Penguin Random House is reporting that it has released a list of the biggest books of 2026 so far. It highlights several titles, including "The Shampoo Effect" by Jenny Jackson, a Read With Jenna Book Club Pick praised by The New York Times. The publisher also features "Good People" by Patmeena Sabit, recognized by The New Yorker as one of the best books of 2026 so far, and "Vigil" by George Saunders, noted by TIME for its daring experimentation and compassion.
Other prominent books include "The Exes" by Leodora Darlington, a Good Morning America Book Club Pick, and "London Falling" by Patrick Radden Keefe, a Reese's Book Club Pick. Daniyal Mueenuddin's "This Is Where the Serpent Lives" is also listed as a New York Times Best Book of the Year So Far. The list further includes "Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block" by Jesse Q. Sutanto, "Kin" by Tayari Jones, an Oprah's Book Club Pick, and "A Pair of Aces" by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, another Reese's Book Club Pick. Matt Haig's "The Midnight Train" and the title "Bluesky" complete the selection.