23 Books to Read in 2026

As you set your 2026 goals, reading lists, and New Year’s resolutions, The Daily Signal is proud to offer you some of our favorite reads from 2025.

We asked our own staff, plus others from The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action, for their thoughts and to offer some of their recommendations. They are listed below.

1. ‘Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West’

By Josh Hammer

Western civilization is in a moment of peril, beset by wokeism and radical Islamism—ideologies that seek to dismantle the Judeo-Christian foundations upon which the West was built.  

In “Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West,” Hammer contends that these movements, despite their different origins and methods, share a common hostility to the biblical heritage that gave rise to Western and particularly American concepts of inherent individual dignity, covenant, sexual morality, the rule of law, and ordered liberty. The West’s survival depends on renewing its commitment to the very traditions that made it great. 

Israel stands on the front line in this civilizational struggle, serving as both the proverbial “canary in the coal mine”—offering early warning of threats that will eventually reach Western shores—and as a bulwark defending shared values against forces that would destroy them.  

What makes Israel particularly instructive, Hammer argues, is its unapologetic nationalism stemming from its deep connection to its own biblical roots. This rootedness manifests in thriving families, remarkably high fertility rates, and a dynamic, innovative economy that flourishes even under constant existential threat. Israel’s vitality stands in stark contrast to the demographic and cultural malaise afflicting much of the secularized West. 

Hammer’s ultimate prescription is a robust Jewish-Christian alliance dedicated to defending and reviving the biblical heritage that both communities share. This is not merely a defensive posture but a positive vision for civilizational renewal. By recognizing their common inheritance and the unique threats facing it, Jews and Christians can work together to ensure that the values and traditions that built the West are not lost to history but reinvigorated for future generations. 

—Jason Bedrick, research fellow, Center for Education Policy, The Heritage Foundation

2. ‘Hostage’ 

By Eli Sharabi 

In “Hostage,” Eli Sharabi delivers a devastating and deeply personal account of surviving 491 days in Hamas captivity after being abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri during the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.  

Sharabi recounts the physical deprivation, psychological torture, and constant uncertainty of life in captivity in Hamas’ terror tunnels, while also bearing witness to the murder of his wife and daughters.  

Despite unimaginable suffering and daily torture, Sharabi’s resolve never falters. His commitment to survival, dignity and bonds forged with his fellow hostages is incredibly inspiring. He refused to let despair and the unknown of his fate consume him, instead, he chose time and again to live. 

This memoir is not only a testament to Sharabi’s extraordinary grit but also a historical document of our moment; deeply personal yet resonant far beyond its pages. At its core, “Hostage” is an important piece of historical work; just as we bear witness to the accounts of Holocaust survivors, we must bear witness here as well.  

—Kelly Adams, vice president, people operations, The Heritage Foundation

3. ‘The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer’

By Daniel J. Flynn 

After a long and curious absence, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute returns to publishing under the ISI Books imprint under Encounter Books with a biography as unlikely—and as absorbing—as its subject.  

“The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer” recounts the life of Frank S. Meyer, a figure most readers know only by nickname and shorthand, if they know him at all. Called, too neatly, the “father of fusionism,” Meyer has long been filed away as a theory rather than understood as a man. 

This book corrects that mistake.

Meyer emerges here as restless, brilliant, contentious, and perpetually in motion: a thinker whose ideas were forged not in abstraction but in conflict, contradiction, and lived experience. His life, tumultuous and often surprising, mirrors the evolution of a conservatism still arguing with itself.  

At a time when the movement’s meaning is again uncertain, this portrait reminds us that it was never simple to begin with. Anyone who wants to understand American conservatism—not as a slogan, but as a drama—will find this book indispensable. 

—Allen Mendenhall, senior advisor, Capital Markets Initiative, The Heritage Foundation  

4. ‘Ethnic America: A History’ 

By Thomas Sowell 

How well do you really understand the different peoples of America?  

As a fan of epic fantasy, such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones,” I love immersive stories with political intrigue and rich backstories.

