Turn the page on summer boredom! Auckland Libraries announces its highly-anticipated Top 100 reading list for 2025, a carefully curated selection of the year’s most unmissable titles – and it’s the most diverse list to date.
Every year, Auckland’s librarians bring thousands of titles down to the year’s absolute best: the trending blockbusters, the critic-favourites and the underground hits you might have missed. The Top 100 is the ultimate guide for Aucklanders to venture into new worlds, eras and cultures this summer.
Auckland Libraries Lead Curator and Reading Engagement Specialist, Alison Fitzpatrick, says the list this year is a true reflection of the richness of storytelling today – bold, varied and unforgettable – and she is particularly proud of the emphasis given to local talent.
“This year, the variety truly sings! Of the 100 titles, a fantastic 28 are from New Zealand authors, with 15 hailing right here from Tāmaki Makaurau, brilliantly showcasing the immense writing and story-telling talents in our communities,” she says.
“Revel in stories from young authors, queer authors, and writers of all genders. Enjoy a mix of mainstream best-sellers and emerging talent, explore titles from every corner of the world, many translated into English and even genres that span historical epics to futuristic fantasies.”
One example of the page-turning power behind this selection of titles is the intriguing read in the Life and Times category that is “No, I Don’t Get Danger Money” - an enthralling tale of a young New Zealand journalist, Lisette Reymer, who becomes an accidental war correspondent in Europe and the Middle East.
The Top 100 reading list features ten thrilling titles per category, all published in 2025. The ten categories are:
- Fiction
- Book Clubs Enjoyed
- Beach reads
- Books in translation
- Non-fiction
- Illustrated non-fiction
- Life and times
- Graphic for all ages
- Teens
- Kids
Councillor Julie Fairey, chair of the Community Committee and frequent user of Auckland Libraries' hold system, says she's only managed 6% of the Top 100 list herself.
"There's plenty more to explore! And I’m particularly impressed by how many talented local writers are featured including Laura Vincent, Michael Bennett, Graci Kim, Kiri Lightfoot, Fiona Sussman. Tumeke! (Amazing!)”
Auckland Council’s Head of Library and Learning Services Catherine Leonard says there’s a great read for every Aucklander.
“Summer reading is the perfect time to unwind, relax and immerse yourself in new worlds. The Top 100 ensures a unique experience for every reader. We’ve curated the list, all you have to do is jump right in and enjoy this year’s tremendous variety.”
Don’t leaf through endless possibilities, instead make the most of summer with a carefully curated list of must-read titles. Visit Auckland Council Libraries website to explore the Top 100 and request your favourites online or through your local library.
All Top 100 titles are available from the Auckland Council Libraries collection and most are available in multiple formats. For those who prefer reading on a device, download the Libby app by OverDrive for free at Google Play and the Apple App Store to read anywhere, anytime.
