Welcome the new year with a bold and compelling lineup of January titles, spanning award-winning fiction and transformative non-fiction.
From Booker Prize accolades to powerful books that promise to shape thinking, habits, and wellbeing in 2026, this month’s selection offers readers an inspiring start to the year.
With themes of resilience, creativity, personal growth, and human connection, these January reads reflect the diversity and depth that define Exclusive Books’ carefully curated offering.
Fiction Highlights
Flesh by David Szalay – Winner of the 2025 Booker Prize
David Szalay’s Flesh takes its place as the literary triumph of the year, praised for its emotional acuity, elegance, and psychological depth. A penetrating exploration of the body, vulnerability, and the edges of desire, it is a masterclass in contemporary fiction and essential reading for 2026.
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai – Booker Prize Shortlist 2025
In her luminous new novel, Kiran Desai captures the delicate threads that bind people – however distantly – to one another. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is a deeply humane portrait of longing, displacement, and unexpected connection, delivered with Desai’s trademark lyricism and insight.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Charlotte McConaghy returns with a powerful, atmospheric novel that fuses urgent environmental themes with an intimate, emotionally charged narrative. Wild Dark Shore is a riveting story of courage, survival, and the wild spaces that shape us.
Queen Esther by John Irving
John Irving’s Queen Esther is a sweeping, character-driven novel rich with humour, emotional intensity, and the trademark narrative boldness that has defined his career. A vibrant story of identity, family, and chosen belonging – perfect for readers seeking immersive, thought-provoking fiction.
Non-Fiction Highlights
Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday
Bestselling author Ryan Holiday returns with Wisdom Takes Work, a timely and compelling exploration of discipline, clarity, and the deliberate practice behind a meaningful life. A powerful start-of-year read for anyone looking to strengthen purpose and resilience.
The Daily Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Julia Cameron, global creativity mentor and author of The Artist’s Way, introduces The Daily Artist’s Way – a beautifully structured companion for daily creative renewal. It offers practical guidance, encouragement, and reflection for readers seeking to nurture imagination throughout the year.
Atomic Habits Workbook: The Official Companion by James Clear
Building on the phenomenal success of Atomic Habits, this official workbook transforms Clear’s habit-building principles into actionable practices. Ideal for readers committed to making 2026 their most consistent and goal-driven year yet.
Eat Yourself Healthy by Jamie Oliver
Jamie Oliver brings his energising, accessible approach to everyday wellness in Eat Yourself Healthy. Filled with nutritious recipes and practical lifestyle guidance, this book empowers readers to make sustainable, joyful changes through food.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
In one of the most widely discussed non-fiction releases of recent years, Jonathan Haidt examines the rising tide of adolescent anxiety and the forces driving it. The Anxious Generation offers grounded research, compelling insights, and essential discussions for parents, educators, and policymakers.
For these are more great reads, visit Exclusive Books.
