The Best Bios & Memoirs of 2025 So Far

From the author of the best-selling memoir Beautiful Boy comes this definitive biography reclaiming Yoko Ono from the margins of Beatles mythology and placing her squarely at the center of her own remarkable story. Sheff, who interviewed Ono and Lennon months before Lennon's murder in 1980, draws from decades of connection with his subject to construct this long-overdue portrait.

Conceived as a posthumous work and published during his lifetime, Hope now stands as a final testament to one of the most consequential papacies in modern history. In candid, often urgent prose, Pope Francis reflects on his family’s immigrant journey to Argentina, his rise through the Church, and the moral responsibilities of leadership—addressing war, climate crisis, migration, gender, and faith in a fractured world.

Award-winning journalist Dan Bischoff offers the first comprehensive look at James Gandolfini’s life and career, from his early days as a stage actor to his transformation into a cultural icon. Publishers Weekly calls it “an intimate, engrossing portrait of a reluctant icon.” Perfect for fans of The Sopranos and anyone fascinated by the golden age of television drama.

Award-winning author Omar El Akkad delivers a searing critique of the West’s failure to uphold its foundational values of freedom and justice. Drawing from decades of reporting on war, climate change, and systemic oppression, El Akkad confronts the painful reality of privilege and exclusion. Through deeply personal reflections, he grapples with what it means to raise hope amidst disillusionment. Raw and urgent, this nonfiction debut challenges readers to demand a better future and reckon with the moral fractures of our time.

This memoir provides a firsthand look at one of the world’s most influential companies, from private jet trips and political dealings to the toxic culture behind closed doors. It details the unchecked power of tech leaders, the impact of social media on global events, and the personal cost of working in a high-stakes corporate environment.

From their earliest days to the height of Beatlemania and beyond, John Lennon and Paul McCartney shaped the sound of a generation. In this groundbreaking book, writer and human behavior expert Ian Leslie uses their songs to explore the evolution of their artistry—before, during, and after The Beatles. Drawing on newly released recordings and footage, Leslie offers a fresh, insightful portrait of two cultural icons and the creative force that changed music forever.

From 1950s Galveston to raising iconic daughters Beyoncé and Solange, the 70-year-old businesswoman charts her extraordinary journey through joy, heartbreak, reinvention—and resilience. Reflecting on the lessons passed between generations, Knowles told People, “I have decided to tell my story, because I know what it means to me and my daughters and future generations of women.”

The acclaimed biographer behind several works, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington: A Life, presents a comprehensive portrait of America’s first literary celebrity. Born Samuel Clemens, Twain’s journey from steamboat pilot to satirical writer and political pundit is explored in depth. "Essential reading for any Twain buff and student of American literature," praised Kirkus in a starred review.

In 1938, as Jewish families in Vienna faced mounting peril, some turned to British newspapers in a desperate bid to find safe havens for their children. Decades later, journalist Julian Borger discovers one such plea that led to his father's rescue. Through meticulous research, Borger traces the lives of seven children saved through these appeals, revealing stories of survival, loss, and the enduring impact of inherited trauma.

Christopher Clarey returns with a deep dive into Rafael Nadal’s storied career. With insight drawn from years of access, he captures the grit, grace, and obsession that forged one of tennis’s most revered champions. "This insightful, wide-ranging book could serve as a model for other sports biographers," praised Kirkus. "An inspired portrait of an unusually dominant athlete."