
Top 7 books of 2025 so far: Viral series to New York Times best-selling authors
And if you're in the market for a newly released read to sink your teeth into, we've got you sorted.
Here at Best Picks, we've rounded up 7 of the best new books so far in 2025, and there's plenty of different genres to choose from.
Think fantasy triologies, personal memoirs or heart-racing thrillers, we've listed the best of the bunch.
1. A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
It's topped the charts for a reason. This personal memoir gives a behind-the-scenes look at leadership, parenting, and politics from the Former Prime Minister of New Zealand. It's surprisingly funny, deeply human and inspiring.
$39 at Amazon Australia.
2. Onyx Storm: The Empyrean Bk 3 by Rebecca Yarros
This romantic fantasy novel is the third book in the viral Empyrean series (think dragons, danger, and romance). A great read for fantasty-newbies, it delves into plenty of adventures, plot twists and spicy scenes.
3. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Set during the 50th annual Hunger Games, it's packed with twists and political drama. With over 60,000 reviews at Amazon Australia, this purple paperback is a hit with teens and adults alike.
$15.97 at Amazon Australia.
4. The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward
A debut novel from the award-winning British author, this beautiful book is set in London and centered around two twin sisters with a past that creeps up on them. Exploring heartbreak and self-discovery, it's the perfect holiday read.
5. Unfinished Business by Shankari Chandran
Love a thriller? This one will tick all your boxes. From the Miles Franklin award-winning author, this fast-paced mystery involves corruption, law and power.
$24.98 at Amazon Australia.
6. Cheesecake by Mark Kurlansky
Determined to save his grandmother's cheesecake recipe, this light-hearted novel is more than just about food. Quirky and charming, it takes you back to New York in the 80s.
7. The House That Joy Built by Holly Ringland
Upflighting and inspiring, this practical guide is all about finding creativity and courage in everyday life. Part memoir, part motivation, this book offers a 'jump-start for anyone whose desire to create is flattened by fear'.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Perth Now
Rome City Councillor claims 'negotiations are underway' to bring Oasis to the Italian capital in 2026
The Rome City Councillor for Major Events, Alessandro Onorato, has fuelled speculation Oasis are set to perform in Italy in 2026. Despite claims the Oasis Live '25 Tour will not go beyond 2025, Onorato has alleged "negotiations are underway" to bring the Britpop legends back to the European country for the first time in 17 years. Speaking on Radio Sei this week, as quoted by La Cronica De Roma, Onorato said: 'In 2026, Oasis could take their tour to Europe. And yes, we've applied to host them in Rome.' He continued: 'Oasis in the capital? These are live shows for companies that organise events all over the world, and the financial aspect is crucial. Negotiations are underway.' As it stands, the Slide Away rockers are due to wrap their first jaunt since 2009 on November 23, 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil. Frontman Liam Gallagher recently insisted he and guitarist Noel Gallagher - who were embroiled in a messy 15-year feud before agreeing to put the past behind them to give Oasis fans the reunion they'd always dreamed of - will "take it one day at a time" with regards to the future. The band's manager, Alec McKinlay, insisted the Oasis Live '25 Tour isn't the beginning of new releases from the band. He told Music Week magazine: "This is very much the last time around, as Noel's made clear in the press. "It's a chance for fans who haven't seen the band to see them, or at least for some of them to. But no, there's no plan for any new music." The news sent shockwaves through fans, with one asking frontman Liam on X: "liam I don't know who the manager of Oasis is, but his attitude of telling us that after this tour there will be nothing more was not very biblical. (sic)" However, it seems the Live Forever singer isn't ruling anything out with his brother. Liam replied: "Neither do I and the only people that will be making any kind of decisions on the future of OASIS will be ME n RKID so let's just take it 1 day at a time. (sic)" The Shockwave singer followed up his response by suggesting he could even do another album with John Squire, after he and The Stone Roses guitarist released a joint self-titled LP last year. He penned: "I might do another album with John who knows I might join the spiritual space invaders I might do nothing that's the groovy thing about the future nobody knows."


Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Perth Now
Josh Homme was bedridden for seven months amid medical issues
Josh Homme spent "seven months in bed" as he battled a health issue last year. The 52-year-old singer's group Queens of the Stone Age cancelled the remainder of their 2024 performances last August because of the frontman's undisclosed medical problems and he's now reflected on the period, but thinks it was "better" he was "unwell" while the band completed their 20-year-long dream of recording at Paris' Catacombs amid their European tour. He recalled to Consequence of Sound: "I was in a very difficult physical spot, and I'm really thankful that I was, actually. "I couldn't think about anything else but where we were. It's better that I was unwell, because I think if I was well, we would've maybe been more 'California' about it and thought 'Man, it's so cool to be here...' And something about that kind of sucks." Less than a day later, Josh returned to the US and was sedated for emergency surgery. He added: "I performed in the Catacombs, and within about 20 hours I was being sedated and put under. "Then I spent the next seven months in bed. I had a lot of time to think, you know? I was told I was gonna spend 18 months, two years there, so I was not excited." Fortunately, by December, Josh was told by doctors he was going to be OK and he was excited to get back to work. He reflected: "I felt like a rodeo bull leaning on the gate. It's like, when you open this f****** gate, I'm gonna run. I'm gonna run." Although the No One Knows hitmaker has not made the details of his illness public for privacy reasons, it wasn't his first medical scare because in 2023, he revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer the year before and had undergone successful surgery to remove it. He told Revolver magazine: "I never say it can't get any worse. I never say that, and I wouldn't advise it. But I do say it can get better. "Cancer is just the cherry on top of an interesting time period, you know? I'm extremely thankful that I'll get through this, and I'll look back at this as something that's f****d up — but will have made me better. I'm cool with that. There's a lot of stuff I want to do. And there's a lot of people I want to do that with."


