The best books of 2026

This list is part of the best books of 2026.

Join 220 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2026

Book cover of Meet the Newmans

Jan Cullinane ❤️ loved this book because...

The book addressed a number of things - family dynamics, the changing role of women in society, and interesting characters - wanted to keep reading to see how they evolved.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Story/Plot 🥈 Thoughts
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Jennifer Niven ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Meet the Newmans as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Glamorous and nostalgic, chaotic and warm-hearted, but with important things to say - the perfect recipe for an immersive read about a family in the spotlight and the truth behind the facade'
- Veronica Henry, author of How to Find Love in a Bookshop

'Definitely a recommend from me'
- Jennie Godfrey, author of The List of Suspicious Things

From No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author Jennifer Niven, a novel about America's favorite TV family, whose perfect facade starts to crack, for fans of Lessons in Chemistry and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Maybe it's time for perfection to…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2026

Book cover of Culpability

Jan Cullinane ❤️ loved this book because...

The book dealt with a plausible scenario that had far-reaching consequences. Thought-provoking.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Story/Plot 🥈 Originality
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Bruce Holsinger ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Culpability as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Compelling." Literary Review

"An irresistibly anxious book." The Washington Post

"A family drama with a shocking twist." The New York Times

"I was riveted until the very last shocking sentence!" Oprah Winfrey

When the Cassidy-Shaws' driverless minivan fatally collides with an oncoming car, seventeen-year-old Charlie is in the driver's seat. His father, Noah, is beside him, and in the back with his younger siblings is his mother, Lorelei-a renowned AI researcher-who is lost in her work.

During a weeklong retreat on the Chesapeake Bay, the Cassidy-Shaws wrestle with the moral fallout of the crash as…


My 3rd favorite read in 2026

Book cover of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry

Jan Cullinane ❤️ loved this book because...

I love people and books - and this book combined the two in a humorous yet provocative and delightful way.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Originality 🥈 Story/Plot
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Gabrielle Zevin ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER BY THE AUTHOR OF TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING LUCY HALE & KUNNAL NAYAR

“A fun, page-turning delight.” —Minneapolis Star-Tribune

“Funny, tender, and moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry reminds us all exactly why we read and why we love.” —Library Journal (starred review)

A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Single Woman's Guide to Retirement

By Jan Cullinane ,

Book cover of The Single Woman's Guide to Retirement

What is my book about?

This award-winning book explores being a single woman who is retired or approaching retirement, including: what to do with 168 hours a week; fitness in body, mind, and spirit; living options; divorce, death, dating, dependency, and deepening connections. Published by AARP, Jean Chatzy said in her review: "In matter-of-fact language, Jan Cullinane gets at the heart of what you need to do to plan for and protect your future. I can't say it strongly enough: If you're a single woman, you need this book."

Book cover of Meet the Newmans
Book cover of Culpability
Book cover of The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry

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