FCPL’s Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far. . .) - PART ONE

With summer ending and marking the half-way point of the year, we are sharing our favorite books of 2026 (so far). Take a look at what we’ve been reading at FCPL and see if your favorite book made our list!

FCPL staff members have shared their top book recommendations from their reading lists so far this year. The selections cover a wide range of genres, from biographies and children's literature to science fiction. 

Based on the staff's favorites, the top-ranked genre was Mystery/Psychological/Thriller, closely followed by Science Fiction in second place, while Fantasy, Horror, and Literary Fiction all tied for third. 

When it comes to format, the team showed a strong preference for traditional print, with over half of the favorite titles read as physical books, and audiobooks coming in as the next most popular choice

This is a very long list, so we're going to break it up into multiple blog posts.

Now on to the books themselves! 

Mystery/Psychological/Thriller

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026)

Recommended by Jessica, Information Specialist, Denmark Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: The story follows Natalie Heller Mills, a "tradwife" social media influencer, who wakes up one day in the 19th century, where she must learn how to live without modern society.

Why they recommend it: “The author's writing of the main character's voice is immensely entertaining and lyrical yet propulsive and blunt. Natalie is a character who you find is putting you through a rollercoaster of emotions as you read. First you hate her, then you feel pity for her, then despise her only to feel sympathy for her, and so on. The underlying message of the novel, to be present in life rather than online, is an important one in today's world. This book messes with your head in the best yet most disturbing way. One of the impending questions Natalie has is did she really time travel back to 1855, leaving her 6-month pregnant modern “tradwife” life, or was she kidnapped and is being gaslit into thinking she woke up in 1855 with an entirely different yet hauntingly familiar family and house all for a reality tv show. Or is she in some kind of afterlife created by God, that He placed her there for a purpose she doesn't know yet. The book flips between modern day, Natalie's past, and 1855 which the author blends nicely throughout the book, pulling you into Natalie's reality.”

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston (2024)

Recommended by Gretchen, Youth Specialist, Denmark Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: A thriller driven by themes of identity, ambition, and survival. The story focuses on Evie Porter, a con artist navigating a complex web of deception and danger.

Why they recommend it: This fast-paced and engaging mystery features an entertaining, lovable cast of characters who aren't always who they seem.

Listen For The Lie by Amy Tintera (2024)

Recommended by Haguer, Information Specialist, Cumming Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend’s blood, and now everyone thinks she is a murderer. Years later, after moving away to start a new life, Lucy returns to the place she vowed to never step foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one who did it.

Why they recommend it: Blending dark humor, psychological suspense, and podcast-style storytelling, this engaging and unpredictable read keeps you questioning every character and version of the truth right up until the very end.

One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose (2022)

Recommended by Leena, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: The Real Housewives meets murder in this deliciously savage and wildly entertaining thriller.

Why they recommend it: Set in Buckhead, Atlanta, this engrossing and fast-paced story is packed with drama and mystery, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end.

Hide and Seek by Søren Sveistrup (2026)

Recommended by Morgan, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks

Read the physical book.

What is it about: Detectives Naia Thulin and Mark Hess investigate a missing woman who received text messages of a childhood counting rhyme, tying back to a brutal thirty-year-old cold case.

Why they recommend it: “If you like a fast-paced mystery/thriller with a creepy atmosphere that will keep you guessing until the end, this is the perfect pick. The story follows two detectives as they work to solve a series of kidnappings and murders around Copenhagen. It's Nordic noir at its finest! The mystery is the most intriguing aspect of this book. I couldn't put this book down because I simply needed to know what was going to happen! This is the second in a series by Sveistrup that follows the same detectives. The first book, The Chestnut Man, is an all-time favorite of mine! Both books have also been adapted into the Netflix show The Chestnut Man.”

Science Fiction/Speculative Fiction

Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove (2025)

Recommended by Isa, Information Specialist, Cumming Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: A dazzling, heartfelt odyssey that probes what it means to be one of society's monsters—and explores the many types of friendship that make us human.

Why they recommend it: Set in space, it offers a fresh, unique spin on classic monsters by combining traditional horror elements with an incredibly loveable cast of characters.

Slow Gods by Claire North (2025)

Recommended by Brittany, Circulation Supervisor, Hampton Park Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: This space opera is a galaxy-spanning tale ​of one man's impossible life charted against the fate of humanity amongst the stars

Why they recommend it: While the premise promises classic space opera elements—complete with spaceships, cosmic events, space battles, and planetary politics—Claire North's novel truly stands out through its remarkably vivid, evocative prose. Following an accident, the protagonist grapples with their identity and personhood. Though seemingly detached from humanity, dangerous, and prone to violence, viewing the universe through their eyes makes for a deeply compelling and emotional journey. Beyond the thrilling space adventure, the narrative offers a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human, examining love in all its forms, loss, friendship, and self-discovery across diverse worlds. Ultimately, the space opera setting serves as the perfect vehicle for such a moving examination of relationships and humanity. Brittany read this book in January and it still sticks with her. She wants to re-read it before the end of the year, but this time in audio.

