Midterm Elections and Political Books

As midterm elections approach, political discussions dominate headlines. However, in the world of book buyers, fiction takes the lead. Among upcoming political books, former President Joe Biden’s memoir, “Promise Me, America,” captures attention. This White House memoir stands out in a season where nonfiction sales have been declining, and political books haven’t reached the popularity seen during President Donald Trump’s first term.

Kristen McLean, vice president for client insights at Circana, observes a subdued energy around political books, suggesting that rapid news cycles hinder their uptake. Shannon DeVito from Barnes & Noble indicates that Michael Lewis’ “Blockers,” which delves into Trump’s second term through the perspective of government workers, may rival the success of Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan’s current bestseller, “Regime Change.” Other significant releases focus on Biden’s presidency, including Brett McGurk’s “Brink: Inside the Race to Free the Oct. 7 Hostages” and Akbar Shahid Ahmed’s examination of Biden’s Gaza policies in “Crossing the Red Line.” Even veteran journalist Bob Woodward, known for exposés on presidents, shifts focus to his personal experiences in “Secrets: A Reporter’s Memoir,” appealing to a broader audience.

The Vibrant World of Fiction

In fiction, renowned authors Barbara Kingsolver and Hernan Diaz offer new stories. Kingsolver’s “Partita,” marks her return since winning the Pulitzer Prize with “Demon Copperhead,” a modern take on Dickens’ “David Copperfield.” Hernan Diaz follows his Pulitzer-winning “Trust” with the dystopian “Ply,” exploring a chaotic future.

The popularity of fiction remains strong, bolstered by romantic fantasy authors like Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas. Maas continues her “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series with “A Court of Splintered Harmony,” while Yarros presents “Threshing Day” alongside her standalone “Peculiar Stars.” Nobel laureate Jon Fosse offers “Vaim Hotel,” and Booker Prize contenders Marlon James, Emma Cline, and Rebecca Perry enrich the season with their works.

Chad Harbach’s eagerly anticipated novel, “The Brightness,” explores the intertwined lives of two friends. Other notable releases include Min Jin Lee’s “American Hagwon,” Emily St. John Mandel’s “Exit Party,” and new works from Yiyun Li, Edwidge Danticat, and others.

Stephen King fans await “Other Worlds Than These,” the conclusion of the “Talisman” series. Alice Hoffman introduces “The Witches of Cambridge,” while John Grisham’s latest thriller is “The French Illusion.” Brandon Sanderson’s collaborative release “Blightfall” and S.A. Cosby’s Marvel Crime novel “Truth to Power” also feature.

Celebrity Memoirs

Fall 2026 invites readers into the personal narratives of Oscar-winning actors Sylvester Stallone, Michael Douglas, and Dustin Hoffman. Stallone shares his journey in “The Steps,” referencing his famous role in “Rocky.” Douglas’ “One Helluva Ride” aims to clarify his storied career, while Hoffman’s “Look at Me” explores his artistic ambitions. Icons like Gloria Steinem and Colin Kaepernick reflect on their lives, while Chuck Lorre and Eric Dane contribute their stories of entertainment and life’s challenges.

Revitalizing Poetry

Ancient poetry experiences renewed interest due to Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of “The Odyssey.” Bestseller lists feature Emily Wilson and Robert Fagles, while Wilson’s upcoming essays in “Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea” promise engaging discussions from Greek tragedy to contemporary themes.

Joy Harjo’s “Cloud Runner” poignantly addresses her daughter’s death, while Jennifer Franklin explores the life of James Joyce’s daughter in “A Fire in Her Brain.” Works by Layli Long Soldier, Tina Chang, Patricia Lockwood, and others enrich the poetic landscape. The anthology “Other Legacies” offers tributes from Rae Armantrout, Edward Hirsch, and more.

History Through Narratives

Fall’s historical offerings include Kai Bird’s “American Scoundrel,” exploring Roy Cohn’s life, and Nathaniel Philbrick’s “The Rush,” examining the quest for gold in the 19th century. James Gleick’s “The Telephone: A New History” delves into communication evolution.

Timothy W. Ryback and Victor Sebestyen provide insights into Germany’s democracy challenges in the 1930s, while Naomi Klein, Astra Taylor, and Jill Lepore highlight current threats. Celeste Headlee’s “Freedom’s Daughters” and Grandmaster Flash’s “Birth of a Culture” contribute to discussions on race and music history. Alan Taylor revisits Nat Turner’s rebellion in “Tower Hill,” and Harriet A. Washington honors overlooked Black physicians in “Renaissance Men.”