Thomas Sowell’s “Ethnic America: A History” may not be character driven, but it has the same epic fantasy feel, with the bonus of world-building involving our country and its rich heritage.  

Did you know that, even though the U.S. rounded up the Japanese in internment camps in World War II, Japanese units fought bravely in both theaters of the war, proving their loyalty? Did you know the Irish dominated the American Catholic hierarchy, even when large numbers of southern Italians came to the U.S.? Did you know U.S. Jewish newspapers praised Germany so much during World War I that the government censored them? 

“Ethnic America” is dated, but it provides a great window into America’s cultural diversity and how different groups assimilated. It has enriched my understanding of our country, and it would be a great book for 2026. 

—Tyler O’Neil, senior editor, The Daily Signal 

5. ‘The Death of the West: How Dying Populations and Immigrant Invasions Imperil Our Country and Civilization’ 

By Pat Buchanan 

Written over 20 years ago, “The Death of the West: How Dying Populations and Immigrant Invasions Imperil Our Country and Civilization” feels prophetic.

The problems Buchanan outlines in the book—namely a dramatically declining birthrate in Western countries and decades of completely unfettered mass migration—have only worsened since its publication in 2002.  

Buchanan’s keen assessment of the perils facing Western civilization serve as an important reminder for those of us in the business of restoring our nation for the next generation. “The Death of the West” gets to the heart of why American culture seems weakened and on the verge of collapse. The book was also a favorite of our friend, Charlie Kirk. 

—Emma Lagarde, associate writer, donor relations, The Heritage Foundation

6. ‘1776’ 

By David McCullough 

“1776” provides readers with an in-depth historical account of George Washington and the United States Continental Army at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. 

The book highlights the Continental Army’s early struggles in the war as well as the rise of Washington’s leadership. McCullough blends massive amounts of historical data and clever storytelling to create an excellent narration of Washington and his army.  

There may be no better time to pick up this book than 2026. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I find it important to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who took the first leap to build this great nation. David McCullough’s “1776” is an excellent place to start.  

—Ryan Pollard, data services associate, donor relations, The Heritage Foundation 

7. ‘Private Yankee Doodle’ 

By Joseph Plumb Martin 

If you haven’t already read “Private Yankee Doodle,” there is no better time to read it than in 2026.  

Joseph Plumb Martin writes what is arguably the best account of America’s War for Independence from the eyes of an ordinary soldier.  

Having enlisted as a 15-year-old private, Martin recounts his everyday life in the Continental Army with such expressive detail that one can’t help but shiver from his frozen rags and ache from a gnawing stomach.  

Yet the desperation and drudgery are lightened by Martin’s humor and misadventures. Read the book for the history but stay through all 300 pages for the battle of insults with the British, the mischief of bored soldiers, and a run-in with The General himself. 

 —Clara Raabe, member services assistant, The Heritage Foundation

8. ‘In the Presence of Mine Enemies: The Civil War in the Heart of America, 1859-1864’ 

By Edward L. Ayers 

If you’ve ever wondered “How did our strong, young Republic come to Civil War”? Edward L. Ayers’ “In the Presence of Mine Enemies: The Civil War in the Heart of America, 1859-1864” is for you.  

In “In the Presence of Mine Enemies,” Ed Ayers does a fantastic job of providing a new way to view the Civil War relying on the “deep contingency” of history. He avoids sweeping generalizations far too often employed when covering the Civil War. Ayers presents the war as everyday 19th century Americans saw it in their own regular lives. 

Ayers’ work covers the Autumn of 1859 with the events leading to John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry and takes the reader up to June 1863, concluding just before the Battle of Gettysburg. 

During this period, Ayers compares the people of Franklin County, Pa. with the people of Augusta County, Va. On paper, these people are very similar: only separated by 200 miles they shared geography, history, religion, culture, and lived in mostly rural farming communities with only a few towns. The key difference, of course, was slavery. 

These people were not the elites of the day clamoring for abolition or secession, “they prided themselves on their restraint in the face of what they saw as provocation by extremists above and below them.” 

