The Best Books of 2026 So Far (WE CRIED!)

In this episode of The Bibliofilles, Sophie and Chaya round up the best books of the year so far and it's not just their own picks. They've spent hours combing through every major "best of" list from Goodreads, The New York Times and NPR, then added their own favourites, submissions from Bibliofilles Insiders, and an exclusive segment from senior editors across Spotify Audiobooks worldwide.

From the most talked-about book of the year to a lit RPG series flying completely under the radar, a devastating non-fiction deep dive, and the sports romance nobody saw coming, this episode covers new releases, overlooked backlist gems, and the books they simply can't stop thinking about.

📖 In this episode:

The most talked-about book of the year so far and why it's dividing readers

The lit RPG series outselling literary fiction that nobody's talking about

Non-fiction picks spanning true crime, memoir and modern history

Sophie and Chaya's personal favourite reads of the year (including one not even out yet)

Exclusive best books recommendations from senior editors at Spotify Audiobooks (US, UK, Canada and Australia)

Insider picks from Bibliofilles Substack subscribers

A recommendation from the National Year of Reading campaign

Independent bookshop bestsellers from The Wandering Chapter

The books they're most excited to read before the year is out