The 36 Most Anticipated Books of 2026

Get ready to read! The new year brings a wealth of exciting books for every kind of reader. Fiction fans can look forward to imaginative novels from George Saunders, a family story by Ann Patchett, the final book in Colson Whitehead’s Harlem series, a sweeping novel by Douglas Stuart, and a heartfelt story about Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez. There are also wonderful short story collections from Louise Erdrich, Rachel Khong, and Ruth Ozeki, offering everything from mystical tales to dramatic comedies and reflections on writing. If you prefer suspense, Colleen Hoover, Tana French, and Robinne Lee all have thrilling new books coming out – exploring dark online worlds, atmospheric Irish towns, and the glamorous, shadowy side of Hollywood.

As a total film and book nerd, I’m already excited about the nonfiction coming out next year! There’s a fascinating retrospective on a notorious 1980s crime from Heather Ann Thompson, and Michael Pollan is tackling the really big questions – the science of consciousness, no less. Plus, Anand Gopal has a story about Syrian resistance, and Namwali Serpell is giving us a gorgeous look at the work of Toni Morrison. It’s a seriously strong lineup!

Here, the 36 most anticipated books of 2026.

Woman Down, Colleen Hoover (Jan. 13)

The queen of the thriller genre is back with a new story about Petra Rose, a popular author whose career is in trouble. Surrounded by media attention and eager commentators, Petra hopes to reignite her creativity by escaping to a remote cabin. There, she connects with Nathaniel Saint, a charming police officer who seems to have stepped out of the pages of her latest book. As a web of secrets and attraction unfolds, Petra must fight to reclaim her life and career.

Vigil, George Saunders (Jan. 27)

As a huge fan of George Saunders, I was completely captivated by his latest novel. It’s a bit like a spiritual sequel to Lincoln in the Bardo, exploring themes of death and what comes after, but this time with the backdrop of climate change. The story centers around Jill, a young woman who’s passed away and is now helping guide souls to the afterlife. But her latest charge, a Texan oilman named K.J. Boone, is stubbornly refusing to accept his fate. Saunders weaves these incredible, nested stories, and his writing is just stunning – so inventive and full of that signature empathy he’s known for. It’s a really moving and thought-provoking read.

Fear and Fury, Heather Ann Thompson (Jan. 27)

After shooting four Black teenagers on a New York City subway, Bernie Goetz became a media sensation in the 1980s, seen by many as a hero for taking the law into his own hands and fighting back against those blamed for societal problems. However, in her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Blood in the Water, Heather Ann Thompson tells a different story, focusing on the experiences of Goetz’s victims and exposing how sensationalized journalism and the spread of misinformation contributed to his fame.

Autobiography of Cotton, Cristina Rivera Garza (Feb. 3)

Award-winning author Guadalupe Rivera Garza drew on her grandparents’ lives as farmworkers in Mexico, near the Texas border, for her novel, Autobiography of Cotton. Translated by Christina MacSweeney, the book is a beautifully written blend of memoir and fiction that explores the borderlands and the tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. Rivera Garza’s rich, poetic writing is filled with historical and political references, revealing the human and environmental price of cotton – a crop that shaped the modern world.

This Is Not About Us, Allegra Goodman (Feb. 10)

The Rubinsteins are a Boston family full of love, arguments, and a shared fondness for apple cake. Author Allegra Goodman explores the quirks and dreams of this family – spanning three sisters and their descendants – in a series of connected stories, some of which originally appeared in The New Yorker. Through generations of smiling, sulking, teasing, and loving, Goodman examines the experiences of the women in the family, noting how roles like motherhood and caregiving can be deeply draining.

So Old, So Young, Grant Ginder (Feb. 17)

The saying goes that college friendships last a lifetime, and Grant Ginder’s play explores this idea through the story of six University of Pennsylvania graduates. Over twenty years, these friends gather for extravagant reunions, sharing updates about their relationships, families, and careers. As they move into adulthood, the initial excitement of their youth fades, replaced by a sense of disillusionment. Ginder’s writing, reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald, delicately examines how time reveals the imperfections and true selves beneath the surface of these characters.

