Our Titles Featured in Barnes & Noble's Best Books of the Year (So Far)
As we’re approaching the halfway point of 2026, Barnes & Noble released their roundup of the Best Books of the Year (So Far). Rather than ranking the selections, the list highlights 38 books across genres, each chosen by Barnes & Noble booksellers from stores across the country. Every featured title is accompanied by a personal recommendation from booksellers, offering a glimpse into what made the book deserving of this recognition.
We’re thrilled to share that 14 Penguin Random House titles were selected for this year’s list. Congratulations to our talented authors and teams who brought these standout books to life. With so many incredible titles already making their mark this year, we’re excited to see what’s to come in the second half of 2026!
Our Titles Featured in Barnes & Noble’s Best Books of the Year (So Far)
YESTERYEAR by Caro Claire Burke (Knopf)
“Natalie seemingly has it all, the perfect husband, kids and a thriving social media empire — but things are about to change. When she suddenly finds herself in an alternate universe from another century, a darkly hilarious story unfolds. This electrifying debut novel about the unraveling of a lifestyle influencer is a sharp commentary on family, faith and fame.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
KIN by Tayari Jones (Knopf)
“The complex relationships between mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends in the American South are examined in this sharp and entertaining story from Tayari Jones.”
–Notes From Your Bookseller
AMERICAN RAMBLER by Isaac Fitzgerald (Knopf)
“Isaac Fitzgerald invites you to follow in the footsteps of Johnny Appleseed for a mesmerizing journey that weaves memory, history and personal anecdotes.’
-Notes From Your Bookseller
STRANGERS by Belle Burden (The Dial Press)
“There can be a fine line between loving and loathing, and Belle Burden examines what went wrong after her husband of twenty years exits her life with no warning.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“George Saunders returns with an imaginative new story about the pivotal moment between life and death. Jill “Doll” Blaine accompanies the dying as they transition to the afterlife—but her latest assignment forces her to reckon with the fragility of humanity.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“The author of the smart and funny Dungeon Crawler Carl series returns with another epic adventure. Space settlers fight to survive when planetary warfare becomes a game in this inventive sci-fi read.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“Patrick Radden Keefe uncovers the gripping true story of a young man whose life is cut short after he becomes entangled in London’s dark underworld. As his parents launch a harrowing search for answers, the case exposes danger, corruption and one family’s devastating loss.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“Facing a career crisis, a young man moves to the Italian countryside to assist an eclectic elderly woman named Coco, who is living out her final years in a crumbling villa.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“Agnes has devoted her life to finding forever homes for stray cats, but to save her shelter from dark magic, she’ll have to team up with a cunning magician”.
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“Using diaries, letters, speeches and more, renowned historian H.W. Brands examines the life of George Washington, the reluctant figure who laid the groundwork for leadership in the early days of America.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“Beaten down by life, Adi jumps at the chance to do something meaningful. From the author of Dear American Airlines comes a richly imaginative fable about saving the world.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“The author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette is back with a transformative novel of new beginnings and second chances. Headstrong and determined, modern philosopher Adora Hazzard questions her future after a meeting with a mysterious yet alluring stranger.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“Offering a powerful lens into the making of Silicon Valley’s elite, a former Stanford journalist brings to light never-before-reported allegations of serious misconduct.”
-Notes From Your Bookseller
“Discover Upward Bound, a center for disabled adults, complete with a cast of eclectic patients and their overworked caretakers. Offering unique perspectives from complex characters, Woody Brown intricately weaves delicate storylines with empathy and warmth, delivering an inspiring novel of acceptance and hope”
-Notes From Your Bookseller