New year, new literary adventures.
Authors Isaac Fitzgerald and Adriana Trigiani stopped by TODAY on the last day of 2025 to discuss the books they're looking forward to in the coming year.
Their selection includes two various World War II novels, a spontaneous travelogue, and a children's book written by a rising music star.
Keep an eye on these books and start your new year in literary style.
Isaac Fitzgerald's Choice
Best fiction
Isaac says: The Rest of Our Lives is a brilliantly humane and extremely compelling story. Benjamin Markowitz's magnetic prose feels both effortless and precise as we follow Tom Layward, who—after dropping his daughter off at college—just keeps driving. This book will find a home among other great American travel novels. An absolute triumph.”
Best Nonfiction
Isaac says: “On Morrison” is a brilliant critique. Namwali Serpell uses intellectual rigor along with inventive flair to approach Toni Morrison's work in a way that feels both fresh and deeply empowering. This book is a powerful guide to how best to read, understand, and admire one of the great voices of American literature.”
Author's choice
Isaac says, “The Lost Lambs is an incredibly tender yet 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. Thanks to a highly inventive script, The Lost Lambs captures moral uncertainty and emotional awakening with startling precision. This novel marks the emergence of an incredible new talent in Madeline Cash.”
Best Children's Book
Isaac says: Mei-Mei Bunny is a gentle, adorable children's book about a shy but curious bunny who learns to be brave, kind and true to himself. Along with Lauren O'Hara's beautiful illustrations, Laufey's tender story offers a comforting message about growing up, empathy, and finding joy in small moments. A wonderful read-aloud that you can return to again and again with the little kids in your life.”
Adriana Trigiani's choice
Best fiction
Adriana says: “Paula MacLaine returns to Paris in this gripping story that follows Alouette Woland's search for creative freedom in 1664 and Dr. Christoph Larson's dangerous mission during the German occupation in 1939. Paula is one of our great American writers, and The Skylark may be her best film yet.”
Best Nonfiction
Adriana says: “In Father James Martin's upcoming memoir, A Work in Progress, we will truly get to know the beloved priest and his journey to becoming a leader of the Catholic Church. This is a coming of age story perfect for all readers of all faiths: entertaining, readable and full of wisdom.”
Author's choice
Adriana says, “Sadeka Johnson is a master of historical fiction, and Keeper of the Lost Children does not disappoint. This novel is set in post-war Germany, in an orphanage filled with abandoned mixed-race children of German women and black American soldiers. This is an untold story of love, resilience and identity.”
Best Children's Book
Adriana says: “One Whole Hippo is a delightful introduction to early learning for our youngest readers. Acclaimed author Carter Higgins gives us an interactive and colorful book perfect for teachers, librarians and parents to share with their little ones.”
