Five Must-Read Fiction Books Of 2025 To Pack For Your Christmas Vacation

As the holidays get closer and travel bags begin to fill with scarves, chargers and last-minute gifts, there’s one thing every Christmas vacation needs: a really good book. Whether you're curling up by a cabin fire, lounging under warmer skies, or escaping family chaos for a few quiet moments, the right novel can become part of the season’s magic. This year brought an especially strong crop of fiction - beautifully written stories about real people, real relationships, and real emotions. If you’re choosing what to slip into your carry-on or keep on your nightstand during the holidays, here are five of the most praised English-language novels of 2025.

One of the most talked-about books this year is Flesh by David Szalay, winner of the 2025 Booker Prize. It’s a quiet, powerful novel following István, a Hungarian man whose life unfolds in sharply drawn moments that explore class, loss and the complicated ways identity forms over time. Szalay’s writing is spare but gripping, making this a perfect choice if you want something thoughtful and immersive without heavy plot demands. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

If you prefer a novel built around relationships and emotional depth, The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy is a standout. The story spans twenty years in the lives of five Black women whose friendships carry them through adulthood’s storms and transformations. Flournoy’s character work is rich and vivid, and the book captures the beauty and messiness of long-term connection. It's ideal for vacation reading because you quickly feel like part of the group - an escape that’s both warm and deeply human.

For readers who enjoy sweeping stories that stretch across cultures and continents, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai offers a richly layered experience. Following two intertwined lives from India to America, Desai explores migration, belonging and the tug-of-war between personal desire and cultural expectations. It’s ambitious, emotional and full of lush detail, making it a beautiful companion for a long travel day or a quiet morning away from the holiday bustle.

If slow-burn psychological drama is more your style, Audition by Katie Kitamura delivers an atmospheric, unsettling look at identity and performance. It’s a novel that builds tension quietly, using careful prose and emotional undercurrents rather than big dramatic twists. Kitamura’s writing invites you to read closely and reflect, making it a great book to savor in peaceful holiday downtime.

Rounding out the list is Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, a bestselling romance-infused contemporary novel that’s equal parts heartwarming and emotionally honest. Henry’s characters feel instantly real, their struggles and hopes relatable in a way that makes the book hard to put down. It’s a perfect pick if you want something cozy, uplifting and full of charm - a wonderful mood-booster for snowy mornings or airport waits.

Together, these five books represent some of the best fiction 2025 had to offer - stories driven by real people, real emotions and exceptional writing. Slip one (or more) into your Christmas travel bag, and you’ll have the perfect companion for wherever your holidays take you.