Read more in 2025 with these Vintage picks

Whether you're an avid reader aiming to hit new milestones, or a casual reader striving to make a more consistent habit, there are countless benefits to immersing yourself in books – and, according to a study carried out by the University of Liverpool and Quick Reads, you could feel these benefits by dedicating just 30 minutes a week to the practice.

Imagine increasing your empathy, expanding your general knowledge, improving your mental health, and feeling a deeper sense of connection to others through the vibrant reading community, all simply by setting aside half an hour each week. This year, make it a priority to book some time for yourself with these exceptional Vintage picks.

Improve your mental health

Implementing a new habit can be hard in the beginning, so the first books we recommend picking up in 2025 are from Sunday Times-bestselling author Oliver Burkeman.

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

While you may feel like you need to turn a completely new leaf right away  – discarding the person you were in 2024 on 31 December – Oliver Burkeman shows us in Four Thousand Weeks that sometimes the healthier move is to embrace our limits rather than deny them.

Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

And perfectly paired with this groundbreaking book is its recently released companion, Meditations for Mortals, a retreat of the mind exploring practical tools and shifts in perspective, which can either be read over the course of four weeks as a guided journey towards a meaningful life, or devoured in one or two sittings – the ideal start to the new year.

Increase your general knowledge

If your goals in 2025 revolve around learning more about the world around you, there are endless picks to choose from, but these three books cover the breadth of the most pressing and relevant topics to today’s society.

Expand your perspective

Books have the remarkable power to provide a window into different perspectives and experiences. Through the stories they tell, they allow us to connect with lives and viewpoints far removed from our own. Transform the way you see the world in 2025, starting with Richard Flanagan’s Baillie Gifford Prize-winning Question 7.

Connect through these pages

Research done by The Reading Agency shows that 1 in 4 readers find that reading helps them feel more connected. Whether you’re looking for your first book club pick of 2025 or just want to be part of the conversations bound to be happening around these buzzy titles, these picks will spark discussions and be the perfect companions in your year of reading ahead.