How to Read More (and Better) in 2026

In 'The Year of Magical Thinking,' Joan Didion recounts the year after her husband's sudden death, delving into the intense and often irrational nature of grief. The book is a raw and unflinching account of her emotional journey, detailing her 'magical thinking' – the belief that her husband would return. Didion also navigates her daughter's severe health crises and grapples with the fragility of life. The memoir blends personal narrative with investigative journalism, citing medical literature and psychological studies to understand the grieving process. It is a powerful exploration of loss, memory, and the human experience of mourning.

Published in 1993, 'Parable of the Sower' is a dark and vivid portrayal of a future where global climate change and economic crises have led to social chaos. The story is told through the diary entries of Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old Black girl living in a gated community near Los Angeles. Lauren suffers from hyperempathy, a condition that makes her feel the pain and pleasure of others. As her community is destroyed by external threats, Lauren embarks on a perilous journey north, developing a new faith called Earthseed along the way. Earthseed's central doctrine is that 'God is Change' and cannot be resisted, but can be influenced. The novel explores themes of survival, faith, family, hope, and community in a world torn apart by environmental devastation, economic collapse, and violence.

The novel tells the story of Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family in the marshes of North Carolina. Kya learns to survive and thrive in the natural world, forming deep connections with the creatures of the marsh. The story intertwines Kya's coming-of-age with a murder mystery involving Chase Andrews, a local celebrity whose body is found near the marsh. The novel explores themes of isolation, love, survival, and the profound impact of the natural world on human life. Delia Owens' vivid descriptions and atmospheric narrative bring the marshland and its inhabitants to life, making this a compelling and emotionally deep read.

Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex" is a classic Greek tragedy that explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of hubris. Oedipus, the king of Thebes, unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother. The play unfolds as Oedipus investigates the plague that has struck Thebes, ultimately uncovering his own terrible past. The play's dramatic irony and Oedipus's descent from power are hallmarks of Greek tragedy. The play raises profound questions about human responsibility and the limits of human knowledge. Its enduring popularity stems from its exploration of universal themes of guilt, fate, and self-discovery.

The novel is set in a dystopian England where cloning technology allows for the mass production of organ donors. The story is narrated by Kathy, a clone who works as a 'carer' for other donors. Kathy reflects on her upbringing at Hailsham, a boarding school for clones, and her relationships with her friends Ruth and Tommy. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the grim reality of the clones' existence: they are raised to donate their organs until they 'complete' (die). The book explores themes of identity, humanity, and the moral implications of scientific advancements, raising questions about the treatment of the vulnerable and the nature of human existence.

In 'Girls Interrupted', Lisa Whittington-Hill critiques the treatment of women in pop culture, drawing from her experiences and observations. The book delves into topics like the media's portrayal of female grifters and the challenges faced by women in the music industry. While it doesn't offer new perspectives, it remains a compelling read for those interested in modern feminism.