As chairs of the Adult Book List committee, we are excited to share with you how the committee was formed, how the books were reviewed, and how the list you can now find in the December Books & Beyond newsletter was created. Several librarians from across the whole system met together in person in the beginning of August, and then virtually several times afterward, to create what you now see as the Adult Book List for 2025. We only selected books published within the past year, so that we would be providing fresh content for our community. Other factors to our selection process was to make sure books we selected were “off the beaten path” and not on the New York Times Bestseller list for a prolonged period of time, nor found on our Staff Picks area. This meant that the OCLS librarians really had to dive into the collection.
We gathered titles into a document and each book was rated based on tone, how it suited the genre, and general impressions overall. Most books you see on the list have had at least two librarians read the book to ensure “the best of the best” were selected. To produce this list, over 70 titles were read, rated, and then selected from. Since many of the librarians prefer to read different genres, the committee was able to curate a list that is diverse in genres and reading styles, from non-fiction to fantasy to graphic novels.
Some of the books that are on the list are highlighted here – check out the full list below find your next great read!
Godzilla’s Monsterpiece Theatre by Tom Scioli – Tom Scioli, creator of some of the most unique graphic novels currently being written, brings readers his best work yet, this time in the form of the unlikeliest of genre mashups. It’s 1922, and Jay Gatsby is living in lavish decadence. Until, that is, Godzilla shows up and ruins his party and his mansion! Gatsby vows revenge, and along the way readers will encounter a mix of other beloved literary characters and real-life historical figures such as the likes of Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, and Thomas Edison! Fans of Alan Moore’s League of Extraordinary Gentlemen should rejoice! There is a new master on the scene in Tom Scioli. (Graphic Novel)
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton – Political Advisor Chloe Dalton did not intend to rescue and raise a newborn hare, but that is exactly what happened when she was self-sequestered in a remote English cabin during Covid lockdown. Rescuing the hare from a pack of dogs was only the beginning. Over the course of lockdown, Chloe’s bond with the hare grows, and eventually she finds herself attached to an animal that she previously had not thought possible. Compassionate and warm, Raising Hare is the perfect reminder that kindness, even in the seemingly darkest of times, is something worth holding onto. (Non-Fiction)
Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley – If you’re a fan of music, romances, or both, then Deep Cuts is for you. Framed around the course of modern music history from the year 2000 onward, the novel involves the love story of Joe and Percy, two artistic minded Berkley residents who fall in and out of love throughout the tapestry of modern music. Deep Cuts is a nostalgic meetcute with a surprising amount of emotional heft. Every chord is perfectly hit. (Fiction)
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry – This romantasy is set in the world where monsters roam free and a blight is set to haunt the realm. Odessa must find a way in a political marriage to get information to help her childhood kingdom and her father. She struggles in her marriage with a man that treats her politely but distantly, not sharing any secrets. And the king’s second in command, the Guardian, is a constant distraction to her goals… This book was selected for the January 2026 Romantasy Book Club held at the Orlando Public Library. Check out this book and share what you’ve read with others! (Romantasy)
Best Books of 2025 – Adult
