Whether it’s a haunting memoir, game-changing nonfiction, or gripping thriller, the anticipation of what lies ahead of you as you turn a fresh page is unparalleled.
As 2025 unfolds, we’re in for an exhilarating literary journey. Here are the standout new releases of the year so far.
Kickstart your reading list in 2025 with a debut novel from Belle & Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch. Set in early 1990s Glasgow, the story follows Stephen, a music-loving romantic newly diagnosed with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. As he struggles to navigate his illness, he meets others in similar straits, and together they form a support group that helps them face the world’s indifference.
Slowly, Stephen begins to write songs, awakening to a new possibility for his life. In search of something more, he and his friend Richard leave Glasgow for California, hoping the warmth and freedom of the West Coast will offer a fresh start.
With a poignant blend of melancholic beauty and hopeful optimism, Murdoch’s novel mirrors the emotional depth of his music. It’s a heartfelt exploration of friendship, struggle, and the pursuit of a life that makes sense, perfect for fans of his band and literary newcomers alike.