Still, the national drama unfolds on their doorsteps and the people of Franklin and Augusta experience and participate in some of the most critical episodes of the war.  

If you are looking for a book to deepen your understanding of the Civil War, which includes but goes beyond the battles and dives into the culture of 1860s America, you will struggle to find a better and more comprehensive option.  

—Kevin Fair, donor communications manager, Heritage Action 

9. ‘Mark Twain’ 

By Ron Chernow  

A biography of one of America’s most famous writers, “Mark Twain” follows Twain’s (Samuel Clemens’) life from birth to his death.  

Chernow does a marvelous job following the life of one of the most famous people in the world during the 19th century.  

From Twain’s boyhood days on the Mississippi, to being a steamboat captain, to exploring the west as a young adult, to the books and articles he authored, to the marriage of the love of his life, Livy, and their three daughters, his worldwide speaking tours, and his death in Elmira, New York. This book captivates the reader by learning the thoughts and passion of this American icon.  

This is a biography of an individual we think we knew, but the reader learns so much more.  

Chernow does an excellent job in his research of Twain by using Twain’s letters and correspondences with friends, family and world-famous figures during that time, including U.S. presidents from Ulysess S. Grant to Woodrow Wilson.  

—Mark Hurley, senior advisor to the president, donor relations, The Heritage Foundation 

10. ‘A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II’ 

By Sonia Purnell 

I first learned about Virginia Hall from a friend about a year ago. Sharing her first name made me like her immediately, but learning her story challenged me to live up to the name I share with her. “A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II” tells Virginia’s incredible story. 

Hall was a once-in-a-generation kind of woman. As a young lady from a well-to-do Baltimore family, she upset expectations for her lifetime and time again.  

When she lost her leg in a hunting accident, most expected her to live out her day comfortably with her family, but she instead set out on a mission to become a diplomat.  

When doors closed, she found new ones to push on, and her natural grit and intelligence landed her in the center of British and American intelligence operations during World War II. Her true story is one that will make you proud to be an American.  

—Virginia Allen, senior news producer and host of “Problematic Women,” The Daily Signal  

11. ‘The Name Above the Title: An Autobiography’ 

By Frank Capra 

It’s hard to pass through this time of year without watching, contemplating, or facing a blizzard of references to “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  

Director Frank Capra’s autobiography, “The Name Above the Title,” delves into the details of making this all-time classic film.  

For example, how Capra called on his college background in chemical engineering to create what he boasted was the first realistic-looking snow on screen. Or how Capra had the actors almost imperceptibly rush their dialogue to subtly increase the film’s tension.  

Or most hauntingly, how Jimmy Stewart channeled all the pain, anguish, brokenness, and despair he still suffered from his service in World War II into his harrowing breakdown at Martini’s bar shortly before George Bailey’s decision to end it all.  

Capra describes his own service in that war, including the creation of his seminal film series “Why We Fight” done for the U.S. military to boost morale.  

While it’s a great romp following Capra from his Italian roots to his early film success with comedies like “You Can’t Take It With You” and “It Happened One Night,” I was particularly intrigued by his recounting of the enormous pressure he got from the powerful who wanted to stop “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” because of its portrayal of graft and corruption in the Nation’s Capital. 

Released in 1939, the film remains alive today in 2025. Reading this autobiography, one understands Frank Capra would have had the number of the likes of Nancy Pelosi, Tim Walz, and the media.  

—Al Perrotta, contract editor, The Daily Signal 

12. ‘President Kennedy: Profile of Power’ 

By Richard Reeves 

Richard Reeves’ 1993 telling of Kennedy’s 1,000 days in office will give you a visceral sense of the pressures the young president was feeling as he dealt each day with the threat of nuclear war, as well as the country unraveling from social strife. 

“President Kennedy: A Profile of Power” cuts out editorializing and speculation, instead focusing almost entirely on what we know for a fact Kennedy said, did, and saw on the fateful days of his presidency.  