On Morrison, Namwali Serpell (Feb. 17)

Namwali Serpell, a Harvard English professor, offers a deep dive into the work of Toni Morrison, mirroring the course she teaches. Through careful analysis, Serpell explores Morrison’s complex and poetic novels, like the striking imagery in Tar Baby and the beautiful language of Jazz. She notes how Beloved powerfully suggests more than it directly states, revealing Morrison’s nuanced approach to storytelling. This insightful and well-written book demonstrates how Morrison revitalized the art of the novel, and stands as an example of excellent literary criticism.

Brawler, Lauren Groff (Feb. 24)

Lauren Groff’s new collection features nine stories about women facing difficult circumstances – a woman nearing the end of her life surrounded by friends, a young girl grappling with illness, and a wife escaping abuse with her children. Moving between different times and settings – from California to New England to Florida – Groff uses simple, evocative language to explore the inner strength and hidden lives of her characters as they navigate threats in both natural and domestic landscapes.

Kin, Tayari Jones (Feb. 24)

Vernice and Annie, two young Black women and lifelong friends, grew up in rural Louisiana without mothers. As adults, their lives take different turns: Vernice goes to the highly-regarded Spelman College in Atlanta, while Annie searches for information about the mother who left her. In her new novel, Tayari Jones—the author of An American Marriage—captures the atmosphere and history of the American South, weaving a story filled with evocative details like “gardenia soap, sugary liqueur, and just a whiff of the sweat that comes from constant motion.”

A World Appears, Michael Pollan (Feb. 24)

A casual bet in a German bar back in 1998 sparked a fascinating search to understand how consciousness actually works – a question often called the “hard problem.” Now, a well-known science writer delves into the complexities of awareness, examining every angle. He interviews researchers, philosophers, and even botanists – asking if plants might be capable of thought – and explores a wide range of theories, uncovering both strange and amazing ideas along the way.

The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts, Kim Fu (March 3)

Kim Fu’s unsettling novel evokes a familiar eeriness, reminiscent of Poltergeist, as it follows a woman who buys a home in a new, unfinished, and possibly haunted development. Still grieving her mother’s death, therapist Eleanor Fan uses her inheritance to become the first resident of Bering Rock, a western town with a strange history, hoping to become a central figure in the community. But when heavy rains and disturbing nightmares begin, Eleanor is forced to question what is real.

Days of Love and Rage, Anand Gopal (March 3)

In 2011, in the Syrian city of Manbij, a group of activists, inspired by the idea of democracy, began plotting against their government. The regime responded swiftly and brutally, setting up checkpoints, searching people, and secretly detaining its own citizens. Anand Gopal’s book, a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize, is a powerful work of investigative journalism, built on extensive interviews and research, and comparable in style to Jonathan Blitzer’s Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here.

Python’s Kiss, Louise Erdrich (March 24)

Louise Erdrich, a Pulitzer and National Book Award winner, explores how unexpected events can change people in her new collection of 13 stories. From a girl’s encounter with a snake to a frontier murder, these stories delve into the hidden reasons behind people’s actions and grapple with complex issues like morality and the idea of Manifest Destiny. One young woman finds companionship in a stone she carries from Lake Superior. The book is made even more special with original artwork by the author’s daughter, Aza Erdrich Abe.

The Keeper, Tana French (March 31)

The acclaimed Cal Hooper series ends with a captivating return to the Irish countryside. Retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper, along with his fiancée Lena and their adopted child, finds himself investigating a young woman’s apparent suicide. The woman was engaged to the son of a prominent local figure, and Cal quickly suspects foul play. As he uncovers a complex conspiracy, Cal is driven by his desire to protect vulnerable people—those he describes as being constantly on edge, easily startled, and living in fear.

