Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this video, I’m diving into anticipated 2026 new book releases, including literary fiction, biographies, short story collections, and early contenders for the literary prize circuit. I talk about new books by Julian Barnes and George Saunders, including Vigil, as well as upcoming biographies of Toni Morrison and Judy Blume. I also look at new short story collections by Louise Erdrich and Lauren Groff, and what their releases might signal about where literary fiction is headed.
Beyond individual titles, I explore a trend I’m noticing in historical fiction, particularly books blending horror, fantasy, and speculative elements, and how these genre-crossing novels may shape upcoming awards seasons. If you’re interested in new literary fiction, books to watch for prizes, or keeping an eye on emerging publishing trends, this video offers a reflective, analytical look at what 2026 might bring.
This is a discussion-style video focused on themes, patterns, and literary buzz rather than quick summaries, perfect for readers who like thinking about books as part of a bigger cultural conversation.
Vlogs:
“Best books of 2025” final boss youtu.be/l3AYuk4rBUQ
One list to rule them all! The best lists of the year! youtu.be/k8RW86juTTo
Organizing my books, thrifting finds, and a North Carolina stop for bookshop youtu.be/JvbQN2GWTGU
I publicly humiliated myself (naturally I bought new shoes after) youtu.be/wHMVl9Hf7DI
An AMAZING book find! + Hannah Louise Poston X Salt New York blush collab + thrifting youtu.be/-agcMsnSA78
Life's highs and lows | slow living nestled within a busy schedule - youtu.be/3ByTYHpoFc4
Slow Days, Small Joys | Weekend Vlog + What I've Been Reading - youtu.be/qb9oRM50xS8
Makeup used:
Hannah Louise Poston X Salt New York saltnewyork.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoph11sTSWTtHEC29jmbZOj9FJRr_zNY9j-lwPrR4n_qhlAS5BR3
Amuse me in my inbox - rachelle.e.swearingen (at) gmail.com
Befriend me on Goodreads -goodreads.com/user/show/139310469-shelly-swearingen
Drop by on Instagram - Shellyish
FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through some of the links.
In this video, I’m diving into anticipated 2026 new book releases, including literary fiction, biographies, short story collections, and early contenders for the literary prize circuit. I talk about new books by Julian Barnes and George Saunders, including Vigil, as well as upcoming biographies of Toni Morrison and Judy Blume. I also look at new short story collections by Louise Erdrich and Lauren Groff, and what their releases might signal about where literary fiction is headed.
Beyond individual titles, I explore a trend I’m noticing in historical fiction, particularly books blending horror, fantasy, and speculative elements, and how these genre-crossing novels may shape upcoming awards seasons. If you’re interested in new literary fiction, books to watch for prizes, or keeping an eye on emerging publishing trends, this video offers a reflective, analytical look at what 2026 might bring.
This is a discussion-style video focused on themes, patterns, and literary buzz rather than quick summaries, perfect for readers who like thinking about books as part of a bigger cultural conversation.
Vlogs:
“Best books of 2025” final boss youtu.be/l3AYuk4rBUQ
One list to rule them all! The best lists of the year! youtu.be/k8RW86juTTo
Organizing my books, thrifting finds, and a North Carolina stop for bookshop youtu.be/JvbQN2GWTGU
I publicly humiliated myself (naturally I bought new shoes after) youtu.be/wHMVl9Hf7DI
An AMAZING book find! + Hannah Louise Poston X Salt New York blush collab + thrifting youtu.be/-agcMsnSA78
Life's highs and lows | slow living nestled within a busy schedule - youtu.be/3ByTYHpoFc4
Slow Days, Small Joys | Weekend Vlog + What I've Been Reading - youtu.be/qb9oRM50xS8
Makeup used:
Hannah Louise Poston X Salt New York saltnewyork.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoph11sTSWTtHEC29jmbZOj9FJRr_zNY9j-lwPrR4n_qhlAS5BR3
Amuse me in my inbox - rachelle.e.swearingen (at) gmail.com
Befriend me on Goodreads -goodreads.com/user/show/139310469-shelly-swearingen
Drop by on Instagram - Shellyish
FTC disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through some of the links.
