Welcome to the third and final installment of FCPL's Favorite Books of 2026 (So Far), featuring book recommendations by our staff, organized by genre.
Contemporary Fiction
Recommended by Sarah, Branch Manager, Denmark Library
Listened to audiobook
What is it about: A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death.
Why they recommend it: Featuring exceptional writing and meaningful themes, this story is filled with humor and heart—plus a cat whose inner thoughts you get to hear! The audio edition is fantastic, and Unlikely Animals by the same author was just as delightful.
Recommended by Kim, Branch Manager, Post Road Library
Read the eBook
What is it about: A darkly funny and moving novel about Phoebe Stone, a recently divorced woman who arrives at a luxury Rhode Island hotel intending to end her life, only to be mistaken for a guest at a massive, chaotic destination wedding.
Why they recommend it: It approaches sensitive subjects through a witty lens, featuring deeply thought-provoking interactions between the protagonist and various characters.
Biography/Memoir
Recommended by Julie, Youth Services Supervisor, Cumming Library
Listened to the audiobook
What is it about: It follows the parallel journeys of Company D and Eddie Willner, the author’s father, as they are caught up on two sides of World War II.
Why they recommend it: An incredible true story highlighting the remarkable strength of two boys surviving Nazi cruelty, as well as the compassionate soldiers who rescued them. The reality of what they endured is almost unimaginable, making this harrowing true account all the more powerful and exceptionally well told.
Classic
Recommended by Ellie, Youth Specialist, Sharon Forks Library
Read the physical book
What is it about: A sweeping Victorian realist novel set in an 1830s fictional English town, exploring marriage, ambition, and social reform. It follows Dorothea Brooke's failed, idealistic marriage to the elderly scholar Casaubon and Dr. Lydgate's financial ruin due to his shallow wife, Rosamond.
Why they recommend it: Virginia Woolf famously described Middlemarch as "one of the few English novels written for grown-up people." Eliot excels at crafting complex characters and revealing profound depth within life's everyday moments. Through its exploration of character desires and choices, the novel thoughtfully examines how significantly society shapes an individual's life. At roughly 880 pages, it is lengthy, but truly worth every second.
Children’s Literature
Recommended by Riley, Collection Support Aide, Hampton Park Library
Read the physical book
What is it about: A stunning middle grade standalone novel-in-verse about compassion, resilience, and surprising friendships, following a dog named Wombat in the aftermath of a catastrophic fire.
Why they recommend it: This story is absolutely adorable! Seeing dual perspectives from both Wombat and her soul human was truly wonderful. Written as a novel in verse, it is a fast-paced read filled with immense heart and emotion, packing so much narrative power into very few words.
Historical Fiction
Recommended by Morgan, Information Specialist, Sharon Forks Library
Read the eBook
What is it about: A cozy, witty historical fiction series presented as the unedited journal entries of a young woman named Emma. Set in 1883 London, it follows her daily life, financial struggles, and eccentric neighbors.
Why they recommend it: “Told in the form of the protagonist's journal entries, this series set in 1883 London just oozes charm. Blending historical fiction, romance, and humor with a touch of magical realism, Emma M. Lion is the most Jane Austen-esque heroine I have read in a long time. Emma is such a charming, witty narrator. The love interests are all charming in their own ways. Even the characters you're not meant to like are so funny that it's kind of endearing! I've been reading the eBooks, but I have heard that the audio is exceptional!”
That concludes our three part series. If you're just joining us, catch up on PART ONE and PART TWO, and let us know in the comments if any of our choices were your favorites this year too!
Jessica Dillard
Information Specialist
Denmark Library
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