Since we’re halfway through the year, I thought I would talk about my favourite and least favourite books from 2026 so far. I think the original tag with the questions was created by Ely on Booktube.
I’ve read a total of 39 books so far this year. A majority of those have been thrillers which is surprising as I haven’t been into thrillers as much in the past couple of years. I’ve also found new authors and enjoyed an array of genres from sci-fi to literary fiction. So far, it’s been a pretty good reading year.
Best book you’ve read so far in 2026?
This is a hard one as I’ve loved so many this year. The contenders are The Driver’s Seat by Muriel Spark, In Ascension by Martin MacInnes, Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, Heart of the Lover by Lily King, and If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin. I think the one that’s stuck with me and I enjoyed the most while reading it was Baldwin’s book so I’m picking that as my favourite so far in 2026.
Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2026?
Does an Agatha Christie book count? I adored Evil Under the Sun. It was a very engaging book and I was surprised with how the ending was written, in a good way. This might be one of my favourites that I’ve read by the author. Since Hercule Poirot is the star of this novel and it’s a sequel to his other books, I think it fits this prompt well.
New release you haven’t read yet, but want to
Heartstopper Vol.6 by Alice Oseman. It’s one of those I can’t wait to read but because it’s the last one in the entire series, I’m a bit apprehensive to pick it up as there won’t be more to read after finishing the last page. I think I’m going to read it soon though.
Most anticipated release for the second half of 2026
John Green has written a new fiction novel that is out in September and I’m super excited. I loved all his previous books and Hollywood, Ending sounds great. I’m ready to be devastated by his writing all over again.
Biggest disappointment
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney is one I didn’t like and I had such high hopes for it as I’ve been loving thrillers this year. I felt the plot was a bit wishy-washy. There was a lot of loose ends with how the story was wrapped-up. Parts of it I did enjoy, but overall it felt a bit unrealistic, even for a thriller.
Biggest surprise
Look What You Made Me Do by John Lancaster. The premise of this one made me pick it up and I was gripped from the very first page. There were so many twists and turns and unlikeable characters. I thought the dual point-of-view was done well too and added a lot of backstory to the intriguing characters. I’ve not seen many people talk about this one but it’s definitely one that should be picked up.
New favourite author?
Lily King. I’ve just picked up another one of her books which I’m excited to read very soon. I read Heart of the Lover in one sitting. It was engrossing, emotional and the characters felt so realistic. This one is definitely worth the hype.
Newest favourite character?
I liked Lise from Muriel Spark’s The Driver’s Seat a lot. I think she’s a bit marmite and difficult to gel with but I found her to be one of the most interesting characters in fiction. The devastating backstory, her weirdness in general and unbothered attitude to others was truly fascinating.
Book that made you cry?
I never cry in books so I can’t answer this one. One of the more heart-tugging books I read and enjoyed though was The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.
Book that made you happy?
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez was a fun, lighthearted read.
Favourite book to movie adaption you’ve seen this year?
Three stand out to me the most but I will narrow it down to one. I thought Project Hail Mary was fantastic. They did the story justice and I don’t think I have any critiques of it. One of the best adaptions I’ve seen in a long time and I think it is my favourite of the year. But I also loved People We Meet On Vacation, and Off Campus. I think Off Campus was a lot better than the books and was brilliant but neither compare to Project Hail Mary for me.
Favourite post you’ve written this year?
I’ve always been a Sophie Kinsella fan and was devastated when the news came out about her passing. I wrote a blog post to celebrate all my favourite books by her and I think this is my favourite one I’ve written this year so far.
Most beautiful book you bought this year?
I’ve bought some of the new pretty hardbacks that have been released by Agatha Christie. My favourite is definitely Peril at End House. The colours are so pretty.
What books do you really need to read by the end of the year?
Queenie is Working on It by Candice Carty-Williams is one I would like to read before 2026 ends. It’s a sequel and I loved the first instalment so I’m sure I’ll enjoy this one too.
What has been your favourite book of the year so far? Let me know in the comments below. I’m also on Instagram and Twitter – @bookwormgirl_24
Discover more from bookworm girl
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
bookworm girl 