Orbital Tops Canberra’s Most Borrowed Books of 2025

Canberra’s Literary Landscape: The Most Borrowed Books of 2025

Libraries ACT has officially released its list of the most-borrowed books for the year 2025, with Orbital by Samantha Harvey taking the top spot. This futuristic narrative, which unfolds aboard the International Space Station, has resonated deeply with readers since its release, marking a significant moment in contemporary literature.

Harvey’s work, which won the 2024 Booker Prize, dives into themes of isolation and human connection, bringing a unique perspective to science fiction. “The allure of Orbital lies in its ability to mirror our current societal struggles through a captivating lens,” said literary analyst Jane Thompson. “It engages readers with not just a story about space, but also reflections on Earthly concerns.” The combination of a gripping plot and rich thematic depth has assured its place at the top of Canberra’s literary scene.

Local Favorites Making Waves

Following closely in second place is local author Chris Hammer with his mystery novel The Valley. This tale delves into the intricacies of a secluded mountain community, exploring themes of trust and betrayal. Hammer, who has seen multiple titles rank in the top five, underlines Canberra’s appetite for compelling narratives set in remote locales. “Both Orbital and The Valley capture an essence of isolation, a theme that resonates well with our current times,” remarked a representative from Libraries ACT.

In total, over 1.4 million items were borrowed across Canberra this year, highlighting the thriving reading culture in the region. Non-fiction also made a strong showing, with Nagi Maehashi’s cookbook, RecipeTin Eats: Tonight, being the most borrowed in the genre. The demand for practical cooking guides indicates a growing trend in readers seeking to enhance their culinary skills at home.

Genres on the Rise

Mystery and detective stories remain ever-popular, with works from Dervla McTiernan and Richard Osman among the most sought-after titles. McTiernan’s gritty narratives have received critical acclaim and her latest installment, The Unquiet Grave, has secured a position in the top five overall. Similarly, Osman’s unique blend of humor and suspense continues to captivate audiences.

Young adult fiction is thriving as well, with titles such as Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas holding prime spots in the genre. The demand for fantasy and adventure indicates an enduring interest among younger readers. “These stories offer escapism, something that is especially vital in today’s world,” said young adult librarian Marco Reyes.

Top Five Books Across All Formats

1. Orbital – Samantha Harvey
2. The Valley – Chris Hammer
3. In Too Deep – Lee Child
4. The Unquiet Grave – Dervla McTiernan
5. RecipeTin Eats: Tonight – Nagi Maehashi

Genre Highlights

Adult Fiction

1. Orbital – Samantha Harvey
2. The Valley – Chris Hammer
3. The Unquiet Grave – Dervla McTiernan
4. In Too Deep – Lee Child
5. Lyrebird – Jane Caro

Young Adult Fiction

1. Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games) – Suzanne Collins
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
3. A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J. Maas
4. Powerless – Lauren Roberts
5. Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong – Brian Buccellato

Books by ACT Authors

1. The Valley – Chris Hammer
2. Smoke – Michael Brissenden
3. Legacy – Chris Hammer
4. The Seven – Chris Hammer
5. The Deed – Susannah Begbie

Non-Fiction

1. RecipeTin Eats: Tonight – Nagi Maehashi
2. The Season – Helen Garner
3. Memorial Days – Geraldine Brooks
4. The Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins
5. The Salt Path – Raynor Winn

Junior Fiction Series

1. Dog Man series – Dav Pilkey
2. Ninja Kid series – Anh Do
3. Wings of Fire series – Tui Sutherland
4. Wolf Girl series – Anh Do
5. Treehouse series – Andy Griffiths

With such an impressive variety of titles being embraced by the community, one thing is clear: the passion for reading among Canberrans shows no signs of waning. Both the choices in literature and the number of books borrowed reflect a vibrant community engaged with stories that transport them far beyond their own horizons.

Libraries ACT branches are set to reopen with summer operating hours from Monday, January 5, 2026. If you’re eager to dive into one of these popular titles, you might consider reserving your copy through the Libraries ACT website. For more insightful updates on entertainment and culture, check out Globally Pulse.