The Best Books of 2026 (So Far)

Published on 28 July 2026

It's been an exceptional year for readers, with bestselling authors, exciting new voices and thought-provoking nonfiction dominating library shelves. As we pass the halfway mark of 2026, we've taken a look at the books capturing readers' attention worldwide—and here at our library.

Alongside our most-borrowed fiction and nonfiction titles, we've highlighted some standout debut authors and some of the year's most notable books that are generating buzz among critics, booksellers and readers alike.

Most borrowed fiction:

• The Long Night by Christian White
• Last One Out by Jane Harper
• The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly
• Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
• Exit Strategy by Lee Child 

Most borrowed nonfiction:

• Nobody's Girl  by Virginia Roberts Guiffre
• Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
• A Different Kind Of Power by Jacinda Arden
• Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks
• The Mushroom Tapes by Helen Garner, Chloee Hooper & Sarah Krasnostein

Standout debut authors:

• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
• Lost Lambs by Medline Cash
• This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
• Homebound by Portia Elan
• Good People by Patmeena Sabit
• It's Not Love Actually by Dee Salmin

What we've been reading: 

• Once We Were Wildlife by Inga Simpson
• A Short History of Longoms by Mirandi Rinoe
• Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman
• The Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh
• The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
• A Forsaken Prophecy by Stacey McEwan
• Heart the Lover by Lily King
• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Have you read any of these titles yet? Whether you're looking for your next book club pick, a page-turning novel or an inspiring nonfiction read, our collection is full of the year's most talked-about books.

Visit the library or browse our catalogue online to discover your next great read.