A-Kind Body" shows kids ways to reframe the way they view their own bodies and suggestions on what to say if they hear friends denigrating theirs.