Cover A year of diverse reading tastes is captured in Tatler Asia’s most read book lists, from picks for Guillermo del Toro fans to accessible editions and audiobooks for every lifestyle (Photo: John Wilson/Netflix)
A year of diverse reading tastes is captured in Tatler Asia’s most read book lists, from picks for Guillermo del Toro fans to accessible editions and audiobooks for every lifestyle (Photo: John Wilson/Netflix)
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From dark academia to accessible editions, Tatler’s most read book lists reveal what people are really reading
Reading habits in 2025 have reflected a mix of escapism, accessibility and curiosity. Tatler Asia’s most read book lists highlight a broad spectrum: from dark fantasy inspired by Guillermo del Toro to practical dyslexia-friendly editions of international bestsellers. The year also saw an appetite for stories set within the worlds of books themselves, whether libraries, bookstores or audiobooks for travel. Across genres and formats, these selections reveal what readers are reaching for: immersive narratives, underappreciated classics and novels that invite reflection on the act of reading. Tatler’s most read book lists show the continued relevance of thoughtful, well-curated recommendations for a wide variety of interests and capabilities.
Read more: From sweeping sagas to queer life: 9 must-read books by Korean authors for fans of K-dramas
7 books to read if you love Guillermo del Toro’s dark imagination
This list explores titles that resonate with del Toro’s signature blend of the fantastical and the macabre. From gothic horror to surreal fantasy, the selection includes novels that echo the director’s visual storytelling and fascination with monsters and myth, such as Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde—one of del Toro’s favourite reads. It serves both as a companion to his films and a standalone guide to literature that leans into dark imagination, appealing to readers who enjoy intricate world-building and emotionally complex narratives.
8 underrated Stephen King books, films and shows to revisit on his birthday
Beyond King’s widely celebrated novels, Tatler Asia highlights lesser-known works, including overlooked films and TV adaptations. Selections like the miniseries Storm of the Century and novels such as Duma Key reveal the depth of King’s storytelling outside his most famous titles. These recommendations invite readers to explore the breadth of his universe and uncover hidden gems that maintain his signature blend of suspense and psychological complexity.
Above A multigenerational saga tracing a Korean family’s struggles and resilience, ‘Pachinko’ explores identity, survival and the ties that bind (Photo: IMDb)
A multigenerational saga tracing a Korean family’s struggles and resilience, ‘Pachinko’ explores identity, survival and the ties that bind (Photo: IMDb)
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11 great K-dramas based on books
This article focuses on the interplay between literature and television in South Korea, tracing 11 K-dramas that adapt novels for the screen. The selection, which includes Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, The Moon that Embraces the Sun by Jung Eun-gwol and Cinderella and Four Knights by Baek Myo, illustrates how narratives can shift between media while retaining core emotional beats.
UK publisher Bloomsbury launches dyslexia-friendly books of international bestsellers
Launched in October 2025, Bloomsbury’s Dyslexia-Friendly Editions adapt bestsellers, including Patti Smith’s Just Kids, Baek Se-hee’s I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki and Bal Khabra’s Collide, with sans-serif fonts, cream paper, extra spacing and blue text. These adaptations preserve the narrative while easing readability through typographic choices, layout adjustments and other accessibility measures. This story highlights this as a significant development in reading inclusivity, offering practical options for a broader audience and reflecting a wider shift toward accessibility in publishing.
Reading list for bibliophiles: 10 page-turning books about books
These meta-narratives feature The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, where Death narrates a girl's book thefts in Nazi Germany, plus others probing literature's societal impact. From plots unfolding in the stacks to stories of bibliophiles navigating their passions, the selections appeal to readers who enjoy meta-literature and reflections on the act of reading.
Above Stories that unfold between shelves and reading nooks, offering quiet intrigue and character-driven moments shaped by the world of books (Photo: Vecstock/Freepik)
Stories that unfold between shelves and reading nooks, offering quiet intrigue and character-driven moments shaped by the world of books (Photo: Vecstock/Freepik)
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10 novels set in bookstores and libraries—must-reads for bibliophiles
This list complements the previous article by focusing specifically on settings. The novels are united by their engagement with spaces dedicated to books, creating atmospheres where literature is both a backdrop and a catalyst for character development. Titles like The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón and Mrs Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan unfold in evocative bookshops and libraries.
What to listen to when travelling: 9 audiobooks to try
For readers on the move, this list compiles audiobooks that translate well into a travel context. The selections span genres and lengths, providing options for those who prefer listening over traditional reading, including titles such as Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer and 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest, narrated by Abby Craden.
Above A look at the titles that shape Jacob Elordi’s taste, revealing a mix of classics and modern reads that inform his creative interests (Photo: jacobelordi.com)
A look at the titles that shape Jacob Elordi’s taste, revealing a mix of classics and modern reads that inform his creative interests (Photo: jacobelordi.com)
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What Jacob Elordi reads: 9 of the actor’s favourite books, from Steinbeck to Sartre
Jacob Elordi's shelf holds East of Eden by John Steinbeck, Jean Cocteau’s The Art of Cinema and more, glimpsed in his holiday snapshots. Readers gain a sense of the actor’s influences and the books shaping his perspectives, making it one of Tatler Asia’s most read book lists in 2025.
10 dark academia YA books to read this season
The dark academia genre, with its focus on scholarly settings, mystery and moral complexity, continues to attract young adult readers. This list collects 10 YA novels that embody the aesthetic and thematic elements of the genre, from intense character studies to atmospheric campuses. Young adult picks include The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige and When We Were Monsters by Jennifer Niven, blending secret societies, ancient rituals and elite campuses.
Small portions, big flavour: 9 cookbooks that celebrate making food for one
Rounding out the year’s most read book lists, this selection shifts to culinary literature, offering cookbooks designed for solo cooking. Among the books featured are The Pleasures of Cooking for One by Judith Jones and Bake Me a Cat by Kim-Joy. The focus is on practicality and enjoyment, showing that reading habits extend into lifestyle and everyday practice.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