God's Junk Drawer by Peter Clines (2025)

Recommended by Shannon, Information Specialist, Denmark Library

Read the physical book

What is it about: Set at the dawn of time, this mind-bending tale of adventure and mystery unfolds in a land filled with dinosaurs, Neanderthals, and aliens.

Why they recommend it: Blending elements of Jurassic Park, Timeline, and a Land of the Lost premise, this book is an engaging, well-balanced read—striking the right chord without being overly gory, excessively fantastical, or weighed down by dense sci-fi. The gripping plot follows a protagonist who tries to go back 30 years but accidentally transports several college students along, forcing them to fight off dinosaurs, navigate unknown prehistoric dangers, and survive non-stop action that makes it nearly impossible to put down.

Meet Us by the Roaring Sea by Akil Kumarasamy (2022)

Recommended by Callan, Information Specialist, Denmark Library

Listened to the audiobook

What is it about: A haunting exploration of memory, technology, and the power of human connection in a near-future world.

Why they recommend it: “Elements of memory, compassion, sacrifice, and humanity are interwoven in a floaty narration style as the narrator tries not to lose herself in grief while training an all-consuming AI model at work and translating an equally consuming Tamil document (which passages from comprise the other half of the chapters) of female medical students trying to create radical empathy in her free time. These twin projects prepare her for and complicate her feelings on the tragedies and blessings she faces throughout the novel. I am a sucker for second person narration--which can be hard to find-- and its ability to suck you into the main character's shoes. It is dreamy, inventive, and thought-provoking. The way the two stories interweave, especially towards the end and the legacy of war and the wounds it leaves. The story of Yaadra will stick with me for a long time, as it stuck with all the characters in Roaring Sea who saw the broadcast for themselves." 

Check back soon for Part Two featuring our Fantasy and Literary Fiction picks! 

Jessica Dillard

Information Specialist

Denmark Library

Forsyth County Wins Statewide Reading Challenge!

Congratulations, FCPL patrons: You did it again!  

In addition to being the "busiest library system" in Georgia—with Sharon Forks, Post Road, and Cumming Library holding the top three spots statewide for highest circulation—our community has earned another major bragging right.

Forsyth County Public Library won the statewide Georgia Reads for America250 Beanstack Reading Challenge!

People are going to wonder what's in the water here. 

FCPL patrons achieved the highest per-capita sign-ups in the state, logging 1,576 books and completing 4,270 activities by the 4th of July. The initiative—co-sponsored by the Georgia Public Library Service, the Georgia Council on Literacy, and the Georgia Municipal Association—was designed to foster civic literacy and historical inquiry in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Clearly, Forsyth County showed up. 

A Special Guest for an Incredible Milestone

To honor our community’s achievement, children's author, literacy crusader, UGA grad, and Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell is making a special visit to the Cumming Library on Monday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m.

Malcolm will help us celebrate by reading his latest book, Hey, Georgia—part of the Georgia Reads for America250 book list—signing books, and posing for photos with attendees. Numerous community leaders and students from Cumming Elementary School are also expected to attend. 

“His story is so inspiring—he’s like the Georgia Dolly Parton of literacy,” said Library Director Adrianne Junius, a fellow UGA alumnus. “It’s perfect that this celebration coincides with Georgia Reads Day and National Library Card Sign-Up Month. There is no better way to celebrate our community than alongside someone who shares our passion for reading.”

State Librarian & Vice Chancellor for Public Libraries Angela Stanley added her congratulations: “We're looking forward to celebrating this community of avid readers! We are deeply grateful for our partnership with the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Strategy (formerly the Governor's Office of Student Achievement) to build literacy across Georgia and share the magic of libraries.”

Thank you to every patron who joined this reading challenge, logged a book, completed an activity, and helped bring this honor home to Forsyth County! 

Note: Due to space constraints, seating is limited for the September 21 Read with Malcolm Mitchell storytime. Free event passes will be distributed on-site on a first-come, first-served basis starting 30 minutes prior to the event.

Leslie Marinelli

FCPL Communications Manager

Behind the Scenes: How Unreadable, the Library's Podcast, is Made

“Hello and welcome to Unreadable, the official Forsyth County Public Library podcast for news, upcoming programs, and recommendations. I’m your host, Ross Gericke, the branch manager at Hampton Park.”

Regular listeners to the library’s podcast will likely be familiar with this opening and Ross’s voice. But, have you ever wondered how Unreadable is made? 

