lou's library

I don’t usually stay on top of upcoming book releases, I usually just let out a scream of joy in the book shop when I realise one of my favourite authors has a new book out. But for some reason, I’m unusually prepared in 2026 and do know about a few book releases that I’m quite hyped about. So, without further ado, get your calendars out so you can mark those dates immediately!

Land by Maggie O’Farrell

This is easily the release I’m most excited about. Maggie O’Farrell has become one of my favourite authors in recent years and I cannot wait for her to break my heart all over again in 2026. Land will be published 2 June, and you best believe I will be getting my hands on it as soon as possible! It’s a glorious 400 pages long (I already know it will be too short) and is set in 1860s Ireland. I’m literally screaming with excitement right now, that sounds so damn perfect. With the movie adaptation of Hamnet coming out this year as well, I’m declaring 2026 the year of Maggie O’Farrell!! Also, I just know Land will be absolutely devastating and that we’ll all be shedding some tears in June. What fun!!

John of John by Douglas Stuart

Speaking of tears, Douglas Stuart returns in 2026 to rip our hearts out! It’s about time, Mr Stuart, as it’s been far too long since I lay on the sofa at Christmas, crying my eyes out over Young Mungo. I do need more of that in my life, so I am ever so glad that Douglas Stuart will be delivering the goods this year. John of John will be released on 21 May and the official synopsis actually includes the word ‘heartbreaking’, so I guess we have all been warned and are in for a ride. It once again focuses on a young man (nobody writes young male characters better than Douglas Stuart) who returns home and I guess shit goes down from there. 416 pages should be enough space for Douglas Stuart to make me hate this world and everyone in it who has ever done his protagonist wrong. I can’t wait to meet the fella.

Heartstopper Volume 6 by Alice Oseman

This one is going to be bittersweet. The sixth and final volume of the Heartstopper series will be released on 7 July and while I cannot wait to read about what will happen to Nick and Charlie, I also don’t want any of it to end. But I guess once the final graphic novel is out, Netflix can finally release the damn movie we’re getting instead of a proper final season of the Heartstopper show. I do need more Kit Connor on my screen, and pronto. But seriously, I just know this last graphic novel will make my heart burst with emotions. These characters are incredibly special and saying goodbye to them will be heartbreaking.

The News From Dublin by Colm Tóibín

I feel conflicted about short stories and I’m not sure Colm Tóibín’s writing is for me. But, when the two combine, I’m weirdly on board? I do want to read more short stories, because when you find a good one, that stuff just hits different. And everyone and their cat loved Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín, I was the only one who didn’t, which of course makes me think he deserves another chance! So when his short story collection The News From Dublin will be published on 26 March, I might just get my hands on a copy. Apparently, it’s about people living far from home and as I’m currently living far from home, that might actually resonate with me. I guess I’ll have to find out.

These are the 2026 releases I’m excited about! Do let me know if I’ve missed any that should be on this list and have a great (reading) year! <33