Top 10 Must-Read Non-Fiction Books of 2025

The year 2025 brings a compelling array of non-fiction titles that delve into diverse subjects, from historical biographies to contemporary global issues. Here's a curated list of the top 10 non-fiction books you shouldn't miss this year:

Top 10 Must-Read Non-Fiction Books of 2025

10. Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again

• Authors: Jake Tapper & Alex Thompson

• Publication Date: May 20, 2025

• Publisher: Penguin Press

In Original Sin, CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Axios reporter Alex Thompson delve into the behind-the-scenes decisions leading to President Joe Biden's 2024 re-election bid, despite concerns over his cognitive and physical health. The book is based on over 200 interviews with Democratic insiders, revealing how aides and family members concealed Biden's condition, leading to a campaign of denial and gaslighting. The authors argue that this "original sin" paved the way for Donald Trump's return to power. The book has sparked significant controversy, with some defending its revelations and others criticizing its portrayal of Biden's health.

9. Empire of AI

• Author: Karen Hao

• Publication Date: May 20, 2025

• Publisher: Penguin Press

In this anticipated work, Karen Hao delves into the global implications of artificial intelligence, examining how AI is reshaping economies, societies, and power structures. Through investigative journalism, Hao aims to uncover the forces driving AI development and its potential consequences for humanity.

8. Against the Machine: On the Unmaking of Humanity

• Author: Paul Kingsnorth

• Publication Date: September 23, 2025

• Publisher: Thesis

Paul Kingsnorth presents a philosophical critique of modern technology and its impact on human identity and society. He explores themes of autonomy, environmental degradation, and the erosion of human connection in an increasingly digital world, advocating for a return to more authentic ways of living.

7. Anatomy of a Con Artist: The 14 Red Flags to Spot Scammers, Grifters, and Thieves

• Author: Johnathan Walton

• Publication Date: August 19, 2025

• Publisher: Rodale Books

Drawing from his experiences as a former con artist, Johnathan Walton outlines fourteen behavioral red flags to help individuals identify and protect themselves from scams and fraud. This practical guide offers insights into the psychology of deception and strategies for safeguarding against it.

6. On Character: Choices That Define a Life

• Author: General Stanley McChrystal

• Publication Date: May 13, 2025

• Publisher: Portfolio

In On Character, retired four-star General Stanley McChrystal reflects on the essence of character, drawing from his extensive military career and personal experiences. He explores how choices, both big and small, shape our identities and legacies. The book offers insights into leadership, integrity, and the importance of aligning actions with values. McChrystal emphasizes that character is not defined by titles or achievements but by the decisions we make and the principles we uphold

5. Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers

• Author: Caroline Fraser
• Publication Date: June 10, 2025
• Publisher: Penguin Press

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Caroline Fraser delves into the dark history of serial killings in America. Through meticulous research, Fraser connects environmental factors, such as the toxic legacy of smelting industries, to the emergence of notorious serial killers, offering a chilling perspective on crime and its societal roots.

4. Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives

• Author: Michael Joseph Gross

• Publication Date: March 18, 2025

• Publisher: Penguin Random House

Michael Joseph Gross presents a compelling narrative on the importance of muscle in human health and society. Blending history, science, and personal stories, Gross illustrates how muscle strength influences our physical and mental well-being, challenging societal perceptions of fitness.

3. Baltic: The Future of Europe

• Author: Oliver Moody

• Publication Date: June 17, 2025

• Publisher: John Murray

Oliver Moody examines the geopolitical significance of the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—in shaping Europe's future. Drawing from a century of history, Moody discusses how these nations' resilience and adaptability offer valuable lessons for Europe in an era of instability.

2. Mark Twain

• Author: Ron Chernow

• Publication Date: May 13, 2025

• Publisher: Penguin Press

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Ron Chernow offers an exhaustive 1,200-page biography of Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain. Chernow delves into Twain's multifaceted life—from his early days as a steamboat pilot to his rise as America's first literary celebrity—highlighting his wit, contradictions, and lasting impact on American literature.

1. Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection

• Author: John Green

• Publication Date: March 18, 2025

• Publisher: Crash Course Books

In this deeply personal and investigative work, John Green explores the enduring global challenge of tuberculosis. Through the story of a young patient named Henry, Green intertwines personal narratives with scientific and historical insights, shedding light on why this curable disease continues to claim millions of lives annually.

Disclaimer:
The following list of top 10 must-read non-fiction books of 2025 is based on current publication schedules and available information as of June 2025. Details such as release dates, publishers, and book summaries are subject to change. Always check with official sources for the most up-to-date information before purchasing or reading.