It is that time of year that we make a list of the books we want to read in the coming year. What should make your list in 2026? I have a few suggestions for you to consider.
Non-Fiction Books to Read in 2026
No More Boring Bible Study by Faith Womack
I read this book at the end of 2025. It isn’t going to give you a system to study your Bible. It is more like a friend sharing advice about how to really “get into” Bible reading. If you’re new to Bible reading or you’ve kind of lost interest in it, this will help you get focus and renewed excitement.
Books by John Mark Comer
These are three of John Mark Comer’s books that I have read. I think which one you need to read now depends on where you are right now. Live No Lies was probably my favorite of the three. But if you’re in a place of stagnation with your spiritual walk, Practicing the Way may be more of what you need. If you’re in a place of needing some direction in work/vocation, Garden City (available on Kindle Unlimited) may be it for you.
You Are Not Your Own by Alan Noble
A reminder that you are not here for yourself and we all need community. We actually did a virtual book club with this one, and you can find those videos here. Definitely worth reading!
Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
If you haven’t read this book yet, read it. It is a guide to learning apologetics (defending the Christian faith) on your own so you can teach and guide your children as they encounter opposite views in culture.
The Universe Next Door by James Sire
I read this one aloud to my kids and then it was required reading for my master’s program. This is great for understanding worldviews and taking them to their logical conclusions. It is philosophy, so this isn’t an easy read. But once you’ve read it, you’ll have such a good understanding of worldviews and how they shape people and culture.
The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi
I think this book shines in audio format. It is also available on Kindle Unlimited. You could also read it. Ultimately, this book will shine a light on why you make the decisions you do and who is at fault for the outcomes in your life that disappoint you. Kishimi’s bio says he’s an Adlerian psychologist, but this book seems very aligned with Choice Theory. Whatever the theory behind it, it is helpful in changing patterns and making new, intentional choices in life.
Death By Living by N.D. Wilson
I consider this a “must read” for my teenagers before they fly the coop. I also strongly recommend it to anyone suffering from anxiety or depression. Change how you experience the world by changing how you frame it in your own head.
Reading People by Anne Bogel
This is a book about personality. I love how it pulls from all the personality models to help you better understand people. This is an easy, approachable read that will help you understand yourself, your kids, your spouse, etc. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Minimalist Gardening by David the Good
This book was recommended by a friend. This isn’t just a gardening book, it is a way of life. Many of the gardening applications have life applications. Very worthwhile read.
Fiction Books to Read in 2026
Lost in Time by A.G. Riddle
A science-fiction, time travel book that probably escaped your radar. This isn’t the typical, travel back in time and undo X kind of story. This is much more complex and intriguing. A daughter fighting through time to unravel mysteries and save her father. Definitely worth reading. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Books by Agatha Christie
If you haven’t read any Agatha Christie, let this be the year for classic murder mysteries! Her books are from the 1920s and 1930s, but you’ll recognize the timeless set ups and twists. Definitely still hold entertainment value, despite being 100 years old! And Then There Were None (available on Kindle Unlimited) is one of the more popular stories. Murder on the Orient Express (available on Kindle Unlimited) has a movie you can watch after. The Murder at the Vicarage (available on Kindle Unlimited) is just classic small English village murder mystery. Really, you can’t go wrong with nay of her works. And they could keep you busy all year, since she wrote about 75 books in total.
Sidequest: In Realms Ungoogled by Frank Fleming
This is one of my favorite books and you’ve probably never heard of it. It is like The Office meets Onward. It gave me Cabin in the Woods vibes, which is awesome since I love that movie. A good versus evil story where the hero is just some guy who decided to be the someone to do something. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
I love a good murder mystery. This one is so fun! Who better to play detective than a group of retirees? It has a cozy murder mystery vibe while not being quite so quaint English village. Also, there is a movie (on Netflix) you can watch after you read it.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
What would you choose if you could choose a different life? If you could go back and change this decision or that one—would you be happy? That’s what this book is all about. Nora gets the chance to live different versions of her life thanks to The Midnight Library. Will she find happiness in another path?
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
It was really popular, and I read it anyway. I’m glad I did because I loved it. This is a science fiction book set in space with an alien. Felt very Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park) with all the scientific detail thought through and explained. It had so many twists, which usually annoy me as a cheap ploy in storytelling, but these were good! And there will be a movie released based on the book in March 2026.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
More science fiction, what can I say, I have a type! If you’ve never read Brandon Sanderson, this is the way to start. Now, the books are crazy long and the world building lends to a slow start—but if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarding as multiple story threads weave into this epic tale. The world of this book is similar enough to our own that it doesn’t feel weird or forced. The only problem is that when you like this book, the series is now up to book five and that is a LOT of pages to read.
The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis
If you’ve never read this Lewis classic, do it. It is better than Narnia. There are three books in the series and each of them have been my favorite at some point. Out of the Silent Planet (available on Kindle Unlimited) is where it all begins—and no spoiler when I tell you it is about space travel and aliens. Perelandra is the second, and probably weirdest, book in the trilogy with a look at what creation might be like without The Fall. And then the third book, That Hideous Strength, you think is completely out of place until you realize it isn’t and you realize it is less fiction that more time that passes. (I loved this book so much, one of my sons is named after the main character.)
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[…] We already talked about the Stormlight Archives—this is the fifth in the series. I prefer these books, because of their size, in mass market paperback form, so I am awaiting my preorder of the correct book format, though the book is already out and I could have read it already if I wanted. […]