Best Books of the Year: 2026
- Greg Barlin
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Technically, it’s all the books I've read in 2026, including the best, the worst, and everything in between. Below you’ll find a running tally of the books that I have reviewed this year, updated and reranked after each book that I finish. Explore the latest reviews and discover hidden gems with insights from Barlin's Books, your literary companion for top new releases.
#1 - The Bright Years
by Sarah Damoff ★★★★★
A moving generational novel that authentically captures a litany of life moments, from the highs of true love to the challenges of addiction.
#2 - Yesteryear
by Caro Claire Burke ★★★★★
A "tradwife" and Instagram influencer has cultivated a seemingly idyllic life for herself and family, but it's all upended when she wakes up one day in 1805.
#3 - What Happened to the McCrays?
by Tracey Lange ★★★★☆
A man returns home to Potsdam, NY to care for his father after a stroke, forcing him to confront past demons that led to his abrupt departure.
#4 - Operation Bounce House
by Matt Dinniman ★★★★☆
A war novel blended with humor and social commentary that pits peace-loving settlers of a planet against an invasion of giant robots intent on killing them.
#5 - Anatomy of an Alibi
by Ashley Elston ★★★★☆
A two-tiered whodunit focused on the murder of a prominent Baton Rouge lawyer and its potential connection to a hit-and-run from a decade prior.
#6 - Jane and Dan at the End of the World
by Colleen Oakley ★★★★☆
A heist/hostage situation at an elite restaurant is the vehicle for this novel to explore marriage and parenting as much as the heist.
#7 - Crooks
by Lou Berney ★★★★☆
A short story collection masquerading as a novel, it follows the exploits of a family who consistently find themselves on the fringe of honest society.
#8 - The Toll
by Neal Shusterman ★★★☆☆
The third and concluding book the "Arc of a Scythe" trilogy answers a myriad of open questions but plods along for much of the story.
#9 - Detour
by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart ★★★☆☆
A six-person crew must man a space mission to deploy a satellite to Saturn's moon Titan in the hopes that it can be a refuge for a deteriorating Earth.
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