Best Literary Fiction Books of 2026

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is a stunning and touching novel that follows three generations of a family in Kerala, South India, who experience a strange affliction: someone in the family dies by drowning in every generation. The story spans from 1900 to 1977 and explores love, faith, and medicine. The book is a beautiful hymn to progress in medicine and human understanding, and a testament to the difficulties undergone by past generations. The Covenant of Water is a masterpiece and a must-read for anyone who loves family sagas and historical fiction.

Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist facing sexism in the 1960s. Her career takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the star of a popular TV cooking show. Elizabeth's unique approach to cooking challenges the status quo and inspires women to embrace change. The novel is witty, insightful, and features a colorful cast of characters. Bonnie Garmus's debut novel is a must-read for anyone looking for an inspiring and entertaining story about a woman who defies expectations and transforms her life.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a coming-of-age novel that takes place in the mountains of southern Appalachia. The story follows a boy born to a single mother, who faces a range of modern perils such as foster care, child labor, addiction, and crushing losses. Through it all, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture that has abandoned rural people in favor of cities. Kingsolver's book is a unique take on a literary classic, transposing a Victorian epic novel to the contemporary American South. Overall, Demon Copperhead is a compelling and heart-wrenching read that speaks for a new generation of lost boys.

Hello Beautiful is a heartwarming family story about William Waters, who grew up in a house filled with tragedy and met Julia Padavano in college. With her came her three sisters, and William found contentment in their loving chaos. However, William's past resurfaces, causing a catastrophic family rift that changes their lives for generations. This novel is an exquisite homage to Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, portraying the beauty of loving someone for who they are. Ann Napolitano has crafted yet another poignant and engrossing family tale that will leave readers moved and inspired.

All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book that tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths cross in occupied France during World War II. The novel is a beautiful and stunningly ambitious portrayal of the devastation caused by war. The author, Anthony Doerr, skillfully interweaves the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, highlighting the ways in which people try to be good to each other against all odds. The book is a deeply moving novel that is nothing short of brilliant and offers a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of history intertwined with irresistible fiction. It is a must-read for anyone interested in military historical fiction books.

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of Tova Sullivan, a widow who works at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. After forming an unlikely connection with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, Tova discovers that Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine about her son's mysterious disappearance over thirty years ago. The novel explores themes of friendship, hope, and reckoning, making it a great read for fans of "A Man Called Ove." Overall, "Remarkably Bright Creatures" is a charming and witty debut that will leave readers both giggling and in tears."

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a captivating novel that explores the journey of two childhood friends, Sam and Sadie, who become successful video game designers. The book follows their rise to fame, the challenges they face, and their creative ambitions. The story spans over 30 years and takes place in various locations, including Cambridge and Venice Beach. This book is a unique love story that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, and the redemptive possibilities in play. Overall, this is an utterly brilliant and gorgeously written novel that is a must-read for anyone who loves cultural heritage fiction books.

Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel is a gripping family saga fiction book that chronicles the rise of an iconic 1970s rock band and their lead singer. The book is written as an oral history of one of the biggest bands of the seventies, revealing the mystery behind their infamous breakup. Taylor Jenkins Reid brilliantly captures a place and time in an utterly distinctive voice, making this book an explosive, dynamite, down-and-dirty look at a fictional rock band. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves music and drama.

The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks is a funny, touching, and thought-provoking novel about the making of a star-studded, multimillion-dollar superhero action film and the humble comic books that inspired it. The story takes the readers through different timelines, starting from 1947 to the present day, and introduces a cast of characters that are both relatable and endearing. The inclusion of three comic books created by Tom Hanks himself, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. Overall, this book is a delightful read that captures the changes in American culture since World War II.

Mad Honey is a heart-wrenching novel that explores the power of love and acceptance. The story follows Olivia and Lily as they navigate their personal struggles and find solace in each other. However, tragedy strikes when Lily dies, and Olivia's son, Asher, becomes the prime suspect. The novel is a beautiful blend of suspense, romance, and family drama, leaving readers with a powerful message about the secrets we keep and the risks we take to become ourselves. Mad Honey is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good family saga fiction book.