Your Early 2026 Reading List

As the intense winter weather drives us all inside, the beginning of the spring semester is the perfect time to settle into pleasure reading. If you, unlike me, do not already have a lengthy must-read list, check out these seven books that I absolutely adore. With dystopia, mythology, and non-fiction, I’ve included something for every kind of reader.

“Truismes (Pig Tales)” by Marie Darrieussecq:

This 1996 dark comedy follows a young woman as she slowly transforms into a pig. Situated in a near-future France, the comedy’s dystopian plot focuses on female physical appearance and the subsequent sexual gratification women can bring to men. The narrator, an exceptionally beautiful young woman, begins her career as a salon salesperson, and soon discovers that she can sell her body for a handsome profit—but at a personal cost. As the novel progresses, so does her chosen identity transformation; the public’s perception of her shifts from lust to disgust. In under 200 pages, this Kafkaesque political satire questions the role of women in a capitalist society.

“Moon of the Crusted Snow” by Waubgeshig Rice:

If last week’s snowstorm felt like the world was ending, this contemporary apocalyptic novel is perfect for you. Set in a rural Indigenous Canadian community, “Moon of the Crusted Snow” depicts the aftermath of a sudden, unexplained nationwide loss of electricity and communication. I remained at the edge of my seat throughout this entire read, with each chapter bringing a new point of unrest. Rice uses a dystopian lens to question colonialism and advocate for the survival of Indigenous knowledge, incorporating softer, heartwarming scenes of community throughout the otherwise thrilling plot. This contemporary masterpiece portrays humanity at its worst, urging readers to consider how communities respond socially to all kinds of disaster.

“American Gods” by Neil Gaiman:

Gaiman’s 2001 mythological fantasy novel tells the story of Shadow, a convict who, just days before his release from prison, discovers that his wife died in a car accident. With no friends, family, or job to go back to, Shadow is left with only one option: the offer to work for the mysterious Wednesday who has been following him since before his release. Over several months, on a road trip spanning the continental United States, Shadow meets the gods of various cultures living in America, kept alive by ongoing belief. When war breaks out between gods, Shadow finds himself in the middle of it, all the while uncovering secrets about his past.

“Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf:

Although not her most widely read work, this novel is arguably Woolf’s best. In the span of a single afternoon, Woolf seamlessly transitions between the minds of nearly a dozen characters in post-World War I London. The novel starts from the point of view of Clarissa Dalloway, an upper-class, unhappily married woman trying to plan an evening party without succumbing to the heavy thoughts of her past and “the one that got away.” Famous for innovating the “stream-of-consciousness” narration, Woolf writes from inside the psyches of her characters, making for a deeply introspective reading experience.

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy:

This Nickelodeon star’s 2022 memoir discusses familial abuse, mental health, and eating disorders while immersing the reader into the world of a child actor. “iCarly” and “Sam and Cat” star Jennette McCurdy shares her experience growing up with an emotionally abusive mother who forced her into the spotlight, discussing the complexities that come with growing up famous. McCurdy’s wit and honesty make for an incredibly emotional read. For non-fiction fans, this is a great winter autobiography to check out!

“Slaughterhouse-Five” by Kurt Vonnegut:

Vonnegut’s classic work follows an American World War II veteran as he becomes detached from the movement of time. Between a bizarrely enthralling alien abduction sideplot and anti-war sentiment, this easy-to-digest book kept me engaged on every page. Vonnegut’s use of the refrain “so it goes” when describing death provides a comically nihilistic view towards loss and grief bound to make any reader question their own mortality. While reading, I found myself looking at the finality of life and death from a completely new perspective. This tragic, bizarre, and heartwarming story is a quick, accessible story sure to change your worldview.

“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë:

This gothic tale recounts the love story between the wealthy Catherine Earnshaw and the orphan Heathcliff. The pair, who were childhood friends and teenage sweethearts, grew up together at the titular Wuthering Heights where Heathcliff faces abuse at the hands of Catherine’s family. This book truly took me through the entire range of human emotions, with Brontë effortlessly blending romance, horror, and tragedy into a single work exploring gender, race, and class in Victorian England. Be sure to finish it ahead of the release of the controversially cast 2026 movie adaptation.

Drawn from my own list of favourites, every book on this list is bound to pull your mind away from the stress of another semester and into its own, carefully crafted literary world. If you’re trying to reach your 2026 reading goal, minimize your screen time, or just find a new favorite pageturner, check out these recommendations!

Lucy Duncan ’28 (lduncan@college.harvard.edu) writes Arts for the Independent.