A highlight of the book is its detailed description of Kennedy’s Vienna summit meeting with Nikita Khrushchev, in which the two battled in a war of words over the future of Berlin.  

“Then, Mr. Chairman, there will be war. It will be a cold winter,” Kennedy warned Khrushchev after the Soviet had refused to provide a clear guarantee of American access to the German city. 

This is not a work of hero worship, and Reeves certainly does not set out to present Kennedy as a saint.  

Reeves is bluntly honest about Kennedy’s marital infidelity, his painful back issues that were hidden from the public, as well as his routine use of “novocaine for pain and amphetamines for energy” to mask these issues. Nevertheless, Reeves avoids the temptation of turning the book into a tale of gossip and scandals. 

This presidential biography, although focused on one man, tells the story of a transition from one America to another.  

Kennedy thought every day of the increasing possibility of war in Vietnam and destructive riots in America’s cities—two things which did happen shortly after his presidency and have shaped the country we know today.  

What Reeves presents us is a story of an imperfect man who made plenty of mistakes throughout his presidency but tried to keep his country together at a time of transition. It is, in my opinion, the most successful attempt to understand a man working under pressures that very few in history have ever had to deal with. 

—George Caldwell, journalism fellow, The Daily Signal 

13. ‘Extraordinary Transformation: An Entrepreneurial Blueprint for Leaders Who Seek Transformational Growth in Any Organization’

By Nido Qubein 

“Extraordinary Transformation: An Entrepreneurial Blueprint for Leaders Who Seek Transformational Growth in Any Organization” is a leadership development book authored by Dr. Nido Qubein, president of High Point University and a successful entrepreneur, who draws directly from his diverse career in business and higher education.  

The book reflects Qubein’s experience transforming High Point from a modest regional institution into a nationally recognized university, while also incorporating the entrepreneurial lessons he learned building and leading fortune 500 companies.

Rather than relying on abstract theory, Qubein translates real-world experience into practical, results-driven insight. 

Serving as a clear and actionable blueprint, the book offers tangible strategies to improve personal effectiveness, advance careers and drive organizational growth. 

With a strong emphasis on vision, discipline, accountability and execution, “Extraordinary Transformation” equips readers with proven tools to strengthen culture, inspire people, and achieve lasting success in any organization—or in their own lives. 

—Jake Matthews, communications manager, media and public relations, The Heritage Foundation 

14. ‘Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business’

By Neil Postman 

Although “Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business” was written in 1985, Postman does an incredible job of explaining how the types of media we consume changes the content and that “the medium is the message.”  

Postman makes the case that with the rise of television, all information has become entertainment and how in turn, politics, teaching, religious practices, and the very essence of our culture all serve to entertain.  

Postman compares the world we live in to the world in “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley; instead of our demise coming from a tyrannical government, it comes from our own voluntary choices. 

Postman’s observations and warnings are more salient than ever with the rise of short form content and social media, and it makes one wonder how AI will change our public discourse and ultimately, our culture. 

—Autumn Dorsey, visiting research associate, Center for Technology and the Human Person, The Heritage Foundation 

15. ‘The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition’ 

I spent every day of 2025 studying Scripture with “The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition,” and it genuinely transformed my life. For me, it was particularly helpful as a candidate for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process I’m following to become Catholic.  

But regardless of your life’s circumstances, “The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition,” is an accessible way to learn the Word of God. Developed by biblical scholar Jeff Cavins and featuring color-coded timelines and maps, this Bible will guide you through salvation history. My recommendation is to pair your copy with Father Mike Schmitz’s popular (and free) “Bible in a Year” podcast—a new episode is available every day. 

—Rob Bluey, president and executive editor, The Daily Signal 

16. ‘Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer’ 

By Tyler Staton 

Do you enjoy prayer? Avoid it? Wonder if it even works? No matter where you find yourself, “Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer” by Tyler Staton offers something for you.  

This book is a compelling invitation to (re)discover prayer as the heartbeat of a vibrant spiritual life. While the concepts and practices discussed are well established in church history, Staton presents them in a manner that penetrates the deepest parts of the heart, mind, and spirit. 

