Best Books to Read in 2026: Top Picks in Self-Improvement, Fantasy & Crime
This blog is all about the best books to read in 2026.
With 2026 around the corner, it’s time we set our New Year’s goals straight.
I have been a keen reader all my life, but over the past year, I’ve struggled to read every day. Therefore, I want to ensure that in 2026, I maintain my reading habits.
If you’re looking for the best books to read in 2026 across self-improvement, fantasy, and crime, this list covers my top recommendations.
Whether you’re a beginner reader or a seasoned bookworm, this list has something for every kind of reader.
My Must-Read Books List For 2026
Reading is essential in life; it’s great for learning new things, self-improvement, imagination, and disconnecting. Whatever genre you like, reading will always be beneficial.
Throughout my 20 years of life, I’ve had really different reading phases. I’ve had my romantic era, my self-improvement era, fantasy era…
This reading list brings together my top recommendations and upcoming reads. It will help you build your reading list for 2026 with books that inspire growth, spark imagination, and deliver page-turning suspense.
Best Self-Improvement Books to Read in 2026
If you’re setting personal goals this year, these self-improvement books will motivate your 2026 journey.
1. Atomic Habits By James Clear
Atomic Habits is a thought-provoking starting point for self-improvement. As a college student, productivity is essential, so Atomic Habits was helpful to learn how to juggle work, studying, and social life.
Perfect for: students, practical readers, and anyone who gets overwhelmed easily by routines or self-help advice.
2. Rich Dad, Poor Dad By Robert Kiyosaki
Financial literacy is important for young students. We must learn how to manage our money early in life so that we reach financial independence earlier. Rich Dad, Poor Dad was my first money book, and it was eye-opening for understanding the importance of financial freedom.
Perfect for: beginner readers, young adults looking for financial freedom, people who feel “scared of money.”
3. The Art of Laziness By Library Mindset
The Art of Laziness is the top 1 book on my to-read list. Productivity is a big struggle in my life right now, so I want to make sure I put an end to that.
Perfect for: anyone struggling with burnout and low motivation, people searching for a gentler approach to productivity.
4. Getting Things Done By David Allen
Again, another book for productivity. Many people have recommended this book, so I’m excited to read it. If you already have, tell us if you liked it.
Perfect for: overthinkers who need organization, students, and busy people.
Best Fantasy Books for Your 2026 Reading List
When I need an escape, fantasy books are my go-to. These are the ones that stayed with me.
1. The Red Queen By Victoria Aveyard
The Red Queen is a teenage fantasy book. One of the first ones I read, actually. It’s a simple start for the fantasy world; easy to read, simple plot, and comforting writing style.
Perfect for: beginners to fantasy, teenagers, and slow-burn romance lovers.
2. A Court Of Silver Flames By Sarah. J. Maas
A Court of Silver Flames is the best book I have read in a long time. It’s the fifth book of the ACOTAR series, and really, Sarah J. Maas’s books are getting better.
Perfect for: romantic readers, enemies-to-lovers, people looking for deep character development.
3. Shadow and Bone By Leigh Bardugo
I first fell in love with Shadow and Bone after watching the Netflix series. I then decided to read the book, and I fell in love with the storyline all over again. I definitely recommend this book.
Perfect for: Netflix series lovers, readers new to the Grishaverse, and fans of magic systems.
4. The Cruel Prince By Holly Black
The Cruel Prince is the typical Pinterest book everybody talks about. Honestly, I realized that after reading it, but I like it all the same.
Perfect for: enemies-to-lovers, people seeking Pinterest aesthetic books, and fae politics.
Best Crime & Mystery Books to Read in 2026
If you love tension, twists, and page-turning suspense, these crime books are must-reads for 2026.
1. Five Little Pigs By Agatha Christie
This is the best crime book I have ever read! Five Little Pigs is by far the best book by Agatha Christie. It’s always my go-to book recommendation.
Perfect for: fans of psychological puzzles, classic detective fiction, and slow-burn mysteries.
2. The Gypsy Bride By Carmen Mola
Goosebumps is all I can say about this book. I even felt scared at some moments.
Carmen Mola went overboard with this book and represents one of the best murder stories I have ever read.
Perfect for: people looking for intense dark stories, gritty realism, and stomach-dropping thrillers.
3. The Dance of The Tulips By Ibon Martin
The Dance of the Tulips is an easy-reading crime book. Ibon Martin has truly outstanding books, but The Dance of the Tulips is by far his best work.
Perfect for: beginners to thrillers looking for small-town secrets and an easy-to-read crime book.
4. Death On The Nile By Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie might seem a cliché option, but I love her writing style. She has a comforting writing style that makes you enter Poirot’s world completely.
Perfect for: fans of elegant settings, puzzle-style plots, and classic mystery novels.
Final Thoughts: Build Your 2026 Reading List
Ready to begin your 2026 reading journey? Join me on my “Create Your Library” Challenge to make reading and reaching your goals fun! Print this image out, and color a book every time you read one.
This way, you’ll be able to track your progress in a fun, attractive, and aesthetic way.
What do you think about my recommendations? Is there a book you dislike, or love, or miss? Tell me about it in the comments!