Unveiling the Future: Must-Read Fiction Set for Early 2025!

This year is set to introduce us to some remarkable new literature. Here are several pieces of fiction we are excited to explore in early 2025.

MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:

It’s time to discuss literature. Yay. There is a plethora of fresh books hitting the shelves in the upcoming months, and joining us to spotlight some fictional selections is Andrew Limbong, the host of NPR’s Book of the Day podcast. Hi.

ANDREW LIMBONG, BYLINE: Hey, Mary Louise. Yay, absolutely. Let’s dive in (laughter).

KELLY: Yay, indeed. Alright, let’s kick things off with the major one, the one we know will generate much buzz. A new “Hunger Games” book is set to be released. Tell me more.

LIMBONG: Precisely. Yes, this book is scheduled for release in March. There isn’t a great deal of information available about it, to be frank. In true Suzanne Collins style, she’s keeping her cards close to her chest. And, you know, I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, but here are some details we do have. It’s another prequel, occurring 24 years prior to the commencement of the first “Hunger Games” novel. Additionally, we know that Collins drew inspiration from the Scottish philosopher David Hume. Upon the book’s announcement, she mentioned being motivated by his concepts of implicit submission – reflecting on how many are ruled by the few. I suppose we will uncover more once it is published.

KELLY: Fascinating. “Hunger Games” intertwined with 18th-century Scottish philosophy. Got it.

LIMBONG: Indeed (laughter).

KELLY: What about something you’ve actually read and cherished, and that we should all anticipate?

LIMBONG: Alright, I believe there are two books that are somewhat interconnected which I want to highlight. The first is titled “Dream State,” authored by Eric Puchner. It begins with a man preparing for marriage, with his college best friend officiating; however, the twist is that the best friend ends up marrying the fiancée.

KELLY: Ouch.

LIMBONG: The narrative explores a sort of three-way relationship over the decades. It’s a fascinating reflection on marriage, male friendships, and the various “what-ifs” in life. You know, it’s those moments of contemplation like, “What if I had married this other person or accepted that different position?” This book is set to be released in February.

The other title I want to mention is “Tilt” by Emma Pattee. It’s an exhilarating and fast-paced thriller about a woman who is pregnant at the beginning of the story. While shopping for a crib at IKEA, an earthquake strikes. The book chronicles her journey through Portland, as she must decide whom to assist and whom to abandon while attempting to navigate this chaotic disaster area.

KELLY: Both of those sounds intriguing, but I need to circle back—I’m curious about how you mentioned they are connected. How do they relate?

LIMBONG: Yes. What’s compelling is how both tackle the theme of climate change. I wouldn’t necessarily label them as “cli-fi” – right? – because they’re not directly about climate change, but climate undeniably influences the characters’ lives. In “Tilt,” the author has a background as a climate journalist, which grounds the narrative in research surrounding not just the calamity but also the disaster response.

Meanwhile, in “Dream State,” much of the story unfolds in Montana, and the quiet domestic tensions unfold while characters constantly monitor the air quality index, going indoors due to smoke making it difficult to breathe. It’s quite overt. I wouldn’t classify it as subtext, but it’s not merely a side issue either, you know? Thus, it’s clear these stories were penned before California’s wildfires, yet it illustrates that the writers are genuinely trying to confront and respond to the ongoing climate crisis.

KELLY: What about international literature? Any captivating books anticipated from abroad?

LIMBONG: Indeed. In 2021, Abdulrazak Gurnah received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Now based in England, he grew up in Zanzibar, where he often writes about colonialism and refugees. This March, he will release his first work since winning the Nobel Prize, titled “Theft.” It tells the tale of two young individuals who take in an impoverished boy to care for. The title suggests that some misplaced trust unfolds, leading to chaos. This story is set in Tanzania during a period when tourism is flourishing, technology is advancing, and the culture is rapidly evolving.

KELLY: NPR’s Andrew Limbong providing us some fiction recommendations to carry us through the winter. Thank you, Andrew.

LIMBONG: Thank you, Mary Louise.

(SOUNDBITE OF JEAN DU VOYAGE’S “KHANTI”)

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