20 books we can’t wait to read in 2026

By Sophia Kercher, Michelle Chihara, Maddie Connors, Bethanne Patrick, Jim Ruland, Paula L. Woods and Tom Zoellner

Though it’s still early 2026, the turbulence of the last few weeks is overshadowing its novelty. We are finding refuge in books, both to make sense of the bad news vortex and to welcome escape. It’s a big year for books. Gov. Gavin Newsom has a memoir out next month, many millennials are foaming at the mouth anticipating the release of Lena Dunham’s new memoir, and there are also big drops from Michael Connelly, Michael Pollan and hit sci-fi novelist Mike Chen. (What a year to be a Michael). Our list of 20 books calls out reads you might have missed among these powerhouse titles, including highly anticipated works from Tayari Jones, Emily Nemens, Álvaro Enrigue, Claudia Rankine, T.C. Boyle and others.

We asked a prolific author, local professors, book critics, literary folks about town and a self-described “sailor punk rat” to make their picks personal. After all, is there anything more personal than absorbing a book for days at a time while the laundry stays undone and dishes pile high in the sink? Our list features neo-noir, studies on female friendship and works that speak to our current moment confronting race and border tension, along with a few narratives that weave in hope. Something we could all use more of.

— Sophia Kercher See the full list at the Los Angeles Times.