A wide range of books across many genres are being released this year, written by both veteran and debuting authors. With so many new books hitting the shelves, what should readers look for?
Former teen television star Jennette McCurdy, who played Samantha Puckett on “iCarly,” released her memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died” in 2022 and just released her debut fiction novel. The novel, “Half His Age,” is a coming-of-age story where a student falls in love with her married creative writing teacher.
In an interview with People magazine, McCurdy said, “I see this as a story less focused on the taboo itself and more on the psychological examination of the young woman who’s experiencing it, and all the contributing factors that allowed her to fall into this relationship in the first place.”
Another upcoming book releasing on Jan. 27 is “Humboldt Cut” by Allison Mick. Mick is a comedy writer based in Los Angeles, and this is her debut novel. The novel, in the genre of horror with dark humor, deviates from her usual work in comedy. The story follows a nurse who returns to her hometown in California where supernatural entities are spawned from the destruction of the environment in the redwood forests.
As there are many books to choose from, DePaul students have some recommendations of their own.
DePaul senior Leah Gonzalez, a sociology major, says she mainly likes to read romance and fiction. She is currently rereading one of her favorite books — “Funny Story” by Emily Henry, a romantic comedy published in 2024. However, an upcoming fiction romance novel has also caught her attention: “No Matter What” by Cara Bastone.
“I am anticipating this one since she is one of my favorite authors,” Gonzalez said.
“No Matter What,” set for release on March 3, is about a married couple who try to rebuild their relationship after a traumatic accident. Bastone is a full-time romance writer who has published multiple popular titles, including “Ready or Not” and “Promise Me Sunshine.”
As the year brings in new releases, it is only natural that people look forward to them — though that is not the case for all readers.
“There aren’t necessarily any new books that I am looking for in 2026 because I like to read books that have already been out or that someone recommends to me,” said DePaul junior and advertising major Benjamin Rosado. “I have an issue where I will begin to read a book and then I don’t find it interesting.”
If he waits for positive reviews, he said, “I know they’re going to be good.”
Other students are interested in completely different genres.
DePaul senior and biological sciences major Sharon Dayan said she likes to read books about mystery and mythology, as well as scientific nonfiction. Dayan is currently rereading the Percy Jackson series but is excited to read “99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them” by Ashely Alker, an emergency medicine doctor who has also served as a medical consultant on TV shows and films such as the Emmy award-winning show, “The Act.”
“It is a cool title, and I wanted to check it out,” Dayan said about the book, which is an informative and humorous read giving advice on how to avoid various causes of death, ranging from bacteria to serial killers.
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