London Falling, Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7)

Patrick Radden Keefe, the acclaimed author of Say Nothing and a journalist for the New Yorker, tells a gripping true story that begins with the 2019 death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler. Surveillance footage showed Brettler jumping from a balcony into the Thames River. It was later discovered he’d been pretending to be the son of a wealthy Russian businessman, a deception that hinted at a much larger web of corruption. Keefe’s skillful and suspenseful writing exposes the hidden, shadowy side of international life in a major capital city.

My Dear You, Rachel Khong (April 7)

This collection features ten captivating stories exploring themes of fear, longing, marriage, and motherhood. One story follows a tourist attacked by an alligator who finds herself in a unique afterlife designed for attractive thirty-somethings. Another centers on a swimming instructor navigating the world of online dating, while a heartbroken American woman escapes to Portugal after a miscarriage, finding solace in a new pair of shoes and a complicated relationship. The author, known for Real Americans, expertly crafts these stories, skillfully shaping the short-story format to create a compelling and emotionally resonant read.

American Fantasy, Emma Straub (April 7)

Bestselling author Emma Straub delivers a feel-good story with her latest novel, set aboard a Caribbean cruise. The story follows Annie, a divorced woman in her fifties, as she vacations with thousands of other women and a nostalgic boy band from the 90s. Amidst sunshine, cocktails, and singalongs, these fans try to escape their midlife worries with a fun-filled getaway. As the cruise unfolds, Annie begins a journey toward a new romance, leaving her past behind.

Yesteryear, Caro Claire Burke (April 7)

Caro Claire Burke’s first novel introduces Natalie, a seemingly traditional woman who presents a perfect life – a handsome husband, farm-to-table meals, and six adorable children – to her millions of social media followers, promoting conservative ideals. However, this picture-perfect life is a carefully constructed facade designed to further her family’s political ambitions. When Natalie suddenly finds herself transported to 1855, with her family and home intact but in a drastically different and unfamiliar world, she’s forced to confront the hypocrisy of the values she’s been promoting.

Go Gentle, Maria Semple (April 14)

Adora Hazzard, a divorced philosopher who follows Stoic principles, seems to have found happiness. She enjoys a fulfilling life in New York City with her daughter, working as a mentor to wealthy children and surrounded by a close group of supportive friends. But her peaceful existence is disrupted when she meets an attractive man at the ballet, potentially unraveling the carefully constructed life she’s built. The author of the popular novel Where’d You Go, Bernadette creates a lively and intriguing story set amongst the elegant homes and cultural landmarks of Manhattan, mixing moments of pleasure with hints of something darker.

Last Night in Brooklyn, Xochitl Gonzalez (April 21)

During the early 2000s, Fort Greene in Brooklyn was a vibrant and popular neighborhood, known for its innovative restaurants, diverse music scene, lively nightlife, and increasing gentrification. Xochitl Gonzalez’s novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, captures the energetic and creative atmosphere of Fort Greene leading up to Barack Obama’s election. The story follows Alicia Canales as she rebels against her family’s upper-class values and is drawn to La Garza, a glamorous performer who embodies a raw, authentic street style. Unbeknownst to them, their world is on the verge of change as wealthier newcomers begin to transform the neighborhood.

The Things We Never Say, Elizabeth Strout (May 5)

I just finished reading a truly captivating new novel, and I have to share my thoughts. It centers around Artie Dam, a 57-year-old high school teacher in Massachusetts who, from the outside, seems to have it all – a loving wife, Evie, and a good relationship with his grown son. But beneath the surface, he’s secretly struggling with suicidal thoughts. A near-death experience throws everything into chaos, and he starts to wonder if he might have a hidden power. The author, a Pulitzer Prize winner, really delivers here. She’s created a vibrant new world and a cast of characters that feel incredibly real, all brought to life with sharp, energetic writing and a wonderfully observant eye.

