Books are one of the best windows into what people are feeling and thinking, and what they are talking about at any point in time. From the ridiculously escapist fantasy to the emotionally heavy memoirs, the bestseller list gives us an indication of what is culturally happening in society. As of July 2025, the bestseller lists reveal a compelling combination of thrillers, romances, and literary fiction.

Here’s what the top 10 best selling books in the U.S. are right now, according to the latest lists from the New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Amazon, and Apple Books.

1. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Historical Fiction

Taking place during the pivotal 1980s space race, while also exploring the perspectives of women who have historically been at the forefront of NASA, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest headline-making novel.

Known for her nostalgic, emotionally rich storytelling (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six), Reid returns with another powerful narrative that blends history, ambition, and personal relationships. It’s topping Apple Books and NYT’s hardcover fiction chart.

2. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

Genre: Gothic Fantasy

With this new, deeply atmospheric novel, V.E. Schwab is back to her compelling, spectral storytelling, exploring themes of death, memory, and faded family secrets.

The novel spans generations and features elements of gothic horror and fantasy, which have attracted praise from critics and readers alike, and it is performing well at Amazon and Publishers Weekly.

3. Never Flinch by Stephen King

Genre: Thriller

Stephen King returns with another exciting thriller. Never Flinch sees fan favorite Holly Gibney tracking a series of disappearances in rural Maine, and with a unique mix of frights, chills, and character work, it has quickly become a bestseller.

4. The First Gentleman by Bill Clinton & James Patterson

Genre: Political Thriller

This engaging, political thriller imagines the first female president and the chaos that ensues after her husband is kidnapped. With insider knowledge and all the suspense we’ve come to expect from these authors, Clinton and Patterson have another blockbuster on their hands that is already found a comfortable space on the hardcover fiction charts.

5. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Onyx Storm, the third book in the EMPYREAN series, is the delightful follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. With dragon-riding battles, an enemies-to-lovers romance, and betrayals with very high stakes, it is a well-deserved hit with YA and fantasy audiences.

6. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Genre: Romance.

Emily Henry never disappoints. Her latest romantic fiction novel is a heartfelt tale of healing, friendship, and second chances set in a seaside location that is definitely a feel-good read accompanied by deep emotional richness and strong characterizations, a perfect summer read and book club selection.

7. My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Fredrik Backman, the celebrated author of A Man Called Ove, returns with another story that is equally adorable and sad. My Friends takes on aging, community and the small moments that comprise our lives, and resonates deeply with readers seeking a thoughtful narrative with a comforting tone.

8. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

Genre: Literary Fiction

Ocean Vuong’s new novel is a lyrical and emotionally fraught exploration of grief, identity, and love. Written in his signature lyrical style, it appeals to literary fiction lovers, and readers are talking about it in both hardcover and e-book formats.

9. Edge of Honor by Brad Thor

Genre: Political Thriller

What Makes It Hot: An action thriller, complete with secret missions, betrayal and the fight to preserve dignity for one’s nation. Brad Thor delivers the thrilling, heart-pounding storytelling that his fans love. Currently, it’s ranked number one for paid download on Apple Books.

10. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Genre: Eco-Fiction / Literary Fiction

From the author of Migrations, this novel reflects on the delicate balance of humanity and nature. With a setting in a remote coastal town and environmental themes throughout, Wild Dark Shore is as relevant now as it will be forever. It’s also climbing the charts of Amazon and literary book lists.

What Do These Books Indicate About Readers in 2025?

There are some trends:

• Escapism Still Rules: The genres of fantasy (Onyx Storm) and thrillers (Never Flinch, Edge of Honor) and romantic fiction (Great Big Beautiful Life) take center stage. At a time of uncertainty, readers gravitate towards books that whisk them away from present realities.
• Emotionally Complex Reading is Successful: The titles Atmosphere, The Emperor of Gladness, My Friends all indicate that emotionally complex reads resonates with readers other than the want to escape, readers are also looking for narratives of complexity that they can feel and think through.
• Political & Social Undertones Matter: Both The First Gentleman and Wild Dark Shore expose our cultural obsession and consciousness with politics, bureaucracy, power, and social dignity; things that will never go away or be forgotten.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of swoon-worthy romance, thrillers that make your heart race, or literary fiction that leaves you breathless, there is something for every reader in this list. These bestselling titles reflect the most widely discussed stories of the moment—and many of them have already been optioned for a film or TV. If you are looking for your next favorite read, you could start with any of these ten books.

And if you are an aspiring writer, taking note of these books can lead you to discover what sorts of genres, themes, and storytelling are attracting readers right now.

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