Resonating with readers: NCW Libraries lists top titles in 2025

WENATCHEE – Before the best-sellers of 2026 start arriving on their shelves, NCW Libraries has compiled a list of readers’ favorites in 2025.

The regional library system serving North Central Washington, including Grant County, recently posted its most popular checkouts in adult categories for biography, fiction, news, and nonfiction.

“Every year, we love peeking at the data to see what our community has been reading, listening to, and loving,” the website stated. “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.”

By category, here’s what resonated with regional readers:

ADULT FICTION (PRINT): STORIES THAT STAYED WITH US

—   “The Women,” by Kristin Hannah: an “emotional, immersive novel” about women serving during the Vietnam War.

—   “Battle Mountain,” by C.J. Box: a “must-read” for fans of modern westerns and thrillers.

—   “James,” by Percival Everett: described 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: resonated deeply with NCW readers, offering “a thoughtful pause in a busy world.”

—   “The Let Them Theory,” by Mel Robbins: for readers seeking “perspective, boundaries, and peace of mind.”

—   “The Anxious Generation,” by Jonathan Haidt: sparked meaningful conversations about childhood, technology, and mental health.

ADULT AUDIOBOOKS: PERFECT FOR COMMUTES, WALKS, AND CHORES 

—   “Unfinished Business,” by J.A. Jance: delivers suspense, sharp pacing, and compelling characters.

—   “Collateral Damage,” by J.A. Jance: the author dominated the audiobook charts with two fast-paced, suspenseful favorites.

—   “Atomic Habits,” by James Clear: practical and motivating to build better habits, one small change at a time.