John of John, Douglas Stuart (May 5)

John-Calum, known as Cal, escapes a precarious life in Edinburgh – bouncing between couches and sometimes stealing food – to return to his family home on the Isle of Harris. He’s struggling with keeping his sexuality a secret and facing his father’s strict religious beliefs, finding comfort in the outspoken and loving presence of his grandmother. Back in the familiar landscape of his childhood, Cal uncovers hidden truths and finds himself drawn to a captivating gaze – eyes described as a vibrant, flecked green. Douglas Stuart, celebrated for his award-winning novel Shuggie Bain, masterfully portrays the intense feelings and quiet desperation of everyday life.

One Leg on Earth, ‘Pemi Aguda (May 5)

Yosoye, a young architect in Lagos, enjoys her freedom and small apartment while working on an ambitious urban project that envisions a modern Nigeria. However, the city is gripped by a terrifying crisis: pregnant women are mysteriously drowning. When Yosoye discovers she is pregnant, she feels a growing sense of danger. Pemi Aguda, a National Book Award finalist, skillfully blends the worries of becoming a parent with elements of speculative fiction, all set against the backdrop of a Nigeria still grappling with its colonial past.

On Witness and Respair, Jesmyn Ward (May 19)

Award-winning author Jesmyn Ward brings together her previously published essays and new writings in this collection. She explores a wide range of subjects—from literature and film to personal experiences—profiling both real people like Regina King and Ta-Nehisi Coates, and fictional characters such as Jay Gatsby and those from Ava DuVernay’s movies. Ward skillfully weaves together celebrity profiles, reflections on her own family—including a moving piece about raising a Black son—and even the results of her DNA test.

Babylon, South Dakota, Tom Lin (May 26)

Saul Keng Hsui and Mei Lee, Chinese immigrants, struggle to adapt to life farming chrysanthemums in America’s prairie lands. They raise a daughter and slowly learn English, which feels unfamiliar and challenging. Their peaceful life is disrupted when the U.S. Army builds a missile silo nearby, unexpectedly bringing both benefits and danger to their family and farm.

The Typing Lady, Ruth Ozeki (June 2)

Ruth Ozeki’s new collection of 11 stories features a diverse cast of characters – from a deceased Beat poet reimagined as a book editor to an aging Asian writer exploring their life through fiction. These interconnected tales span time and place, often set against the backdrop of university life and the world of writing. Ozeki skillfully examines the subtle power imbalances within these environments, and the complicated relationships – sometimes draining, always intense – that develop around a shared love of literature, all delivered with a sharp and insightful sense of humor.

Whistler, Ann Patchett (June 2)

Ann Patchett, one of our most gifted novelists, has done it again! Her new book centers around a fascinating reunion at the Met – Daphne and her husband spot a man who turns out to be her former stepfather, Eddie, someone she hasn’t seen in over forty years. It’s not a simple awkward encounter, though; there’s a strange, underlying connection. Patchett is a master at exploring family dynamics, and this novel promises to delve into all the complicated feelings and histories that make families so…well, families. It’s a really compelling setup, and I have a feeling this one will stay with you.

Villa Coco, Andrew Sean Greer (June 9)

I’m completely captivated by this story! It follows a 21-year-old American archivist – and he’s gay, and a bit lost in life, dealing with work and love – who unexpectedly gets a job in Tuscany. He’s assisting this incredibly demanding 92-year-old Baronessa with her amazing art collection. It’s a world of eccentric nobles, rugged outdoorsmen, and then there’s this one married Italian man who really catches his eye. The author, who previously won a Pulitzer, perfectly captures the beauty of Italian life – the art, the food, the wine, the light – it’s just all so enchanting.

