6 Books to Add to Your 2026 TBR | Book Recs

Has one of your New Year’s resolutions been to make 2026 the best reading year yet (like every year!)? If so, you’re in luck, because I’ve gathered six books to add to your 2026 TBR. I picked works that I believe everyone will enjoy. Just to be sure, I’ve included and highlighted the genres so you can choose the ones that truly spark your interest.

So, let’s move on to the book recs!

Gothic Mystery

1. The Good People - Hannah Kent (2017)

In a small village in rural Ireland in 1825, Nora has to deal not only with the passing of her husband and the loss of her daughter, but also with the care of her grandson. This child, however, instead of bringing some comfort to Nora, fills her with angst and fear. The fact that the four-year-old Michael does not speak and walk makes both Nora and the villagers believe that he is a changeling and the cause of the bad luck plaguing the whole community. With the help of two other women, Nora will do anything to get the real boy back —no matter the cost. 

The dark and grievous atmosphere makes it hard to look away or put the book down. 

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2. Mexican Gothic - Silvia Moreno - Garcia (2020)

We are in Mexico City in the 1950s. Noemi is a socialite, but her days of parties, flirting, and fun come to an end when she realises that something is wrong with her newlywed cousin, Catalina. Catalina has sent a strange letter to Noemi's father, claiming that her husband is poisoning her and that there are ghosts in their house. Concerned, Noemi travels to check on her cousin and soon discovers that something deeply unsettling is going on in the house. 

This is a plot-driven book with a gloomy and eerie setting that becomes more and more disturbing.

Political Fiction 

3. Against the Loveless World - Susan Abulhawa (2020)

Nahr sits in an Israeli prison, looking back at her life; how she always seems to get involved in dangerous situations with her current one being the most extreme. She is arrested and lives isolated in a tiny cell because she is considered a dangerous terrorist. In that repressive place, she tells her story.

A heartbreaking novel that artfully showcases how personal and political spheres are tightly connected, even when we have the impression that we are not concerned with politics. Keep in mind that especially at the beginning, the book includes disturbing and triggering sex-related scenes and events.

 

Classic

4. The Serious Game - Hjalmar Soderberg (1912)

A young, ambitious man, Arvid, meets and falls in love with the beautiful and sought-after Lydia. Despite their mutual affection, Arvid is not interested in marrying until he achieves the financial comfort he desires.

Ten years later, Arvid is married to a woman who has helped him improve his position. But one day, he comes across Lydia and can't help but notice how attractive she still is. 

An important note about this recommendation: at the back of the book, there is a section explaining that Hjalmar Soderberg was far from a feminist. However, the female protagonist, Lydia, who is the reason I not only adored this book but also added it to this book recs list, is masterfully and respectfully portrayed. This is mainly because she was inspired by a real woman in the author's life. And you should definitely read this book for her!

Romance 

5. Get A Life, Chloe Brown - Talia Hibbert (2019)

This has everything I look for in a romance book; it's funny, sexy, and it made me deeply care about and root for the protagonists. I loved the fact that both characters were dealing with either physical or psychological issues, and that they were able to understand and alleviate each other's pain. 

Young Adult 

6. Almond - Won-Pyung Sohn (2020)

Although the protagonist in this book is only a teenager, I would recommend it to adults only. Grief, guilt, violence, and pain dominate this heartbreaking story. Raw and full of emotion, it highlights the importance of helping, supporting, and enduring for the people you love—and who love you. 

Honestly, getting to relive and write about these 6 books recs has made me really happy. Feel free to read them, and let me know what you think!