Maris Kreizman’s Best of Books of 2026 So Far

Key Points:

• Despite challenges like low wages for writers and corporate consolidation in publishing, several outstanding books have emerged in 2026, with three of the six highlighted titles published by Penguin Random House imprints.
• "Night Night Fawn" by Jordy Rosenberg is a darkly humorous yet tragic novel narrated by a bitter woman on her deathbed, exploring complex family dynamics and identity through sharp Jewish humor.
• Emily Labarge's memoir "Dog Days" recounts her traumatic experience of being held hostage and examines the difficulties of narrating trauma through a blend of personal reflection and artistic influences.
• Namwali Serpell's "On Toni Morrison" offers an intellectually rich and nuanced examination of Morrison's work, blending academic rigor with personal insights to celebrate the author's genius.
• Jordan Harper's "A Violent Masterpiece" is a gripping Hollywood noir set in Los Angeles, portraying class rage and intertwining perspectives of a defense attorney, a concierge, and a livestreamer amid a serial killer’s terror.
• Daniyal Mueenuddin's "This Is Where the Serpent Lives" is a multi-part narrative about Pakistan, exploring themes of ambition, corruption, and caste within a feudal system, likened to the depth of classic Russian literature.