The PRH Library Marketing Staff Predicts Award-Winning 2026 Releases

“Hesse’s memoir on extracting himself from his evangelical upbringing is as harrowing as it is heartfelt. Tackling religious trauma, the ravaged middle class, opioid addiction, and more, this is a vividly-rendered story that will strike a chord with readers everywhere.”

“I’m going to take a leap and stand behind this debut memoir as my pick for a future award-winner. This is a timely, fiercely honest book written in a voice that I think will resonate with and move a lot of people.”

“Clutch by Emily Nemens felt deeply relatable to me, especially in how it captures long friendships and the constant juggling of career, family, and bigger societal pressures. It’s smart, timely, and the kind of novel that lingers, making it a strong contender for awards and book club buzz.”

“In Keefe’s latest, a grieving family pores over the mystery of their son’s death. And London is a matrix of power, secrecy and corruption.”

“A new novel from Colson Whitehead that brings to life 1980s New York in the magnificent final volume of his Harlem Trilogy. Everything this two-time Pulitzer winner writes is gold.”

“This is the eagerly-awaited next novel from Chloe Benjamin whose last book, The Immortalists, was a #1 LibraryReads Pick and 2018 Favorite of Favorites. Benjamin’s talent for immersing her reader in an epic, one-of-a-kind moving and poignant human journey awaits her fans once again.”

“I love fantasy, mystery, and dark romance, and this story feels like all of that wrapped into one addictive world that pulls you in immediately. Between the necromancy, morally messy characters, and dangerous love, it feels like the kind of book you can’t stop thinking about.”

“From New York Times bestselling author and activist, Kate Schatz, comes a timely coming-of-age historical fiction that shines a light on the feminist movement’s collision with limited reproductive rights in 1960s San Francisco. It’s deeply empowering, heartfelt, and a must-read for fans of women’s fiction.”

“The Reservation explores the loves and labors of an ensemble of more than a dozen restaurant workers as they strive to get a perfect meal to the table.”