Penguin Random House Unveils Trending Books

Penguin Random House is spotlighting what’s capturing readers’ attention, from critically acclaimed fiction to riveting nonfiction and breakout gems across all genres. Their curated lists always reveal which titles are making waves. Here’s a look at what’s trending and why they’re catching on.

One of the standout books is The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong. Released in 2025, Vuong’s novel has earned praise for its emotionally rich prose and its exploration of elder care, chosen family, and what one does to survive the stories inside one’s own heart. It’s become one of the must-reads this year, featured in several of Penguin Random House’s editors’ picks and year-so-far best-of lists.

Alongside that literary heavyweight, Penguin Random House’s “Trending Books This Week” chart includes Play Nice by Rachel Harrison, which offers a sharp, atmospheric twist on family dynamics and horror. That title is pushing boundaries in the psychological suspense world and holding readers' attention.

In the nonfiction space, the bestseller lists are showing strong momentum for works like "Listening to the Law" by Amy Coney Barrett and "The Unexpected Journey" by Emma Heming Willis. These works are resonating with readers interested in memoir, justice, and life reflections, suggesting a broader appetite for introspection and real-world voices.

Penguins Top Books features are handy for seeing what’s trending at the moment. It utilizes data from a variety of sources, including online platforms, reader engagement, and sales, to identify books that are generating lively chatter. Authors and titles that rise in this list tend to benefit from that momentum, gaining more visibility, reader discussion, and increased book recommendations.

What seems to unite many of these trending books is emotional depth, strong character work, and timely themes. Fictional stories that grapple with identity, loss, and belonging seem to be resonating deeply with contemporary readers. Nonfiction works that offer personal perspective, societal analysis, or vivid memoir elements are also performing well. The diversity in form and subject suggests that readers are hungry for varied experiences, ranging from comfort reads to challenging reads, and everything in between.

Another trend is books tied to book clubs, social media buzz (especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram), and discussions about book culture. When a novel or memoir is featured in a PRH list or gets a “Pick of the Week” spotlight, its reach amplifies significantly. Marketing efforts, author platforms, and publisher highlights still matter. But increasingly, reader reviews, online engagement, and peer-to-peer recommendations are shaping what becomes “trending.”

For readers wondering where to start, PRH’s “Must-Read Books of 2025 (So Far)” is an excellent guide. It mixes literary fiction, such as The Emperor of Gladness, with nonfiction, memoirs, and occasionally genre fiction, offering a diverse selection to suit different tastes. Meanwhile, their best-seller lists, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and romance, provide a snapshot of what’s being read frequently right now.

If you’re someone who likes to stay ahead of what’s next, PRH’s “Anticipated Books” guides are helpful too. They preview what’s coming up, allowing readers to mark upcoming releases, preorder them, or keep an eye on their favorite authors. These curated lists help build momentum before books officially arrive in stores.

Penguin Random House is offering readers multiple windows into what’s trending, from daily picks to year-so-far favorites, from fiction that moves you to nonfiction that opens your mind. Whether you’re looking for something new, something inspiring, or something that everyone’s talking about, these selections are a strong map of what’s resonating in the literary world right now.