Our newsroom picks 5 new books to read in 2026 | Entertainment/Life

We opened up the floor in the newsroom to see which new books our reporters loved most this year. Below are five suggestions, three of which were published this year and two that were published in 2024. 

Michelle Hunter, New Orleans crime reporter

“Alchemised,” by SenLinYu, and “The Irresistible Urge To Fall For Your Enemy,” by Brigitte Knightley

These two books made their way onto my shelf via the same popular new sub-genre of romance novel “Dramione” fan fiction. The books were written by authors who penned and uploaded fan-fics about love blossoming between Harry Potter characters/rivals Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger.

They are two of three Dramione tales that proved so popular online that their authors got deals to rework and publish their stories this year.

The books fall squarely in the enemies-to-lovers category. Be forewarned, “Alchemised” is the darker of the pair, delving into themes of war and trauma, while “The Irresistible Urge” is lighter with fun banter and a slow-burn yearn.

Andrea Gallo, senior investigations editor 

“Dinner for Vampires,” by Bethany Joy Lenz

I was addicted to the teen drama television series “One Tree Hill” as a teen and thought this memoir would be an interesting look behind the curtain. But “Dinner for Vampires” surprised me, reading more like a suspense novel that I could not put down.

Bethany Joy Lenz writes a fascinating tale about how a young actress looking for connection wound up in a cult while also filming one of the most famous shows on television. She’s honest about her scars while also sharing hard-won wisdom and hope.

“Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert,” by Bob The Drag Queen

The only new-release book I read this year was “Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert” which is an excellent palate cleanser between heavier reads.

It’s a hilarious trip through history through the eyes of Bob the Drag Queen, served with a lot of attitude and even some original songs. I love that it makes historical figures so accessible, and it has a great message about getting past the fear of putting yourself out there!

Matt Albright, politics editor 

“The Heartbeat Library,” by Laura Imai Messina 

This book is quite literally a meditation. It is a portrait of emotions, of how we grieve and how we grow, and how one cannot do one without the other.

The story is of a man coming to terms with losing a child and a marriage, but it is told in a way that is contemplative, tender and ultimately hopeful. The story describes its characters’ thoughts and feelings with such clarity and affection that I found it helped me understand my own.