The ’90s. Hip-hop. Fashion. A fabulous, badass leading lady. A glossy magazine world. All the perfect ingredients for Amy DuBois Barnett’s stunning debut novel, If I Ruled the World.

I was beyond thrilled to welcome Amy to Books Are Chic—she truly is the epitome of chic. If you love any (or all) of those elements, consider this the ultimate literary cocktail to add to your 2026 reading list.

I could have talked with Amy for hours, diving into her inspiration, her influential years at so many iconic magazines, the music that shaped the ’90s, and everything in between. This book will make you think, dream bigger, and take action—no matter how big or small those dreams may be.

I said it at the beginning of the episode and I’ll say it again: If I Ruled the World is already topping my 2026 reads. I know I’ll be needing many more Amy books in my future—she is absolutely one to watch.