Perth Now
15 hours ago
- Perth Now
Celebrate International Beer Day at these iconic Perth spots
Friday is International Beer Day and what a great excuse to get your friends together and enjoy a frosty pint and celebrate in true TGIF style. Beer lovers are spoilt for choice in this market, from unique sours to full-flavoured IPAs and even non-alcoholic options — whatever tickles your fancy, there is something for everyone. PerthNow has put together a list of must-visit spots around town that offer a variety of settings from coastal views to stunning rooftops, we've got you covered on where to sip, savour and celebrate this International Beer Day. This independent microbrewery has cemented itself as a favourite amongst East Perth locals, it's got a great, friendly, warehouse vibe, and, of course, the beer offering is on point. They've got a westside hazy pale ale with tropical fruit flavours and a slight lemon twist for those who like their beers more colourful and fuller bodied. Or, a 'justa lager' which, as the name suggests, is a straightforward everyday drinking beer described as a hybrid of a European and Australian styles. The food is also a staying point, provided by a venue-in-a-venue Brown Street Grill that sits inside the walls of the microbrewery where the main event is the wood fired grill. To celebrate International Beer Day, Brightank is offering 20 per cent off all complete four packs of takeaways. Why not head down, indulge in a pint and then continue the party at home? Bright Tank Brewery in East Perth. Credit: Supplied The biggest brewpub in the city, Pirate Life Perth is all about bold, hop-forward brews, a neat selection of their namesake beers and quality flame grilled feeds. The beers on tap are all quality and cater to every beer-loving palate, including Perth-brewed originals as well as some from their Adelaide home base. Pick up a paddle of any four beers of your choice and you've found the ultimate spot to indulge in a selection of delicious brews for an after-work treat. 'Dude-food' takes centre stage in the kitchen with the Signature Tomahawk on offer daily after 3pm, alongside pub classics like calamari, arancini and crispy fried chicken. Pirate Life Perth in the CBD. Credit: Supplied Stepping away from the inner city and heading to the coast to iconic WA venue 'The Cott', where the salty sea air is calling you to come for a pint. On the Verandah Bar, you'll discover your new favourite brew with an extensive selection of 18 beers on tap, and you can indulge while taking in the best view of the Indian Ocean in Perth. Even with a chill in the air, the sun still comes out, so it's a terrific spot to join the beach-going public and Cottesloe locals and enjoy a brew on International Beer Day. The food is also on point with a selection of small plates (think olives, oysters, squid and octopus), pizzas as well as main events like fish and chips, a seafood stew and pan-fried gnocchi. Cottesloe Beach Hotel in Cottesloe. Credit: Supplied Back in the inner city, you can't go past the Oxford Street strip to keep you well hydrated with delicious beer and scrumptious food on International Beer Day. The Leederville Precinct features venues The Garden, Servo Yard Bar and The Leederville Hotel among others and will leave you feeling full, content and a little bit tipsy. The Garden features more than 13 beers on tap and they rotate often, but have some cemented favourites like the Leedy Local Draught and a strong selection of James Squire offerings. The food has a distinct Italian slant with the menu divided into antipasti, pasta and 'secondi' (the main course after entrée and 'primi' the pasta course). It's a similar story at Servo nearby where the selection ranges from the tried and true favourite lagers to something a bit more 'on trend' with offerings like Rocky Ridge 'Rock Candy' fruited sour and a Margaret River Beer Company 'In The Pines' NEIPA. They have an extensive menu to keep those hunger pangs at bay as they're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A trip to the area would not be complete without a stop at The Leederville Hotel for a classic pub-meets-party energy, where more than a dozen cold ones are available on tap. Whether this International Beer Day you want to party hard and sample all the brews or relax in a courtyard in a quieter affair, you'll find both on offer in The Leederville Precinct. The Leederville Precinct in Leederville, which features venues like the Garden. Credit: Supplied For lovers of the more classic WA beer, Swan Draught, you can pick up a pint for less than 10 dollars for a limited time. It's the people's beer and a session drink, so you can settle into a plate of ribs alongside WA's favourite draught and be set for the afternoon. If you're after something a little bit more refined, they have Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, Pirate Life and Voodoo Ranger Hazys on offer too, among others. Ribs Lane in Mount Lawley and Subiaco. Credit: Supplied If you prefer to celebrate International Beer Day on a rooftop, overlooking the city skyline with a frosty in your hand, you'd be best off heading to Terrarium in Perth's CBD. While primarily focused on crafting cocktails for punters, this bar does have a decent offering to celebrate International Beer Day. Grab yourself a schooner or a pint of some beautiful South West brews from Beerfarm, CBCo Brewing and Margaret River Beer Co as well as a solid collection of packaged beers. In the eats department, the offering starts off at nibbles (nuts, olives and 'kikones' - fried Spanish corn kernels) through to small bites (parfait, potatoes, arancini) and more substantial eats (burgers, a steak sandwich and pasta). International Beer Day is a great opportunity to gather some friends, work colleagues or family members (the ones you like) for a frosty brew and some decent food and Perth has it in spades. Terrarium Perth in the CBD. Credit: Supplied