The Best New Book Releases Out Today, February 25, 2025
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.
The Best New Book Releases Out February 25, 2025
As for the books below, there’s a look at what the American dream means for immigrants, an inverted Yellowface, the truth of DEI in the workplace, and even a girl haunted by a witch in a remote British village.
An Open Letter to John Lithgow: Please Walk Away From Harry Potter
Throughout your career, you’ve demonstrated your love and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. The kids’ books you’ve written and children’s music you’ve created also show so much love and respect for children. Right now, trans people—and trans young people, especially—are facing an attack on their rights and well-being. And JK Rowling is one of the loudest voices leading the charge against them.
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The Horror Books Nominated for This Year’s Bram Stoker Awards
The Bram Stoker Awards recognizes “superior achievement” in horror and dark fiction. They’ve been awarded every year since 1987, and they’re chosen by the Horror Writers Association. The winners will be announced June 14th at StokerCon. Here are some of this year’s nominees.
New Iowa Bill Would Revoke Funding for Library Affiliation with the American Library Association
Iowa House Representative Helena Hayes, whose bill to criminalize librarians has moved rapidly through the legislature and which spawned a copycat bill in the Senate, has brought another anti-library bill to the House this week. House File 284 would cut off certain state funds to libraries if they are dues-paying members to the American Library Association (ALA) or the Iowa Library Association.
The Best Book Club Books to Read This Season, According to the Indie Next List
Take, for instance, the Winter 2025 book club list I referenced in the title. I’ve heard of most of the books within its five categories—some of them have even been bestselling and award-winning—but I somehow slipped past Bruna Dantas Lobato’s Blue Light Hours. And, Byran Washington’s Family Meal came out in late 2023, which is a departure from the focus on ultra-new releases many mainstream book clubs and bestselling lists have. There are even more pleasant surprises and fresh picks in this indie bookseller chosen list.
This Book About Dreams is a Cozy Fiction Dream Come True
The Dallergut Dream Department Store has a similar feel to some of the other books I mentioned, but it’s also uniquely its own. Certainly, it’s written in short, vignette-like chapters that each feature their own cast of characters. But it’s also a lot heavier on the fantasy elements.
Best in Snow: 5 Stellar SFF Books Set in Winter Climates
Books can be enjoyed inside, so that’s where I stay. But I don’t mind reading books set in snowy places, which is why I made you this list of stellar sci-fi and fantasy books set in winter climates. Whether it’s trudging through winter landscapes in tunics, or freezing your phaser off on icy planets, winter weather can be fun in books! So, my little tauntauns, grab your shovels and get ready for these chilly reads! Let it snow (there), let it snow (there), let it snow (there).
In Love With a Monster: Romance & Horror Resources for Librarians
Valentine’s Day may be over, but you can still experience those lovey-dovey feelings year-round. Or maybe you’re like me, who would rather celebrate Valentine’s Day by watching Gone Girl or a double creature feature. (Both are actual things I have done on Valentine’s Day with my husband.)
Are Ohio Public Libraries on the Chopping Block?
Over the last week, several posts on social media have stated that legislators in Ohio are considering cutting funds to public libraries. While these posts have ample evidence as to why such cuts would be devastating for Ohioans–including documents that highlight the communities whose libraries are operating on budgets comprised of more than 50% PLF–none have pointed to a specific proposal or act that shows these potential cuts to be on the docket.
