Get ahead of 2026’s biggest releases this year. We highlight ten must-read backlist books from authors with upcoming titles, so you have your best library day.

What could be better than a discussion on 2026’s biggest releases? We wanted to do something fun (and genuinely helpful) to help you plan next year's TBR. Today, Jessica Bearak is back, and she’s bringing her idea to pair readers with books we don’t want slipping through the cracks. We’ve gathered ten brilliant backlist titles from authors with major books arriving next year, so you can reserve your library holds, fill your Kindle, and feel delightfully ahead of the curve before celebrating their next book. Think of it as your literary pre-game for the year ahead.

In this fun conversation, we discuss:

• 📚 A literary pre-game you can actually use: Jessica and I kick things off with the ten major 2026 releases we’ve got our eyes on—so you can start plotting your reading year long before the hype machine starts spinning.
• 📚 Backlist gems to read while you wait: We pair each upcoming title with a backlist book you can grab right now at your library or favorite bookstore, giving you something delicious to dive into while you count down to release day.
• 📚What the buzzy lists missed: We close by chatting about the standout books we think deserved more end-of-year attention—because great reads don’t always make the roundups, and we’re here to fix that.

📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: Don't miss this week's new book guide! 47 Fresh 2026 Book Releases to Reserve Now. Patrons will receive printable checklists for their next visit to the library!

Meet Jessica Bearak

Jessica is a lifelong book lover who embarked on her literary journey at three, immersing herself in childhood classics like “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Phantom Tollbooth.” Jessica actively participates in two in-person book clubs and regularly engages in many online discussions. She has been an invaluable member of the MomAdvice Book Club.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Buy Me a Coffee - I'm grateful for your support this year!

Join the December Book Club TONIGHT at 8 PM ET (James by Percival Everett)

NEW BOOK LIST: 47 Fresh 2026 Book Releases to Reserve Now

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle 

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle 

Friends Are For by Wade Rouse 

Magic Season by Wade Rouse 

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Off the Record by Sara Goodman-Confino 

Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman-Confino 

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The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer 

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The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer 

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer 

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Five by Ilona Bannister 

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker 

When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister 

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline 

The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline 

A Piece of the World by Christine Baker Kline 

35 Books About Twins That Double the Drama (Book List)

Christina’s World painting

Liberty Street by Heather Marshall 

Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

The Jane Collective 

All You Have To Do Is Call by Kerri Maher 

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The Janes

Eleanor of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLozier 

With Love From Harlem by ReShonda Tate 

The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate 

Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer 

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer 

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth 

The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff 

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff 

Sarah Damoff - The Bright Years Podcast Interview

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy

 

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