Best Books To Start Reading in 2026
Welcome to the new year! Have you been telling yourself for the longest time that you’d like to start reading, but you don’t know where to start and feel like every book you pick up sucks? Well, good news! It’s that time of year where everyone is starting new hobbies and habits (or going back to some old ones). Whether you’ve tried to get into a reading habit for a while, or you’re just testing the waters, listed below are my top 10 books for new readers to start in 2026.
The Midnight Library
The Midnight library by Matt Haig is always my number one recommendation for new readers. The plot is engaging, thought provoking, and has some beautiful full circle moments. The book follows the idea of the butterfly effect and how small changes in past decisions can lead to drastically different outcomes.
We Were Liars
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart is also a very fast paced book, and Amazon prime just released there 8 episode TV series this summer (and what makes a better motivator than a good TV show). Imagine your favorite summer vibes mixed with rich people family drama and suspense.
Daisy Jones and the SIX
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (another book with a fabulous Amazon Prime show) is a captivating story of a band’s rise to fame in the 1970s. This book is told through a unique interview format (which makes the book feel shorter than it is) and also has a killer soundtrack that encompasses some of my personal favorite karaoke songs.
Holding up The universe
Holding Up the Universe by Jennifer Niven is a wholesome and beautiful contemporary. The story follows two teens, Libby (once dubbed “America’s fattest teen”) and Jack, the popular kid who has a unique neurological disorder that prevents him from recognizing faces. If you’re looking for some high school drama mixed with a story of self-discovery and self-acceptance, this book is for you.
Little Women
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This is for anyone interested in reading classics. Little Women is a great gateway book into classical literature since the text is less dense and ‘old timey’ than most. It reads like a collection of short stories from childhood to adulthood and is easily one of my all time favorites.
Better than the movies
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter makes me want to scream just thinking about it because ITS SO GOOD. Hands down my favorite rom-com, I couldn’t put it down.
You are a Badass
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero breaches into the non-fiction self-help book sectors. Each chapter is bite sized and told in a natural conversational format. Commit to reading one short chapter a day and you’ll be finished within a month. If nothing else, I’m almost positive this book will give you a confidence boost.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is perfect for any curious mind wanting to solve a good mystery. In a small town where everyone believes that a high school boy killed his girlfriend and then himself, one girl doesn’t buy it, and is determined to uncover the truth. No matter the cost…
A Court of Thorns and roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses (or ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas. I can feel the eye rolls, “yes, I’ve been told over and over to read THAT ONE.” And here is my friendly reminder to you: it’s a new year! A chance for you to finally give it a go. Maybe you’ll pick it up and decide that everyone is crazy and that fantasy is not for you, or maybe you’ll be like some of us and find yourself changed for the better on the other side of Feyre’s journey.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, a powerful series through and through. “But I’ve already seen the movies.” Great, same! But haven’t you ever wondered what else there is to learn about Panem? Aren’t you a little curious what Katniss was thinking the entire time? Don’t let anyone tell you it’s too late for you to read, there’s a reason these books and movies became one of the most popular franchises.
