My Top 10 Book Recommendations for 2026!

I remember world book day being all about the costume that you were going to wear to school that day and showing off your favourite book. Even though we are university students and may not dress up for it anymore we can still get into the world book day spirit!

But are you not sure where to start with reading?
Wonder no more! Here are my top 10 book suggestions to help you get back into reading!

• 1. PERCY JACKSON- Rick Riordan (Series) Don’t let the “this children’s book stigma” put you off this classic Greek fiction story. Exploring the mythology of ancient Greece it’s the perfect book to kickstart your introduction to fantasy.

• 2. THE HUNGER GAMES Suzanne Collins (Series) Are you a fan on the films? Well, you’ll certainly be and even bigger fan of the books! This dystopian classic always has a choke hold on its readers. And with the new film coming out in November it’s the perfect opportunity to read these Dystopian classics.

• 3. THE PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION- Emily Henry The days are becoming brighter and I’m personally already thinking about a holiday. The people we meet on vacation is the perfect book to read to get into that holiday mood with the benefit of a friends to lover’s romance story. Missed chances, a series of holidays and friendship it’s the perfect spring holiday read.

• 4. THE SEVEN DIALS OF MYSTERY- Agatha Christie ‘there’s been a murder!’ if a murder mystery is your go too, our crime queen Agatha Christie has you covered! A practical joke gone wrong and secrets to unfold involving seven alarm clocks. This murder mystery is sure keep you on your toes.

• 5. HEATED RIVALRY- Rachel Reid Let’s be honest, pretty much the whole world if talking about this book, and you don’t have to understand ice hockey to read it. This gripping sport romance is a great book if you’re interested in romance, sport or a rival to lover’s story.

• 6. LAND- Maggie O’ Farrell If history is more your speed, then Land is the perfect fiction book for you. Set in mid-19th century Ireland it explores the story of impact of the great hunger and its impact on the ordinance survey to map Ireland. With themes of family, connection to land and survival its sure to be an emotional read.

• 7. HAMNET- Maggie O’ Farrell Want a dive into what Shakespeare life looked like? Hamnet is a beautiful fictional book about Shakespeare’s life and his son Hamnet and how his death affected his family and drove Shakespeare to write Hamlet. This is a beautiful, bittersweet book and is sure to bring you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

• 8. THE HOUSEMAID – Freida McFadden (Series) Fancy a psychological thriller. This story filled with dark secrets and an ex-convict. This thriller is sure to get you hooked as Millie the house made intertwines herself into family and exposing their secrets.

• 9. THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX, AND THE HORSE- Charlie Mackesy Want a motivational read that will spark inspiration and warm your heart. This beautiful, illustrated fable is all about kindness and friendship and conveys lots of deep meanings. It’s a quick and easy read to warm your heart.

• 10. THE LORD OF THE RINGS- J.R.R. Tolkien (Series) In my opinion there’s no better fantasy than lord of the rings and if you want to get into reading fantasy books I suggest you start here! This classic by Tolkien has everything you need from an adventure so if you want to get lost in the world of middle earth then be sure to explore this read!

You really don’t want to miss out on these fantastic reads, some new and some old for 2026. If you loved these books and want more make sure you check out Waterstones and Goodreads for more amazing book recommendations. And remember it doesn’t matter what books you read as long as you enjoy it that’s what matters!