History

The podcast was started in 2018, and for a long time, it was a one-man-show. Ross recorded, edited, and released the podcast for the library. 

Early episodes covered The Great American Read, Ghost Hunting, and library resources. Listenership started pretty strong, and this trend continued into 2019. Episodes in 2019 included staff recommendations, interviews with authors Martha Hall Kelly and Jeff Shaara, as well as an interview with professor Dr. Larry J. Young, and an audio drama adapted by Sharon Fork Library’s Alicia Cavitt.

However, it was in 2020, as you can imagine, that the podcast saw a huge spike in listeners. In addition to episodes about library resources and reading challenges, the podcast became an important avenue for disseminating information about virtual programming and reopenings. The episode from April 2020 about virtual programming remains one of our most downloaded episodes of all time.

As lockdowns relaxed and people returned to work and school, 2021 saw a dip in listeners, despite having some of the library’s most beloved episodes, including “A Ride on the Bookmobile” and “The Life Cycle of a Book,” both of which provided behind the scenes looks at the inner workings of the library. In 2022, the podcast took a short hiatus in order to give host and editor Ross a much needed break, and towards the end of the year, a podcast team was formed to help Ross produce the podcast. Despite this break, the podcast’s listenership continued to grow.

In 2023 and 2024, Unreadable saw continued growth. Episodes highlighted programs like the Summer of Jane Austen, Stokerfest, Diwali celebrations, and ghost hunting in the library. Authors Chitra Divakaruni, Lisa Wingate, and Benjamin Herold were all interviewed by Ross during this time, too. 

It is only this past year, 2025, that the Library saw downloads that surpassed its 2020 numbers. Episode highlights from 2025 include an interview with Shelby Van Pelt for Forsyth Reads Together and the Dedication of Denmark Library. As of July 2026, the podcast has 78 episodes!

Most Downloaded Episodes as of July 1, 2026

1. Color Our World: Your Summer Reading 2025 Guide
2. Summer is Back in 2022!
3. Adventure Awaits, Your 2024 Summer Reading Preview
4. Virtual Programming and Services (2020)
5. Forsyth Reads Together with Shelby Van Pelt (2025)
6. Summer Reading in 2020
7. Winter Reading Challenge 2025
8. Census 2020
9. Ghost Hunting at the Library (2025)
10. Winter Reading Challenge 2024

You may have noticed a few trends with our most downloaded episodes. Our Summer Reading episodes are our most popular! This is not surprising since they cover the Summer Reading theme, prizes and grand prizes, and popular events.

The Process

So, what does it look like to make a podcast? 

Well, for starters, this is what Ross sees:

And this is what the editor sees: 

But, let’s start from the beginning. For Unreadable, podcast episodes fall into a few categories: reading challenges, author interviews, book recommendations, and peeks behind the scenes. Many episodes are connected to events and feature interviews with presenters or library staff.

Usually, the podcast team meets a few times a year and maps out what episodes we’d like to do. As the team is made up of staff from different branches, we often ask if there are any library events that would be interesting to talk about or to talk to their presenters. One episode staple is an interview with the Forsyth Reads Together author, who visits Forsyth County for an author talk. This used to be a once-a-year event, but it has become so popular in our community, we started offering multiple events a year beginning in 2025.  

For author interviews, FCPL's Programming Manager Sarah Brubaker often helps coordinate scheduling the interviews. She is also a frequent guest on the podcast for our reading challenge episodes. 

After an interview is scheduled, Ross will read the author’s or presenter’s book and prepare a list of questions. For other episodes, like “Ghost Hunting at the Library,” Ross had a more hands-on interview, where he recorded the active ghost hunt and interviewed the ghost hunter in-person afterwards.

After an interview, the files are then given to the editor (me!). I edit the audio, adjusting the sound levels and removing any pre- and post- interview chat. I try to keep the audio as intact as possible, so that listeners can enjoy the natural flow and rapport. Occasionally I clip out flubs or retakes of questions.

Once I have edited the audio, adding Ross’s introduction and outro, I listen to the episode multiple times to make sure the timing is right for the opening music, the transitions are smooth, and there are no weird audio anomalies. I listen MANY times, not only to edit but also to create a transcript. Google Meet generates a transcript, but it often needs a lot of editing.

After an episode is done, it goes back to Ross for approval. Then I export the audio and upload it to our podcast hosting website. There I add a description of the episode as well as any links to events. 

The transcript becomes a blog post, so that anyone wishing to access the audio and text-form of the podcast can. 

Finally, we coordinate with the Communications Department to create graphics, proofread the podcast show notes and blog posts, and promote the episode on social media and the Library's website.

Then at last, dear listener, you find it and enjoy it!

Brittany
Circulation Supervisor
Hampton Park Library