Naomi Weisman is the writer of Nomi's Pics and the editor of the Rambler Cafe Blog. She is a Canadian-Australian mother of three who loves to Ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
I am so excited to share our 2026 SSR Book List, a collection that truly reflects the heart of our reading community. This year’s selections weave together a beautiful blend of genres—historical fiction, contemporary stories, memoir, mystery, and a powerful classic pairing—each one chosen for its ability to spark conversation, connection, and reflection. As always, I wanted this list to feel expansive and inviting, with books that take us across countries, cultures, and emotional landscapes.
Alongside our main monthly picks, I’ve also included a Bonus Books Section filled with additional titles that stood out during the longlist process. Think of these as optional companions for anyone who wants a little extra reading inspiration throughout the year—stories of courage, identity, magic, mystery, and resilience.
My hope is that 2026 feels like a rich reading journey for all of us: full of discovery, thoughtful discussions, and that wonderful sense of being transported by a good book. I’m so grateful to be reading alongside you, and I can’t wait to dive into another year together.
2026 Book Club Selections:
January: The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce (2017)
February: How to Read a Book by Monica Wood (2024)
March: The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali (2019)
April: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (2022)
May: The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue (2024)
June: Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood (2023) or Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes (2015)
July: The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin (2023)
August: Watch Out for Her by Samantha Bailey (2022)
September: The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams (2023)
October: Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough (2017)
November: Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (1884) + James by Percival Everett (Pulitzer, 2024)
December: My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2024)
Bonus Books:
I Am Malala — Memoir
Malala Yousafzai (with Christina Lamb)
The Entirely True Story of the Fantastical Mesmerist Nora Grey — Magical realism
Kathleen Kaufman
Finding Flora — Historical (Métis/Canadian)
Elinor Florence
Dandelion — Contemporary (diaspora)
Jamie Chai Yun Liew
Mrs. Garnet’s Angel — Contemporary, spiritual/literary
Sally Vickers
Giovanni’s Room — Classic
James Baldwin
The Ten Thousand Doors of January — Portal fantasy
Alix E. Harrow
Great Circle — Literary fiction
Maggie Shipstead
The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne — Mystery
Ron Currie
The Harder I Fight, the More I Love You — Memoir/music
Neko Case
Finding Me — Memoir
Viola Davis
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade — Historical fiction / bookish
Janet Skeslien Charles
The Last Week of Him — Contemporary Fiction
Ruth O'Leary (A fellow Sole Sister!)
Theo of Golden— Contemporary Fiction
Allen Levi
I hope this year’s list takes us on a journey—across continents, time periods, genres, and emotional landscapes. Each book was chosen with our community in mind, offering a mix of warmth, challenge, inspiration, and good conversation. I can’t wait to explore these stories together and see where they lead us throughout 2026.
LEARN MORE > Virtual Fitness and Lifestyle Challenges
Thanks for the list
Leave a comment