ISSAQUAH, WA — King County Library System today unveiled its 2025 Best Books list, showcasing more than 140 standout titles recommended by staff from across its 50 community libraries. This year's selections span six categories — adult fiction and nonfiction, plus kids, teen, audiobook and Spanish language titles — offering something for readers of all ages and interests.
KCLS’ annual homage to books has become a patron favorite in the more than 20 years since its inception. In addition to library staff picks, KCLS also reveals its patrons’ most-read titles of the year. For the second year in a row, Washington author Kristin Hannah’s tour de force, “The Women” was the most checked-out title across KCLS. “The Women” surpassed 16,000 checkouts for print, eBooks, and audiobooks, highlighting KCLS’ broad reader engagement across formats.
Library patrons can access the full lists by visiting the Best Books website and can add books for pick up at a KCLS location or borrow electronically through the Libby app. And for a limited time, patrons can pick up an exclusive Best Books bookmark at their local library.
“One of the joys of working in libraries is helping patrons discover their next great read, and our Best Books list is a celebration of that,” said Executive Director Heidi Daniel. “It’s one of the ways we connect readers with powerful, moving, and unforgettable stories — handpicked by the people who know books best.”
Solve a mystery, come of age amongst the gods, and travel to the underworld with some of KCLS’ top adult fiction picks:
- “The Ghostwriter” by Julie Clark
“This book had some lovely twists. A really unreliable bunch of characters. And the ending ... I gasped so loudly my husband asked if I was alright! Very clever!” — Carla, Algona-Pacific Library
- “Wild Reverence” by Rebecca Ross
“I was left equal parts bereft and joyful as I turned the last page on this world of gods and mortals. A book I’ll continue thinking about and will revisit again and again.” — Ashley, Carnation Library
- “Katabasis” by R.F. Kuang
“This book piqued my interest immediately. The two main characters, Alice and Peter, are flawed but compelling as they travel through a lively and weird underworld, each confronting their own choices and limitations. It’s clever, cutting, and propulsive all the way to the end.” — Katy, Woodmont Library
Orient yourself around gratitude, immerse yourself in the evolution of fashion, and dive into history with some of KCLS’ top adult nonfiction picks:
- “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“Short, sweet, and deeply thoughtful. Kimmerer [also the author of “Braiding Sweetgrass”] knocks it out of the park once more.” — Jenna, Covington Library
- "How to Dress Vintage” by Gabi Jones
“If you are curious or need a reference source for vintage clothing and style, this is your book. I was just going to skim the book but found myself reading the entire thing!” — Romy, Des Moines Library
- “An African History of Africa” by Zeinab Badawi
“This book is vital history-telling. It includes oral traditions and scholarly research from an era of experts through thoughtful collaboration and detailed storytelling. Badawi tackles a huge task in chronicling the history and legacy of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet.” — Dallas, Kingsgate Library
Explore a world of magical gifts, venture into stunningly illustrated graphic novels, and save a kingdom with some of KCLS’ top teen picks:
- “His Face is the Sun” by Michelle Jabès Corpora
“As a lifelong fantasy fan, I was engaged throughout this book and invested in the characters! Sita, Neff, Rae, and Karim all had distinct voices and motivations, and I really enjoyed how the plot slowly weaved together their separate stories.” — Cejay, Enumclaw Library
- “Somandina” by Akwaeke Emezi
“Somandina is an exciting adventure story with fascinating mysteries and a powerful point of view. The family relationships are nuanced and complex, and Emezi’s desperately needed perspective on forgiveness and punishment resonates throughout the book. Emezi has the most exciting and interesting take on magical gifts I’ve ever read.” — Gabriel, Shoreline Library
- “Evil-ish” by Kennedy Tarrell
“The main character is nonbinary and the story is hilarious. It really is about what it means to be evil and restoring faith in your community.” — JJ, Kingsgate Library
KCLS’ Top Five most checked out adult fiction books:
- “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
- “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros
- “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach
- “Here One Moment” by Liane Moriarty
- “James: A Novel” by Percival Everett
For the full lists and more library staff recommendations, visit KCLS.org/bestbooks.