The Best Books of 2026 (So Far)

As summer slowly approaches, we are thrilled to announce The Best Books of the Year (So Far), featuring the best of the best from this year’s publishing. With books from both debut authors and household favorites, riveting memoirs to picture books, thrillers to rom-coms, these are the stories that have everyone talking — and we have something for every reader. 

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Natalie seemingly has it all, the perfect husband, kids and a thriving social media empire — but things are about to change. When she suddenly finds herself in an alternate universe from another century, a darkly hilarious story unfolds. This electrifying debut novel about the unraveling of a lifestyle influencer is a sharp commentary on family, faith and fame.

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Returning to his quiet Canadian hometown, a former Hollywood executive must finally confront a long-buried secret to build a brighter future. Sly, deeply funny and tender, this is a novel you’ll want to share with everyone you know.

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The complex relationships between mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in the American South are examined in this sharp and entertaining story from Tayari Jones.

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After a false alarm causes a town to spiral into chaos and confusion, the community confronts the harsh truths of their panicked decisions in this clever, thought-provoking story of survival, loyalty and betrayal that was inspired by real events.

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Isaac Fitzgerald invites you to follow in the footsteps of Johnny Appleseed for a mesmerizing journey that weaves memory, history and personal anecdotes.

 

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There can be a fine line between loving and loathing, and Belle Burden examines what went wrong after her husband of twenty years exits her life with no warning.

 

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George Saunders returns with an imaginative new story about the pivotal moment between life and death. Jill “Doll” Blaine accompanies the dying as they transition to the afterlife—but her latest assignment forces her to reckon with the fragility of humanity.

 

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Blending medieval fiction with skin-crawling horror, Christopher Beuhlman’s Between Two Fires is a dark journey into hell. A disgraced knight and a young girl embark on a dangerous mission that brings them face-to-face with evil.

 

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The author of the smart and funny Dungeon Crawler Carl series returns with another epic adventure. Space settlers fight to survive when planetary warfare becomes a game in this inventive sci-fi read.

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Return to a world of powerful monsters and cunning hunters in the highly anticipated follow-up to Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry.

 

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Two unlikely allies, one house full of secrets — in a world teetering on the brink of a suspected apocalypse, a resident of a well-protected mansion is found dead. Thrills, humor and suspense unfold in this locked-room mystery.

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Rescue pup owner Isabel Klee, the mind behind the social media phenomenon Simon Sits, tells stories of love, loss and, most importantly, the dogs who keep us company along the way.

 

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Patrick Radden Keefe uncovers the gripping true story of a young man whose life is cut short after he becomes entangled in London’s dark underworld. As his parents launch a harrowing search for answers, the case exposes danger, corruption and one family’s devastating loss.

 

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Facing a career crisis, a young man moves to the Italian countryside to assist an eclectic elderly woman named Coco, who is living out her final years in a crumbling villa.

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Ann Patchett returns with a powerful novel about the choices we make and the ones that are made for us. After reuniting with a prominent figure from her past, Daphne confronts the impermanence of life and the beauty of connection in Whistler: A Novel.

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Hop in and let an award-winning historian take you on an American adventure where the past meets the present. Journey through thirteen landmark locations that together reveal the full sweep of U.S. history.

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Kylie Lee Baker, author of Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng blends Japanese mythology with modern horror in this haunting tale of two lives from two time periods.

 

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The beloved author pens a tale for adults that celebrates the power of storytelling in children’s literature and encourages imagination at any age.

 

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Have you ever wondered what sparks the modern fascination with the ancient world? Mary Beard analyzes the obsession with art and ancient traditions from Greece and Rome and what it really means to be considered “classic.” Featuring her signature wit and thoughtful insight on ancient ideas, Beard illuminates the present with the wonder of the past.

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This is not your typical field guide. The Book of Birds is a breathtaking look at the dazzling world of birds through their habitats, flight patterns, songs and more.

 

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Agnes has devoted her life to finding forever homes for stray cats, but to save her shelter from dark magic, she’ll have to team up with a cunning magician.

 

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Using diaries, letters, speeches and more, renowned historian H.W. Brands examines the life of George Washington, the reluctant figure who laid the groundwork for leadership in the early days of America.

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Life isn’t a competition. This practical guide offers helpful tips and wisdom for those looking to lead a healthy and fulfilling life using evidence-based guidelines.

 

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Beaten down by life, Adi jumps at the chance to do something meaningful. From the author of Dear American Airlines comes a richly imaginative fable about saving the world.

 

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The author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette is back with a transformative novel of new beginnings and second chances. Headstrong and determined, modern philosopher Adora Hazzard questions her future after a meeting with a mysterious yet alluring stranger.

Offering a powerful lens into the making of Silicon Valley’s elite, a former Stanford journalist brings to light never-before-reported allegations of serious misconduct.

 

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Human evolution comes to life through vibrant illustrations and engaging insights drawn from archaeology, anthropology and other sciences. This visually rich guide explores the age-old questions we’ve asked about our origins in a fascinating new way.

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Change, identity and complex family bonds are explored in Douglas Stuart’s moving story of a young gay man who moves back to his childhood home off the coast of Scotland.

 

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In order to perfect her favorite dishes, Ella Quittner expertly tested dozens of recipes to find the easiest way to make your favorite foods mouthwatering and delicious every single time.

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The voices behind the hit podcast of the same name share their tips, tricks, and entertaining anecdotes to help readers make economic decisions, build wealth and feel financially confident.

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This ambitious twist on the Beast of Gevaudan weaves history with chilling mythology for a dark and haunting love story.

 

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José Andrés shares recipes that highlight the rich, delicious ingredients and culinary techniques that are rooted in Spanish culture and history.

 

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We see them every day, but how often do we consider their incredible evolution? Explore the history of these majestic creatures, tracing their journey from the age of dinosaurs, feather by feather, to the birds that grace our skies today.

 

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A fresh and in-depth look at the Lewis and Clark expedition, drawing from new documents and accounts that shed light on the major historical event.

 

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Tasked with interviewing his mentor without a recording device, the narrator of this Ben Lerner novel falls into a tender meditation on art, technology and what it really means to be alive.

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Beyond the branches, nature tells a story. This engrossing read explores the connection between nature and spirituality through various types of trees.

 

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Discover Upward Bound, a center for disabled adults, complete with a cast of eclectic patients and their overworked caretakers. Offering unique perspectives from complex characters, Woody Brown intricately weaves delicate storylines with empathy and warmth, delivering an inspiring novel of acceptance and hope.

 

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Full of revelations and rich analyses of his paintings, this sweeping biography of Johannes Vermeer dives into the life and vibrant work of one of the greatest painters from the Dutch Golden Age.

 

View more of the Best Books (So Far) here.