The best books of 2026 (so far)
The top 3 according to 13 votes from people: Famesick – Lena Dunham · Star Shipped – Cat Sebastian · Kin – Tayari Jones. (Updated Sep 24, 2026.)
Novels, a memoir and history: the 2026 books critics and booksellers recommend most so far (The New York Times, Amazon, Book Riot).
Top 11
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1
Famesick – Lena Dunham
An honest memoir about being thrust into the spotlight.
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2
Star Shipped – Cat Sebastian
The new romance from Cat Sebastian.
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3
Kin – Tayari Jones
Two motherless best friends from Louisiana and their very different lives; the It Book of the year.
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4
The Keeper – Tana French
The final Cal Hooper novel: a girl goes missing in Ardnakelty.
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5
London Falling – Patrick Radden Keefe
The author of Empire of Pain returns with a new investigation.
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6
This Is Where the Serpent Lives – Daniyal Mueenuddin
The Pakistani author's long-awaited first novel.
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7
Yesteryear – Caro Claire Burke
A satirical debut on the tradwife fantasy.
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8
A Good Person – Kirsten King
Lilian becomes a suspect in the murder of her ex.
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9
Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter – Heather Fawcett
A cosy standalone fantasy with a Howl's Moving Castle feel.
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10
Burn Down Master's House – Clay Cane
Historical fiction about rebellion, based on real events.
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11
John of John – Douglas Stuart
The Booker winner's third novel, set in the Scottish isles.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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