The Shampoo Effect, Jenny Jackson (June 30)

J. Courtney Sullivan, the author of Pineapple Street, is back with a funny and heartwarming story set in the charming coastal town of Greenhead, Massachusetts—a place known for its marshes, lobster boats, and beautiful beaches. The story follows Caroline Lash, a 28-year-old aspiring writer, who arrives in town and quickly becomes friends with a free-spirited kayaker and his group of local friends, including his ex-girlfriend who is expecting a baby. Like Elin Hilderbrand, Jenny Jackson expertly navigates her characters through complicated relationships and situations.

A Real Animal, Emeline Atwood (July 7)

After experiencing a sexual assault, Lucy leaves college and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, filled with intense emotions and bold decisions. She finds solace in nature, connecting with animals like leopards, cockatoos, and fish. Struggling with her career path and entering a turbulent relationship with an older, abusive partner, Lucy turns to scuba diving and the wonders of the ocean for escape. Emeline Atwood’s first novel is a raw and powerful story of sex, rage, and ultimately, finding peace.

Crash Into Me, Robinne Lee (July 7)

Cecilia Chen, a photographer hoping to make a name for herself, has relocated from Paris to Los Angeles with her husband, a film director, and their children. He’s starting work at a major studio, and she’s pursuing gallery representation. However, a car accident triggers a flood of hidden memories and secrets. The other driver, Farouk, a former model, draws Cecilia in with an undeniable allure. Robinne Lee, the author of The Idea of You, crafts a steamy and suspenseful story as dazzling and captivating as Hollywood itself.

Cool Machine, Colson Whitehead (July 21)

Award-winning author Colson Whitehead finishes his Harlem trilogy with a story about Ray Carney and his family as they navigate a changing New York City in the 1980s, a time marked by the rise of conservative politics. Throughout the decade, Ray and his accomplice, Pepper, balance criminal activity with dreams of a better life, all while facing the constant sting of racism. Whitehead beautifully captures the energy of the city, from the revitalized neighborhoods of Harlem to the vibrant art scene in the East Village, and celebrates the lives of its diverse residents.

Etna, Paul Yoon (Aug. 4)

Paul Yoon’s novel tells the story of Etna, a dog who journeys from the battlefields of war back to the place where he was born. Told from Etna’s perspective, the book follows his search for his original home and the people he knew. Along the way, he meets various creatures – some friendly, some dangerous – and finds support from a surprising community of other dogs. Like George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the novel explores the harsh realities of conflict and highlights the deep emotional intelligence of dogs.

The Occidental Book of the Dead, T. Geronimo Johnson (Sept. 15)

T. Geronimo Johnson’s novels are set in Atlanta, a city simmering with racial tension where getting justice is often difficult. His new book, following his National Book Award-finalist Welcome to Braggsville, centers on a Black police officer caught up in the aftermath of a white teenager’s death. Spanning twenty years, the story delves into complex themes of identity, corruption, and what it means to be American.

The Radiance, Ayad Akhtar (Sept. 29)

After a serious bicycle accident, a writer begins to experience a strange, all-encompassing sensation – a sort of golden light he can even hear. He desperately tries to understand this experience, searching for answers in everything from literature like Dostoevsky to religious texts like the Quran, and even current events like the #MeToo movement. He believes this neurological quirk somehow justifies the bizarre, until it forces him to question his fundamental beliefs about family, love, and whether we truly have free will. Ayad Akhtar, the author of Homeland Elegies, skillfully blends personal storytelling with deep philosophical questions.

American Hagwon, Min Jin Lee (Sept. 29)

John and Helen Koh were once comfortably middle class in Korea, but their lives changed dramatically when they experienced a betrayal and the Asian financial crisis hit. This led them on a journey first to Sydney, Australia, and then to Southern California, where they faced new difficulties, hoping that education would provide a better future for their three children. Min Jin Lee, the acclaimed author of Pachinko, has written another sweeping story about a family whose bonds are tested but ultimately endure.

2025-12-22 21:08