2026 has been a year of ups and downs for reading; I don’t think I’m alone in that sentiment. I’m reading slightly fewer books than usual, but I’ve still come across some gems that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. Without further ado, here is the short list of my favorites from around 50 books so far.
1. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
This amazing short book is the second I’ve read by Keegan; the first was Foster, which I read a couple of years ago (and also recommend). It follows a man in Ireland who sees something he shouldn’t have and spends the rest of the novel grappling with what to do with this newfound information. The story explores family, religion, community, purpose, and the struggle between complicity and doing the right thing. It packed a punch for such a short read and left me deeply reflective.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I’m ashamed I’ve gone this far in life without reading this beloved classic! It filled my days with whimsy, wit, and warmth. Austen’s humor clicked with me, and I found the reading experience nothing but joyful. If you are in the mood to laugh, cringe at social conventions, or swoon over (or sometimes get frustrated with) Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice is a delightful read.
3. A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
Imagine using your beauty to topple a kingdom. For Xishi, that is exactly the opportunity she is given. Set in Ancient China, she is tasked with seducing, spying, and taking down her enemies from within the palace walls. The relationships (the yearning!!!) in this story are unexpected and heartwarming, the writing is gorgeous, and the mounting tension kept me hooked on every page. Without saying too much, this novel has one of those endings I kept rereading long after finishing the book.
4. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Although Never Let Me Go remains my favorite Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day rivals it. This book quietly grew on me and ripped my heart out by the end, making it the most unexpected favorite on this list. It follows the butler of Darlington Hall as he takes a weeklong trip through England in 1956 to meet the former housekeeper. Do not let the simple description of this book deter you from reading it. The narrative style, historical context, and, at times, frustrating yet compelling characters will stay with me for a long time.
5. The Silversmith by L.J. Claren
I mentioned the yearning in A Song to Drown Rivers, but The Silversmith might just be the new blueprint. In this stunning novel, we follow Ary, who once thought herself unimportant, as she is thrust into a powerful, magical position. She is trained by the sweetest, most yearning yet intimidating man to rid their world of evil and save her people. If you ever feel hopeless or think love is dead, I recommend you read The Silversmith.
These are the books that have made my reading year so far, ranked in no particular order. What are some books you’ve really loved this year? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image via Anthony Tran on Unsplash
