Drumroll, please…
Every year, we love peeking at the data to see what our community has been reading, listening to, and loving. And in 2025, NCW Libraries readers showed up with excellent taste. From powerful historical fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction and page-turning audiobooks, these titles flew off the shelves.
Here are the most popular checkouts of 2025—did you read one of them?
Adult Fiction (Print): Stories That Stayed With Us
✨ The Women by Kristin Hannah
No surprise here—Kristin Hannah once again captured hearts. This emotional, immersive novel about women serving during the Vietnam War sparked conversations, book club picks, and lots of happy (and teary) readers.
🏔️ Battle Mountain by C.J. Box
Mystery lovers couldn’t get enough of this gripping Joe Pickett novel. Packed with suspense and high-stakes drama, it was a must-read for fans of modern westerns and thrillers.
📚 James by Percival Everett
A bold, inventive reimagining of a classic story, James challenged readers and earned its place as one of the most talked-about literary novels of the year.
Adult Nonfiction (Print): Big Ideas, Real Life
🌱 The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
This beautiful, reflective book resonated deeply with NCW readers. Blending nature, community, and reciprocity, it offered a thoughtful pause in a busy world.
🧠 The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Clear, empowering, and endlessly shareable, this book struck a chord with readers looking for perspective, boundaries, and peace of mind.
📱 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
One of the most discussed nonfiction titles of the year, this book sparked meaningful conversations about childhood, technology, and mental health.
Adult Audiobooks: Perfect for Commutes, Walks, and Chores
🔍 Unfinished Business by J.A. Jance
A gripping mystery that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish, Unfinished Business delivers suspense, sharp pacing, and compelling characters.
💥 Collateral Damage by J.A. Jance
NCW listeners clearly love a good mystery—J.A. Jance dominated our audiobook charts with two fast-paced, suspenseful favorites.
✅ Atomic Habits by James Clear
Still going strong! This practical, motivating audiobook continues to help listeners build better habits—one small change at a time.
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