New year, new literary adventures.
Authors Isaac Fitzgerald and Adriana Trigiani stopped by TODAY on the last day of 2025 to talk through the books they're looking forward to in the coming year.
Their picks include two different WWII-set novels, a tale of a spontaneous road trip and a children's book written by a rising star in music.
Keep an eye on these books and set your new year off in literary style.
Isaac Fitzgerald's picks
Best fiction
Isaac says: "'The Rest of Our Lives' is a brilliantly humane and wildly absorbing story. Benjamin Markovits’s magnetic prose feels both effortless and precise, as we follow Tom Layward who — after dropping his daughter off at college — just keeps driving. Here is a book that will find its home amongst the other great American road trip novels. An absolute triumph."
Best nonfiction
Isaac says: "'On Morrison' is a dazzling work of criticism. Namwali Serpell uses intellectual rigor alongside inventive flair to tackle Toni Morrison’s writing in ways that feel both fresh and deeply expanding. This book is an illuminating guide to understanding how best to read, understand, and admire one of American literature’s greatest voices."
Author's choice
Isaac says: "'Lost Lambs' is an incredibly tender — yet also hilarious — debut. Madeline Cash explores adolescence, faith, family, and power through the lens of a tightly controlled religious community, where devotion and vulnerability exist side by side. With wildly inventive writing, Lost Lambs captures moral uncertainty and emotional awakening with remarkable precision. This novel marks the emergence of an incredible new talent in Madeline Cash."
Best kid's book
Isaac says: "'Mei Mei the Bunny' is a gentle, charming children’s book about a shy but curious bunny learning how to be brave, kind, and true to herself. Alongside beautiful illustrations by Lauren O’Hara, Laufey’s tender story offers a comforting message about growth, empathy, and finding joy in small moments. A great read aloud to return to again and again with the young ones in your life."
Adriana Trigiani's picks
Best fiction
Adriana says: "Paula McLain returns to Paris in this page-turning tale that goes between Alouette Voland’s quest for artistic freedom in 1664 and Dr. Kristof Larson’s dangerous mission during German occupation in 1939. Paula is one of our great American novelists, and 'Skylark' might be her best yet."
Best nonfiction
Adriana says: "In Father James Martin’s forthcoming memoir, 'Work in Progress,' we really get to know the beloved priest and his journey to becoming a leader in the Catholic Church. This is a coming-of-age story perfect for all readers of all faiths: relatable, readable, and full of wisdom."
Author's choice
Adriana says: "Sadeqa Johnson is the master of historical fiction and 'Keeper of the Lost Children' does not disappoint. Set in post-WWII Germany, this novel visits an orphanage filled with the abandoned mixed-race children of German women and Black American GI’s. This is an unknown history about love, resilience and identity."
Best kids' book
Adriana says: "'One Whole Hippopotamus' is an adorable introduction to early learning for our smallest readers. Acclaimed author Carter Higgins gives us an interactive and vibrant book perfect for teachers, librarians and parents to share with their little ones."