10 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2026

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If the world gets a little too hard on the outside, at least we’re glad that 2026 is shaping up to be a very good year for books.

It’s our favourite time of the year: when the editorial team gathers to share the books we’re most looking forward to reading over the next twelve months. Whether you’re curled up under a blanket with a good cup of tea or stretched out on a beach somewhere warm, 2026 has a reading list worth getting excited about. From literary fiction and immersive storytelling to powerful nonfiction that challenges how we see the world, here are ten books on our radar this year.

1) Kin, by Tayari Jones

Tayari Jones returns with a deeply felt novel about two lifelong friends whose paths intersect again after years apart, brought back together by a devastating event. With her signature insight and emotional depth, Kin promises to be a rich exploration of friendship, resilience and the ties that bind us.

Knopf, out 24 February 2026

2) The Elsewhere Express, by Samantha Sotto Yambao

What if a mysterious train could take you where you truly belong? In this enchanting, Ghibli-esque fantasy, a magical railway appears for those who feel lost, offering the possibility of purpose and renewal. Full of warmth, wonder and quiet magic, it’s an irresistible read for anyone craving escape and meaning in equal measure.

Del Rey, out 20 January 2026

3) Good People, by Patmeena Sabit

Zorah Sharaf is at the centre of a story that refuses easy answers. Is she the perfect daughter, or the source of her family’s shame? The truth depends on who you ask. Told through a shifting chorus of voices, Good People is a compelling and provocative look at family, community and the stories we choose to believe.

Crown, out 3 February 2026

4) My Dear You, by Rachel Khong

From the author of Real Americans comes a brilliant short story collection about love, identity and the contradictions of modern life. Moving effortlessly between humour and heartbreak, these stories are sharp, tender, and deeply relatable, capturing the uneasy process of becoming yourself in a world that rewards performance.

Knopf, out 7 April 2026

5) Sisters in Yellow, by Mieko Kawakami

Set in the gritty Tokyo of the 1990s, Sisters in Yellow is a bold and unflinching novel about sisterhood, sacrifice and betrayal. With emotional intensity and piercing honesty, Mieko Kawakami explores teenage dreams colliding with adult cruelties, confirming her place as one of the most vital literary voices of our time.

Knopf, out 17 March 2026

6) Days of Love and Rage, by Anand Gopal

A sweeping and intimate account of the Syrian revolution, Days of Love and Rage tells the story of a city that briefly became an extraordinary experiment in democracy. Through the lives of friends, activists and ordinary citizens, this book captures hope, courage and heartbreak, reminding us that revolutions are made by people, not headlines.

Pluto Press, out March 2026

7) The Language of Liars, by S. L. Huang

This thoughtful science fiction novel follows an earnest and brilliant linguist who sacrifices everything in pursuit of answers, only to uncover questions far larger than she ever imagined. Praised for its emotional impact and intellectual sharpness, The Language of Liars is a book that lingers long after the final page.

Tordotcom, out 21 April 2026

8) The Migrant Art of Coping, by Sohail Jannesari

The Migrant Art of Coping offers a powerful rethinking of displacement and mental health. Drawing on the lived experiences of refugees navigating borders, hostile systems and limited support, this compassionate work of nonfiction highlights resilience, creativity and survival, challenging how we understand migration in the modern world.

Pluto Press, out February 2026

9) Heiress of Nowhere, by Stacey Lee

In this atmospheric historical gothic mystery, an orphan must uncover the truth behind a killing that may have come from the sea. When suspicion falls on both her and the orcas she loves, she is forced into a race to clear her name. Richly imagined and quietly haunting, this is a story about belonging, loyalty and being misunderstood.

Simon & Schuster, out 17 March 2026

10) Radical Justice: Building the World We Need, by Nani Jansen Reventlow

In a time when the news can feel overwhelming, Radical Justice offers clarity and direction. Written by a human rights lawyer, this book lays out a compelling case for reimagining justice, blending big ideas with practical ways to build a fairer and more equitable world. It’s an urgent and hopeful read for anyone looking for change that feels both possible and necessary.

Pluto Press, out March 2026

From deeply moving novels to nonfiction that asks us to think more critically about society, this list reflects the diverse range of voices and stories we’re excited to spend time with this year. If the world gets a little too hard on the outside, at least we’re glad that 2026 is shaping up to be a very good year for books.