‘Tis the season to look back and reflect on what we did throughout the year, and whether you have reached your book goals this year or are still working on it, Toronto Public Library (TPL) is revealing what Torontonians read most in 2025.
In total, the top ten books have been borrowed 195,000 times, and include a range of romance, thriller, comedy, and self-help.
Whether you are looking for a good read or searching for the perfect gift idea for a bookworm, here are the books most-borrowed by Torontonians this year.
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Onyx Storm
American author Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series is keeping its spot at the top of the most borrowed books list for the second year in a row, showing that Torontonians are into the romantasy genre.
This year’s top borrowed book was the third in the series, Onyx Storm, which follows dragon rider Violet Sorrengail, who now needs to deal with the war with the magically-corrupted Venin, while trying to uncover secrets about her own powers and heritage.
The Let Them Theory
Torontonians also seem to be looking for a way to let go of stress and deal with daily challenges, as thousands have borrowed one of the most popular self-help books of the year, The Let Them Theory.
In this book, author Mel Robbins explores a new mindset rooted in letting go of trying to take control of people and situations, and accepting them as they are. The method is meant to help people feel empowered, make better choices, reduce stress, and improve their relationships.
The Women
This book almost topped TPL’s most borrowed list last year, and seems to have remained a favourite for Torontonians in 2025. Historical fiction The Women follows Frances McGrath, a nurse serving in the Vietnam War, as she faces trauma from the war and tries to come home, while navigating deep friendships and romance.
The Wedding People
Author Alison Espach blends dark themes and humour in this unexpectedly hilarious story that seems to have captivated library-goers this year.
In The Wedding People, recently divorced Phoebe Stone is about to commit suicide, but her plans are interrupted when she is mistaken for a guest at a luxury hotel’s wedding, and the festivities make her rethink her choices.
The God of the Woods
Torontonians also seemed to be into some mystery this year, with Liz Moore’s atmospheric thriller The God of the Woods taking over No. 5 on the list this year.
In this multi-perspective suspense, two children mysteriously disappear from a wealthy family summer camp, creating a conflict between local rich landowners and working-class families in the neighbourhood.
Great Big Beautiful Life
Author Emily Henry took the sixth spot on TPL’s most borrowed list last year, and is keeping her position this year with another charming story: Great Big Beautiful Life.
In this book, aspiring writer Alice Scott travels to Georgia island for a chance to write heiress Margaret Ives’ biography, but finds herself competing with Pulitzer-winning journalist Hayden Anderson for the byline.
Funny Story
Henry really seemed to have captivated Canadians, taking yet another spot in this year’s list, with her Funny Story being featured on the list for the second year in a row.
In this romantic comedy, Daphne and Miles unite forces after their exes become engaged to each other in a hilarious journey that explores friendship, heartbreak and contemporary romance.
Atomic Habits
Also making a comeback to the list is self-help bestseller Atomic Habits, showing that Torontonians are on the lookout for a better lifestyle.
In this book, author James Clear discusses how small, daily changes can create great results, guiding readers on an effective game plan for building good habits and breaking bad ones.
Intermezzo
Emotional novel Intermezzo was published last September, and already captured the hearts of Torontonians this year, making the ninth spot on the list.
Author Sally Rooney follows the grieving journey of two Irish brothers after their father’s death, exploring their relationships with romance, loss, and navigating a new phase of their lives.
The Anxious Generation
Closing off the list is non-fiction Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt with a timely and important reflection about younger generations.
In this book, the author explores the effects of excessive access to technology among adolescents, who had their play-based childhood replaced by a phone-based one, from lack of social interaction to sleep loss to addiction.
