eNewspaper | Crosswords | Horoscopes

Books

Thu Dec 4 2025

Clare Mulroy | Books Reporter

Happy Thursday, booklovers!

It's officially the holiday season . What better to give a reader than a new book? Whether you're a gifter or a hopeful giftee, it's time to keep an eye on which new releases you want to snatch next. As I put the final touches on USA TODAY's Best Books of the Year list (check back next week for the Top 15), I wanted to highlight some books I recommend adding to your wishlist this year:

Stock your shelves this Thanksgiving weekend with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for booklovers.

Olena Zagoruyko, Getty Images

🍂If you want a propulsive dystopian: "A Guardian and a Thief" by Megha Majumdar had me on the edge of my seat for most of this short read. It's climate fiction with a beating heart – it shows the lengths we go to protect who we love.

🫂If you want to feel warm and fuzzy: "My Friends" is quintessential Fredrik Backman in that it deals with tough topics but leaves you feeling a little better about humanity. This is a book I'd feel confident gifting many friends and family members.

🔮If you want something speculative and sweeping: "Cursed Daughters" by Oyinkan Braithwaite is a family drama with a fantasy edge. It follows a young woman living in the shadows of a generational curse. The writing is compelling and the story engrossing – the perfect book for anyone who loves a family saga.

🔮If you want something that'll make you laugh: "Stop Me If You've Heard This One" by Kristen Arnett is hilarious and irreverent, following a slapstick love affair between a clown and a magician. Come for Arnett's dry humor, stay for writing that feels atmospheric and characters always teetering on the brink.

💭If you want to learn something: "Everything is Tuberculosis" by John Green makes for a great nonfiction deep dive or road trip audiobook (I can tell you from personal experience). You'll come away with unique insight into the historical and cultural implications of the disease.

Want to win $100 to spend on books? Our fall book challenge is open through the end of the year – enter your bingo card here for a chance to win. Tell me what you're reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com or by reaching out on Instagram. Thanks for checking out USA TODAY Books this week!