PEOPLE's Best Books of January 2025: New Fiction from Rebecca Kauffman, Adam Ross and More
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01/12/2025 08:00 AM
Kick off the new year with a new read you won't be able to put down
A heartfelt family portrait, a poignant coming-of-age story and a thriller starring an AI assistant — plus hot new celebrity memoirs — here are PEOPLE's best books of January 2025, so far.
'The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom' by Shari Franke
Gallery Books
'The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom' by Shari FrankeIn August 2023, YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke was arrested for aggravated child abuse, and was later sentenced, along with therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, to four consecutive prison terms of one to 15 years. In her brave new memoir, Ruby's daughter Shari Franke opens up about the abuse she and her siblings experienced, and her own path toward survival.
"Part of me feels guilty if I don't forgive," Franke told PEOPLE of her mother for a recent print story. "But I've come to realize that forgiveness for me just means that I don't let her actions consume my thoughts."
Related: Shari Franke Speaks Out on Surviving Utah YouTube Mom's Abuse: 'I Don't Want It to Consume My Life'
'I'll Come to You' by Rebecca Kauffman
Kauffman's intimate, wise and funny novel follows the intertwining lives of an extended family through the course of 1995, bookended by the impending birth of a grandchild and the tumultuous discovery of a patriarch's dementia. It's impossible not to fall in love with the characters, including an adult son yearning for his parents to undo their divorce and a school bus driver finding a startling romance. A true gem about life's changing seasons. — Caroline Leavitt
'Playworld' by Adam Ross
In this hilarious, profound novel, lonely teenager Griffin Hurt, disconnected from the dysfunctional adults around him in 1980s New York City, explores the many identities in his life, from child actor to champion wrestler to secret lover of his parents' 36-year-old friend. — Caroline Leavitt
'Leave No Trace' by Jo Callaghan
A U.K. detective must find a killer who's crucifying young men. Her partner? An AI entity she can summon via a button on her watch. As captivating as the suspense is the provocative exploration of working with a helpful (yet annoying) colleague who's not quite human. — Robin Micheli
'The Stolen Queen' by Fiona Davis
Travel from the glam 1978 Met Gala to a dusty archaeological dig in 1930s Egypt in this masterful historical mystery centering on a cursed ancient artifact.
Related: A Nora Ephron Film Come to Life: Authors Fiona Davis and Greg Wands' Bookstore Meet-Cute (Exclusive)
'A Sea of Unspoken Things' by Adrienne Young
Twins James and Johnny were inseparable until Johnny's tragic death. When James goes to settle his affairs, she uncovers ominous secrets.
'Immortal' by Sue Lynn Tan
In this stunning new romantasy, a mortal ruler forges an alliance with the ruthless God of War to protect her people. As sparks ignite between them, she must make a difficult choice.
Related: Romantasy 101: Here's Where to Start Reading the Hottest Genre of 2024 (Exclusive)
'People Pleaser' by Jinger Duggar
Amazon
'People Pleaser' by Jinger Duggar VuoloIn her latest book, the former Counting On star and author candidly details her struggles with people pleasing, stemming from a belief she wasn't enough that started in childhood. "I was more of the child who just wanted to get along with everyone," she tells PEOPLE exclusively for a story in this week's print issue.
