Booksellers and booksites have all been sharing their recommended reads for 2026.
Here is a snapshot of those lists for those who are looking to stock their bedside tables.
Exclusive Books
Exclusive Books’ essential January reads include a selection of fiction and non-fiction.
The list is based on the Booker Prize nominees and books that were popular last year.
Fiction highlights:
Flesh by David Szalay
Winner of the 2025 Booker Prize
David Szalay’s Flesh takes its place as the literary triumph of the year, praised for its emotional acuity, elegance, and psychological depth. A penetrating exploration of the body, vulnerability, and the edges of desire, it is a masterclass in contemporary fiction and essential reading for 2026.
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
Booker Prize Shortlist 2025
In her luminous new novel, Kiran Desai captures the delicate threads that bind people – however distantly – to one another. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is a deeply humane portrait of longing, displacement, and unexpected connection, delivered with Desai’s trademark lyricism and insight.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Charlotte McConaghy returns with a powerful, atmospheric novel that fuses urgent environmental themes with an intimate, emotionally charged narrative. Wild Dark Shore is a riveting story of courage, survival, and the wild spaces that shape us.
Queen Esther by John Irving
John Irving’s Queen Esther is a sweeping, character-driven novel rich with humour, emotional intensity, and the trademark narrative boldness that has defined his career. A vibrant story of identity, family, and chosen belonging – perfect for readers seeking immersive, thought-provoking fiction.
Non-Fiction Highlights:
Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday
Bestselling author Ryan Holiday returns with Wisdom Takes Work, a timely and compelling exploration of discipline, clarity, and the deliberate practice behind a meaningful life. A powerful start-of-year read for anyone looking to strengthen purpose and resilience.
The Daily Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Julia Cameron, global creativity mentor and author of The Artist’s Way, introduces The Daily Artist’s Way – a beautifully structured companion for daily creative renewal. It offers practical guidance, encouragement, and reflection for readers seeking to nurture imagination throughout the year.
Atomic Habits Workbook: The Official Companion by James Clear
Building on the phenomenal success of Atomic Habits, this official workbook transforms Clear’s habit-building principles into actionable practices. Ideal for readers committed to making 2026 their most consistent and goal-driven year yet.
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Eat Yourself Healthy by Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver brings his energising, accessible approach to everyday wellness in Eat Yourself Healthy. Filled with nutritious recipes and practical lifestyle guidance, this book empowers readers to make sustainable, joyful changes through food.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
In one of the most widely discussed non-fiction releases of recent years, Jonathan Haidt examines the rising tide of adolescent anxiety and the forces driving it. The Anxious Generation offers grounded research, compelling insights, and essential discussions for parents, educators, and policymakers.
Goodreads
Readers’ review site Goodreads also released a list of the books that were voted most popular on its site for 2025.
Here are the winners of the 17th annual Goodreads Choice Award which was collated from 7 516 397 votes:
Fiction: My Friends by Fredrik Backman.
Historical Fiction: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Mystery & Thriller: Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
Romance: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Romantasy and Audiobook: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Fantasy: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab
Science Fiction: The Compound by Aisling Rawle
Horror: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
Debut Novel: Alchemised by Sen Lin Yu
Young Adult Fantasy & Sci-Fi: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Young Adult Fiction: Fake Skating by Lynn Painter
Nonfiction: Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
Memoir: The House of my Mother by Shari Franke
History & Biography: How to Kill a Witch by Zoe Venditozzi and Claire Mitchell
Book Lounge
The Book Lounge in Cape Town also posted its Book of the Year Shortlist of only South African titles. The list comprised mostly literary fiction but also included poetry anthologies, short story collections, non-fiction and humour fiction published recently.
Here is the list:
The Nicotine Gospel by Sven Axelrad (literary fiction)
Braids and Migraines by Andile Cele (literary fiction)
The Fragile Mental Health of Strong Women by Michelle Kekana (literary fiction)
The Lucky Ones by Alistair Mackay (short stories)
Bosadi by Kopano Matiwa (literary fiction)
Rootbound by Manthipe Moila (Poetry)
A Collection of Gaps by Frankie Murray (short stories)
Journey Kwantu: Exploring African Spirituality and Identity by Vusumzi Ngxande (non-fiction)
Book People by Paige Nick (humour fiction)
Lone Wolf Living by Werner Pretorius (short stories)
Kwandis Shandis by Nokwanda Sihlali (Poetry)
And Book Lounge’s winner is:
Ghost in the Drum is the debut novel by the South African author Nthato Mokgata, which was released in late 2024. The book is an urban fiction story that dives into the complexities of the South African underground music scene, fame, mental health, and the price of ambition.
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