The New York Times Book Review has selected its best books of 2026 so far, just a third of the way into the year. The list highlights titles like Tayari Jones' Kin and Daniyal Mueenuddin's This is Where the Serpent Lives. It offers early hints at potential end-of-year favorites.
The New York Times Book Review staff released its list of the best books of 2026 so far on May 2, acknowledging the early timing. The selection features Tayari Jones' Kin as the first mention, described for readers seeking 'a lush historical novel about sisterhood.' Other highlights include Daniyal Mueenuddin's This is Where the Serpent Lives and Yesteryear, a story of a tradwife sent back to the mid-19th century. Each book includes a header suggesting the ideal reader type to guide selections. Readers can find the full list through the Book Review section. Tayari Jones' Kin has drawn praise, with reports of strong buzz around the novel. Independent bookstores are also thriving amid a push toward analog lifestyles and bookish social media trends. Bookshop.org CEO Andy Hunter told Fast Company that bookstore numbers have grown by about 70% over the past six years in the United States, reversing two decades of decline. He noted, 'People are really galvanizing around bookstores as a force for good in our culture.' In related developments, the UK launched its first official BookTok bestseller list through a collaboration between Media Control and TikTok, using sales data from NielsenIQ BookData and community engagement. Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry topped the March 2026 chart, with Chloe Walsh claiming six titles, including Taming 7 in second place. Meanwhile, previews for May 2026 releases feature upcoming books like Canon by Paige Lewis, Ghalen: A Romance in Black by Walter Mosley, and One Leg on Earth by ’Pemi Aguda. Expected bestsellers include The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett and The Midnight Train by Matt Haig. On streaming, a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights is available on HBO Max, while Netflix offers Part 2 of One Hundred Years of Solitude, Heartstopper Forever, and a reimagining of Little House on the Prairie.