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Independent Bookstore Day 2025 saw participation from over 1,600 independent bookstores across all 50 states, featuring a diverse range of store types including large, small, mobile, and pop-up shops. Among the titles that stood out in sales on this day were Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (Knopf), Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Avid Reader), Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (Hyperion Avenue), Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer (Scribner), and Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson (Avid Reader).
However, five particular titles were highlighted frequently by booksellers in their responses to PW. During this year’s event, customers flocked to acquire fresh releases, including the current Reese’s Book Club selection and the latest installment in the Hunger Games series. Additionally, many shoppers gravitated towards significant backlist works, including a notable volume on authoritarianism published eight years prior and a classic dystopian narrative addressing environmental issues.
Below are the top five sellers of the day, ranked by their popularity according to booksellers.
Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily Henry. Berkley, $29 (432p) ISBN 978-0-593-44129-9
This novel transforms a conventional rom-com into a profound reflection on a fulfilling life. It follows Alice Scott, a thirty-something entertainment journalist, who hopes to secure a groundbreaking biography on the mysterious Margaret Ives, a supposed descendant of media royalty. As Alice investigates alongside rival journalist Hayden Anderson, she uncovers inconsistencies in Margaret’s accounts that lead her to insights about love and loss. This narrative interweaves vivid flashbacks to Margaret’s glamorous past with the present intrigue, all while maintaining Henry’s signature humor and a hint of mystery, making it a remarkable read. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary. (Apr.)
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)
Suzanne Collins. Scholastic Press, $27.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-5461-7146-1
Set four decades post-The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Collins’ latest installment depicts 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy during the impactful 50th Hunger Games. Initially seen as a resentful mentor in previous stories, young Haymitch is portrayed as a caring teenager striving to support his family. His life takes a turn when chosen for the Quarter Quell, where he hears his mother’s caution about remaining true to oneself. Collins employs striking prose to illustrate the various stakes involved in this harrowing competition, alongside poignant references to Edgar Allan Poe that deepen the emotional gravity of the tale. This addition promises to engage both longstanding fans and new readers alike. Ages 12–up. (Mar.)
Correction: The text of this review has been updated for clarity.
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century
Timothy Snyder and Nora Krug. Ten Speed, $24 (128p) ISBN 978-1-984860-39-2
This graphic edition, adapted by award-winning artist Krug, presents Snyder’s influential work on governance through a historical lens. Reflecting on European events surrounding the world wars and the emergence of Russian oligarchs, the book offers critical insights on the societal responses to globalization. While some suggestions may appear overly simplistic, Snyder’s warnings about the dangers of complacency are urgent, especially in light of contemporary issues like COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement. Krug’s haunting collages serve to enhance Snyder’s message, creating a visually arresting book that balances hope with caution. (Oct.)
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection
John Green. Crash Course, $28 (208p) ISBN 978-0-525-55657-2
In this exploration of tuberculosis, Green combines personal narrative with broader historical context, drawing from his encounter with a young patient in Sierra Leone. His narrative examines how tuberculosis transcends social classes, while modern access inequities persist as root causes of the illness. Through engaging anecdotes and philosophical musings, Green reflects on his motivations for advocating against tuberculosis, linking it to personal experiences and broader societal concerns. This work serves as a compelling invitation for readers to reflect on public health issues. (Mar.)
Parable of the Sower
Octavia E. Butler, Author Four Walls Eight Windows $19.95 (299p) ISBN 978-0-941423-99-1
Butler’s powerful narrative presents a future struggling with climate change, societal fragmentation, and escalating violence. Set in a dystopian Los Angeles, the story follows Lauren Olamina, a young woman grappling with a unique condition that makes her acutely aware of others’ pain. As her community falls prey to chaos, she embarks on a quest for safety, armed with her budding philosophy, Earthseed. Butler’s tender yet firm prose distinguishes Lauren’s journey, allowing her to shine as a beacon of hope amid despair. This latest offering from Butler reaffirms her poignant storytelling in confronting harsh realities while dreaming of a better future. (Dec.)
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