Best of Book Riot

This Year’s Best BIPOC Historical Fiction

Welcome to The Best of Book Riot, our daily round-up of what’s on offer across our site, newsletters, podcasts, and social channels. Not everything is for everyone, but there is something for everyone.

2025’s Best Historical Fiction, BIPOC Edition

All this is to say that historical fiction has long been one of my favorite genres. It’s also been a way I’ve learned about people of the past, even when my curriculum was lacking. Considering the importance of knowing the past, the fact that reading immersive fiction increases empathy, and how BIPOC people don’t often have as much influence over the narrative surrounding them, I feel like reading more BIPOC historical fiction is something everyone should be doing.

The Best Black Cat/Golden Retriever Romances

Similar to a grumpy/sunshine pairing, black cat/golden retriever best describes the characters’ initial dynamic and outward persona. When black cat/golden retriever romances are written well, characters become more complicated beyond those first impressions. Over the course of the romance, characters discover how their unique dynamic makes them both better. A good black cat/golden retriever pairing gives characters permission to be complicated, to work against their public persona and become more fully realized in the eyes of the person who loves them.

5 Amazing Picture Books Set In India

India is culturally rich and diverse. It comes with a glorious and painful history. The land is large, and the population is larger still. Every heart holds dreams and every corner has a story to tell. A list this small cannot begin to capture the nuance of the lived experience here, but these children’s books tell a tiny part of it. One celebrates its visual wonders, some talk about family, one features the mighty yet soft elephants, and another is born out of partition. Each picture book introduces a child to the various ways we show agency and care, and access joy in a country bubbling with energy of all kinds.

Complete Two Reading Challenges at Once With These Books!

Since I know many Read Harder Challengers also participate in other reading challenges throughout the year, I thought I’d provide some recommendations for books that complete both Book Riot’s 2025 Read Harder Challenge and Reading Glasses 2025 Reading Challenge tasks. Five of the Reading Glasses tasks are activities, like “subscribe to a library newsletter,” and one is to read the oldest book on your TBR—I’ve skipped those since I can’t really recommend titles for them. For each of the other four tasks, I’ve included recommendations for two titles that also complete at least one Read Harder task.

Nonbinary and Bookish T-Shirts, Bookmarks, Art Prints, and More

There is so much to do to fight back, from calling your representative to building queer and trans community. Maybe a small part of that for you is being more loud and proud in your identity. I’ve put together a list of nonbinary and bookish shirts, accessories, illustrations, and more that can give you a little boost in a scary time—because there are more than two genders, no matter what any bigot in power claims.