The It Books of January 2026

Jeff and Rebecca look at what we know of the 2026 publishing calendar to pick 10 books we are most excited about (with some quibbling and caveats). Lots to like this year.

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Come to Powell's to see Gabriel Tallent in Conversation with Jeff O'Neal

Vigil by George Saunders

On Morrison by Namwalli Serpell

Language as Liberation by Toni Morrison

Kin by Tayari Jones

Brawler by Lauren Groff

Python's Kiss by Louise Erdrich

London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe

My Dear You by Rachel Khong

Go Gentle by Maria Semple

On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward

Country People by Daniel Mason

Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead

Exit Party Emily St. John Mandel

American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee

Transcription by Ben Lerner

Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez

Depths of Wikipedia by Annie Rauwerda

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