Best Literary Criticism & Theory Books of 2026

You Can't Joke About That by Kat Timpf is a hilarious and moving book that challenges the idea that some topics are off-limits for humor. Timpf argues that the most sensitive subjects are the most important to joke about, and she shows us how humor can bring healing on topics that are often avoided in polite conversation. From campus censorship to bad Christmas presents, Timpf's acerbic wit is on full display as she takes on everything she's not supposed to target. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in free speech and comedy.

Monsters by Claire Dederer is a thought-provoking book that explores the relationship between art and morality in the age of #MeToo. Dederer examines the work of controversial artists such as Woody Allen, Michael Jackson, and Picasso and asks whether we can still appreciate their art despite their monstrous behavior. She also delves into the question of whether an artist needs to be a monster to create great art. Highly topical and morally wise, Monsters is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and ethics.

Becoming Free Indeed is a captivating memoir by Jinger Vuolo, the sixth child of the Duggar family. She shares her journey of questioning the strict religious rules she grew up with and discovering true freedom in Christ. Through her personal experiences, Jinger shows how she disentangled her faith from fear and learned to embrace personal conviction. This book is a must-read for anyone who has struggled with legalistic religious teachings and desires to find a deeper understanding of God's Word. It is a unique and inspiring story that will leave readers feeling empowered and encouraged.

The Will to Change by bell hooks is a thought-provoking book that delves into the ways that patriarchal culture keeps men from expressing their emotions and loving. Through candid and challenging discussions, hooks encourages men to reclaim the emotionally open part of themselves and find spiritual unity. This book is a compelling study of the culture's unfairness to men, and it's a clarion call to align with visionary radical feminism. Overall, The Will to Change is a brave and astonishing work that can help men reclaim the best part of themselves.

Women Who Run with the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés is a New York Times bestseller that has sold over a million copies. The book explores the instinctual nature of women and the societal attempts to suppress it. Estés uses intercultural myths, fairy tales, and folk tales to help women reconnect with their fierce, healthy, and visionary attributes. This book is a gift of profound insight, wisdom, and love, and it stands out from the pack as a bible for women interested in doing deep work. Women Who Run with the Wolves is a must-read for anyone looking for personal transformation and self-help.

This book, Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies by Elizabeth Winkler, is a fascinating investigation into the Shakespeare authorship question. Winkler explores how doubting that William Shakespeare wrote his plays became an act of blasphemy and who the Bard might really be. She delves into the forces of nationalism, religion, and class that have shaped our admiration for Shakespeare across the centuries. Winkler’s interest turns to the problem of historical truth, and how human imperfections shape our construction of the past. An irresistible work of literary detection, this book will forever change how you think of Shakespeare and how we as a society decide what's up for debate and what's just nonsense.

The Joy Luck Club is a touching and powerful novel by Amy Tan that explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. The book follows the stories of four Chinese women and their daughters, whose histories and experiences shift with the four winds. As each woman shares her secrets and tries to unravel the truth about her life, the strings become more tangled and entwined. Tan is a masterful storyteller, weaving together a beautiful and poignant tale that will stay with readers long after they finish the book. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Asian American literature and the complexities of family relationships.

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is a literary masterpiece, taking readers on a journey through the depths of Hell, the trials of Purgatory, and the glory of Paradise. This edition combines all three canticles in one volume, translated by John Ciardi. The translations are praised for their sensitivity and passion, presenting Dante's work in a credible and noble manner. Overall, The Divine Comedy is a dazzling work of sublime truth and mystical intensity that deserves its place among the great works of literature.

How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading, with half a million copies in print, is a comprehensive guide to reading comprehension for the general reader. The book introduces and elucidates the various levels of reading and how to achieve them, from elementary reading to speed reading. It offers instruction in different techniques that work best for reading particular genres and provides a recommended reading list and reading tests to measure progress. The book is a living classic that shows concretely how the serious work of proper reading may be accomplished and how much it may yield in the way of instruction and delight.

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud is a must-read for anyone interested in comics or visual storytelling. Praised by industry luminaries such as Art Spiegelman and Matt Groening, the book explores the history and technical aspects of comics art, as well as its cultural significance. The author's accessible style and clever use of comic book format make this a fun and engaging read. Overall, this book is an indispensable treatise on comics and visual literacy.