Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s highly anticipated fourth novel, Dream Count, has secured a spot on Esquire’s “Best Books of 2025 (So Far)” list. This recognition comes over a decade after her critically acclaimed and commercially successful novel, Americanah, solidifying Adichie’s position as a literary powerhouse.
Esquire’s editors lauded Dream Count for its insightful portrayal of four African women navigating life in America, highlighting Adichie’s signature sharp observations on cultural nuances, racial dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships.
The novel, which follows the intertwined journeys of a travel writer, a lawyer, a student and a maid, is praised for its “outsider viewpoint” that offers a fresh and compelling perspective on contemporary American society. With its blend of humour and heart, Dream Count is already being hailed as a must-read of the year, promising to captivate both long-time fans and new readers alike.
Esquire’s annual mid-year roundup aims to guide readers through the burgeoning literary landscape, offering a curated selection of compelling narratives and insightful non-fiction. Despite the ever-present distractions of the digital age, the editors emphasise the enduring power of books to engage and enrich our lives. Their initial picks for 2025 showcase a diverse range of genres and voices, promising something for every literary palate.
Alongside Adichie’s book, the list features an eclectic mix of stories and perspectives. Ian Leslie’s John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs delves into the intricate relationship between the iconic songwriting duo through the lens of 43 pivotal tracks. Charlie Porter’s debut novel, Nova Scotia House, offers a neo-modernist stream of consciousness exploring love and loss against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis. Ione Skye’s memoir, Say Everything, provides a candid look into the life of a 1980s and 90s “nepo baby” navigating the complexities of fame and relationships in Hollywood.
Colum McCann’s Twist immerses readers in the world of undersea cable repair, while David Szalay’s Flesh offers a sharp and often humourous exploration of contemporary masculinity. Bill Gates’s memoir, Source Code: My Beginnings, provides a reflective look at the early life of the tech titan. Tony Tulathimutte’s short story collection, Rejection, captures the zeitgeist of internet culture with its sharp wit and poignant observations. Tash Aw’s The South paints a vivid picture of a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a Malaysian farm. Joe Dunthorne’s Children of Radium unravels a fascinating and unsettling family history connected to radioactive toothpaste and poisonous gases.
Lanre Bakare’s non-fiction work, We Were There, shines a light on the often-underreported influence of Black culture in modern Britain, moving beyond the London-centric narrative. Finally, John Patrick McHugh’s debut novel, Fun and Games, offers a humourous and compassionate take on adolescence in the age of social media mishaps.
Esquire’s ‘Best Books of 2025 list celebrates the enduring power of storytelling and the diverse voices shaping our literary landscape. With Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count leading the charge, readers have a wealth of compelling narratives to explore as the year unfolds. The editors promise to continue updating their list, ensuring a steady stream of literary recommendations for those seeking refuge and enlightenment within the pages of a book.
