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!