Books are a big part of our lives. Every year, millions of people buy books. In 2025, many new stories and ideas became popular. Some books broke records. New authors and old favorites appeared on bestseller lists. In this article, learn which books topped international bestseller charts in 2025 and why people loved them.
Why Books Become Bestsellers
A bestseller is a book that many people buy and read. But why do these books become so popular? There are many reasons:
- Strong stories or helpful ideas.
- Book recommendations on social media.
- Popular topics like fantasy, romance, or real-life stories.
- Help from famous authors’ names.
Sometimes, a book gets famous because it connects with people’s feelings or current events. At other times, a celebrity or a book club makes a book popular. In 2025, social media like BookTok (on TikTok) helped some books reach a much larger audience quickly.
Top International Bestselling Books in 2025
2025 saw several books becoming international hits. Here are some of the most popular titles:
| Rank | Title | Author | Genre | Publisher | Copies Sold* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Let Them Theory | Mel Robbins | Self-help | Hay House | 1,761,538 |
| 2 | Sunrise on the Reaping | Suzanne Collins | Young Adult/Dystopia | Scholastic Press | 1,688,809 |
| 3 | Onyx Storm (Deluxe Ed.) | Rebecca Yarros | Fantasy/Romantasy | Red Tower | 1,580,962 |
| 4 | Big Jim Begins (Dog Man #13) | Dav Pilkey | Children’s/Graphic Novel | Graphix | 500,868 |
| 5 | The Housemaid | Freida McFadden | Thriller | Grand Central | 490,046 |
| 6 | Atomic Habits | James Clear | Productivity | Avery | 439,849 |
| 7 | Oh, the Places You’ll Go! | Dr. Seuss | Children’s | Random House | 436,000 |
| 8 | Fourth Wing | Rebecca Yarros | Fantasy | Red Tower | 433,116 |
| 9 | The Crash | Freida McFadden | Thriller | Poisoned Pen | 417,570 |
| 10 | The Nightingale | Kristin Hannah | Historical Fiction | St. Martin’s Press | – |
*Copies sold are rough estimates for 2025 where available.
Book Highlights
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
This non-fiction book teaches readers to not worry about what others think. It motivates people to be true to themselves. The book became very popular, with more than 1.7 million copies sold in 2025. People liked its simple advice and practical tips. Mel Robbins is known for inspiring readers around the world.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins returned with another book in The Hunger Games series. This young adult dystopian story continued the legacy of the earlier series. Fans loved meeting the old characters again. The book became a global sensation because of its famous author and strong fan base. It sold more than 1.6 million copies.
Onyx Storm (Deluxe Edition) by Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros became very popular with her fantasy ‘Empyrean’ series. Onyx Storm is the latest part and came out in many editions. The deluxe edition alone sold over 1.5 million copies. Fantasy fans like the book because of its romantic tension and exciting storyline. Yarros’s books, including “Fourth Wing,” created a strong following in 2025.
The Housemaid & The Crash by Freida McFadden
Freida McFadden writes psychological thrillers. “The Housemaid” and “The Crash” both appeared in top ten bestseller lists. Readers enjoyed the suspense, twists, and quick pace. Her books are famous among thriller fans in 2025.
Big Jim Begins (Dog Man #13) by Dav Pilkey
This graphic novel for kids made the list because young readers love the Dog Man series. Funny stories and comic illustrations drew children and parents alike. The book’s sales prove that graphic novels are as popular as ever.
Global Trends in Reading (2025)
Rise of Romantasy
Romantasy is a mix of romance and fantasy. Authors like Rebecca Yarros and Ali Hazelwood made this genre famous in 2025. Readers love magical worlds with stories about love, magic, and adventure. BookTok and online communities often recommend these books.
Children’s & Young Adult Books
Kids’ books are always among the top sellers. Series like Dog Man and classics like “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss remain popular. Teen and young adult novels also perform very well each year because schools and clubs recommend them.
Non-Fiction and Self-Help
Self-help books are helping many adults in 2025. Titles like “Atomic Habits” continue to sell because people want to improve their lives. Self-help and motivational books stay in high demand, especially after global changes in the past few years.
Thrillers and Mysteries
Fast-paced stories with crime, suspense, and surprising endings keep attracting readers. Freida McFadden and Nita Prose are household names for thriller lovers in 2025. These books are often part of online discussions and reading group picks.
International Influence and Older Favorites
Older bestsellers still top lists every year. Books like “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah keep selling thousands of copies around the world. These classics get new readers thanks to social media, book clubs, and school reading programs.
Bestseller Lists and Awards
Major bestseller lists like The New York Times Best Sellers, Amazon’s Top 100, and local lists help track what books are popular globally. These lists mix fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and e-books together. Awards and book club picks, such as Oprah’s Book Club, also boost book sales in 2025.
How Social Media Shaped Book Sales
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have changed how books become famous. “BookTok” trends make certain titles go viral. Video reviews, reading challenges, and community events can turn a book into an overnight success.
For example, books like “Onyx Storm” or “The Let Them Theory” gained sales after being featured in online videos. Many young readers discover new books through posts and hashtags. Publishers now pay close attention to trends on these platforms to guide which books they promote.
Most Popular Genres in 2025
Fiction:
- Fantasy (Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas)
- Romance (Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry)
- Historical fiction (Kristin Hannah)
- Thriller/mystery (Freida McFadden, Nita Prose)
Non-fiction:
- Self-help (Mel Robbins)
- Productivity (James Clear)
- Memoir (various authors)
- Investigative and social commentary
Children:
What Makes a Book a Global Bestseller?
Many factors decide if a book will be a bestseller:
- Strong and simple writing.
- Fascinating world-building or advice.
- Good reviews and ratings.
- Book club and award recommendations.
- Active promotion on social media.
Some authors, like Suzanne Collins and James Clear, have big followings already. This makes it easier for their new books to succeed worldwide. Other times, a fresh idea makes a new author’s book catch fire with the public.
Upcoming Bestsellers and Anticipated Releases
The latter half of 2025 also promises many new releases. Nonfiction picks such as “Strong Ground” by Brené Brown and “1929” by Andrew Ross Sorkin are highly anticipated. In fiction, many new series entries and debut novels are expected to shake the charts.
Conclusion
International bestselling books in 2025 show people’s changing tastes. Readers love a mix of new stories, old favorites, practical advice, and entertaining journeys. Book sales get a boost from social media, book clubs, and online challenges. If searching for a new book, bestseller lists are a great place to start. These books can teach, inspire, or simply make readers happy. Happy reading for 2025 and beyond!
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