Top Gaming Reads of 2025

These days, when you’re looking to dive into some media, the options are endless: podcasts, videos, games, live performances, or the classic book, a timeless way to learn something new or escape from the chaos of the world, even if just for a moment. We asked a group of gaming enthusiasts what books they’ve read over the past year that really resonated with them—whether enlightening, educational, or just plain enjoyable. Here’s what they had to say.

Brandt Ranj, commerce writer
Making mistakes is part of life, but fixating on them can quickly turn toxic. In *SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups*, Ed Helms explores a variety of blunders from the last 70 years. From rivers catching fire due to pollution to the US government conducting bizarre human experiments with psychedelics, the book is filled with wild tales. While many events are tragic, Helms adds humor by highlighting the absurdity of the situations. It’s a light read that might just make you feel better about that time you accidentally set off the smoke alarm while microwaving popcorn.

Victoria Song, senior reviewer
This year, I found myself on a memoir kick, and *Things in Nature Merely Grow* truly blew me away. Yiyun Li shares her experience with grief after losing both of her teenage sons to suicide. This is not an easy read; the writing is raw, beautiful, and often heartbreaking. As someone who lost both parents young, I found comfort in Li’s reflections on “the abyss” and “radical acceptance.” Her candidness about loss may feel harsh to some, but it resonated deeply with me. I recommend it to anyone grappling with isolation after loss.

Dominic Preston, news editor
I finally picked up *The Dispossessed* by Ursula K. Le Guin this year, despite being told it’s an odd starting point. Borrowed from a friend ages ago, I felt guilty for holding onto it so long, but the themes of property rights and societal structures are incredibly relevant. The story contrasts a moon with a functional anarchist society against its capitalist home planet, offering a thought-provoking critique of our world. Don’t expect a fast-paced plot, but if you’re into deep philosophical explorations, this book is a must-read.

Emma Roth, news writer
After watching *3 Body Problem* on Netflix, I was compelled to read the book series to uncover what the adaptation missed. Cixin Liu’s *The Three-Body Problem* follows Ye Wenjie, an astrophysicist caught in a secret military project during China’s Cultural Revolution. Her choices lead to unsettling events that challenge the very laws of physics. In the present, Wang Miao, a nanotechnologist, grapples with strange hallucinations that connect him to a virtual reality game tied to a larger conspiracy.

Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor
I was hooked after the first story in *Letters from an Imaginary Country* by Theodora Goss. The opening tale, “The Mad Scientist’s Daughter,” features a group of 19th-century female “monsters” from classic horror literature. These women, who defy societal norms due to their abilities or appearances, support each other while navigating the strictures of Victorian society. The collection focuses on those who feel different and how they cope with their identities. I’m excited to continue reading.

Alexia LaFata, senior SEO manager
As a published author, I seek novels that blend gripping plots, well-developed characters, and insightful social commentary. *What Kind of Paradise* by Janelle Brown delivers on all fronts. Set in the ’90s, it follows Jane, a teenage girl living off the grid with her father, who fears technology. As Jane grows curious about the outside world and her father’s past, she becomes unwittingly involved in his crimes, leading her to the Bay Area to uncover the truth. This novel brilliantly examines technology’s impact and family influence on identity, making it a captivating read.

Elizabeth Lopatto, senior reporter
Many consider *Moby-Dick* to be Melville’s masterpiece, but I argue that his true gem is *The Confidence-Man*. Set on a riverboat filled with con artists, it explores the darker aspects of American society through a series of scams and caricatures of famous literary figures. The book is a mix of bizarre, bitter, and hopeful moments, and its characters feel strikingly relevant today. While it may not be as polished as *Moby-Dick*, it offers a raw look at the truth.

Elissa Welle, AI reporting fellow
It’s rare for a book about a company’s successful founding to be a page-turner, but *Empire of AI* by Karen Hao breaks that mold. This riveting account of OpenAI’s rise tracks the quirks of its visionary leaders and the evolution of its mission. Hao also covers the drama surrounding Sam Altman’s temporary ousting. The book takes readers beyond Silicon Valley, exploring AI’s impact in Africa and South America. While some may find her views on AI a bit heavy-handed, her expertise provides valuable insights into this rapidly evolving industry.

Kate Cox, senior producer, Decoder
Going into *The Everlasting* by Alix E. Harrow with little knowledge is probably the best approach. This love story about a lady knight is also a brilliant deconstruction of Arthurian legend and nationalism. It’s a bittersweet puzzle that resolves itself satisfyingly, and I wish I could experience it for the first time again.

Terrence O’Brien, weekend editor
Agustina Bazterrica’s *Tender is the Flesh* is unflinchingly bleak, and her latest, *The Unworthy*, isn’t much brighter. Set in a post-apocalyptic convent, it explores a cult that rewards its members with physical mutilation. While *Flesh* revels in gore, *The Unworthy* offers moments of beauty and hope. This epistolary novel manages impressive world-building in just 177 pages, making it a quick read. Fans of *The Handmaid’s Tale* or *I Who Have Never Known Men* won’t want to miss this compelling piece of Argentinian feminist horror.

Josh Dzieza, investigations editor
Chris Hayes’ *The Sirens’ Call* explores the concept of attention in our information-saturated world. One key insight is from computer scientist Herbert Simon, who noted that as information increases, attention becomes the most valuable resource. Hayes illustrates how it’s easier to grab attention than to maintain it, leading to a media landscape that’s captivating yet fractured. This book offers a thought-provoking look at the implications of our current discourse and culture.