5 Best Books of 2026...So Far

Some obvious choices. Some less obvious choices.

I’ve spent much of 2026 so far on backlist -- an unusual reading practice for me. But I have a milestone birthday coming up this year, and it’s honestly messing me up a little -- it’s made more acutely aware than ever that time isn’t infinite. So I’ve tried to mix in books I’ve had on my shelves for a while -- The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver), A Visit From the Goon Squad (Jennifer Egan -- a reread), Telegraph Avenue (Michael Chabon), Office Girl (Joe Meno -- a reread), and many more. I highly recommend a good backlist binge. It’s good for the soul.

And but so, here are my six favorite 2026 novels so far.

Vigil, by George Saunders -- I mean, duh. Not coincidentally, this novel about coming to terms with mortality (among MANY other things) which I read in January was part of the inspiration for catching up on old books I’d missed before.

How We See The Gray, by Rachel León -- There should be more novels about social workers. Social workers are superheroes! This fantastic novel set in Rockford, Illinois, interrogates the foster care system through the perspectives of several characters -- foster parents, social workers, parents, and children. A devastating novel also shouldn’t be this funny and cool -- but it is.

The Left and the Lucky, by Willy Vlautin -- A heartbreaking, beautiful story about everyday people just trying to make it in a world that doesn’t want them to succeed. In just a matter of a few years and a few titles, Willy Vlautin has become one of my favorite writers.

Brawler, by Lauren Groff -- I mean, duh (again). Of course, Groff’s new story collection would be here. Groff’s grocery list would be here. But Brawler is very, very good.

So Old, So Young, by Grant Ginder -- Such a relatable look at friendship through the years. These characters fall in and out of touch, fight and reconcile, harbor grudges against each other, and develop rivalries with their friends’ new friends. Basically, life.

Bonus Best Book:

Tenderness, by Rowan Beaird (out July 21) -- I have to include this wonderful cult/wedding weekend novel out in late July. I got to interview Rowan for a piece for the Chicago Review of Books that’ll be out on the book’s pub date, so stay tuned. In the meantime, hit that preorder now! You’re definitely going to want to read this.