Prayer was the source of Jesus’ most astonishing miracles and the subject of His boldest promises, yet many believers today experience it as boring, confusing, or disappointing. 

This book challenges those misconceptions head on, offering a vision of prayer in its purest form: a vital and powerful connection with God that feels more real and alive than you ever imagined.  

Through biblical insight, practical guidance, and honest storytelling, Staton calls readers to embrace a life of radical faith, living with the kind of trust that might look foolish to the world but leads to intimacy with God and transformative power. 

—Nicole Murcek, senior executive assistant and special projects manager to the COO, The Heritage Foundation 

17. ‘Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith’ 

By Michael Reeves 

“Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith” provides a clear, joyful, and engaging explanation of the doctrine of the Trinity, making one of Christianity’s most profound truths both accessible and delightful.  

The book powerfully contrasts the relational, loving Triune God of the Bible with the solitary deity of Islam, highlighting why the Christian understanding of God uniquely grounds love, fellowship and salvation.

In an age of religious confusion, it strengthens readers’ confidence in historic biblical orthodoxy and deepens their worship of the God who is eternally Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  
 
—Brett Nelius, advisor to the president, donor relations, The Heritage Foundation 

18. ‘The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: The Greatest Warning of the Next 10 Years’

By Steve Cioccolanti 

“The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: The Greatest Warning of the Next 10 Years” by Steve Cioccolanti is a prophetic book about the days that are coming upon us.   

We live in interesting times where we are actors and participants in the visions of the book of Revelation and must in turn be prudent and not ignorant.  

Considering that the first horse has played out its part, knowing and preparing for the future is of at most importance both personally and nationally. 

Along with the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” I would read “Rise” by Bridgitte Gabriel (I must add that she is very much in line with Heritage values) who spells out how to conquer with America’s Judeo-Christian principles especially against radicalized views. 

—Ruth Chege, receptionist for The Heritage Foundation 

19. ‘Theo of Golden: A Novel’

By Allen Levi  

“Theo of Golden” is the delightful story of how a mysterious elderly man’s kindness touches the lives of residents in a small Georgia town, from children and college students to war-hardened veterans, from the wealthiest business owner to the homeless woman who cruises through the city on her bike.  

Shortly after Theo arrives to Golden, he visits a coffee shop where 92 framed portraits hang on the walls. Theo is inspired to purchase all the portraits and gift them to their “rightful owners.”  

Through the stories of these interactions, the reader falls in love with the mysterious Theo and the characters who become like family to him.  

—Elizabeth Mitchell, White House correspondent, The Daily Signal 

20. ‘Gone with the Wind’

By Margaret Mitchell 

Margaret Mitchell’s famed masterpiece, “Gone with the Wind,” is engaging from the first page, quickly becomes enveloping, and by mid-book, is all-consuming. After the final page, Scarlett, Mammy, Rhett, Melanie, Ashley, and so many more remain mental companions for weeks. 

It’s surprising that the book remains in print without massive controversy, given today’s sensibilities and cancel mania.

Mitchell’s casual way of stating the supposedly obvious inferiority of blacks, or her description of Mammy employing “the guile of her race” to get Scarlett to eat are breathtaking. The editorializing, through Scarlett’s thoughts, about how it’s the Yankees who don’t understand and appreciate blacks, and it’s the Southerners who know what’s best for them—they’re most content as slaves—boggles the mind.  

And yet, the book is heartachingly beautiful, and heart wrenchingly tragic. It is impossible to read the vivid descriptions of a country ripped apart without thinking of America today. 

Despite its deep moral flaw, there’s something about “Gone with the Wind” that makes it one of the great American novels.  

—Karina Rollins, senior research editor, policy publications, The Heritage Foundation 

21. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ 

By Jane Austen  

Most readers probably already read “Pride and Prejudice” in sophomore year literature class—or for the more “The Great Gatsby”-inclined men, “read.” My male classmates thought “Pride and Prejudice” was just a high school girl’s romantic fantasy. 

And they were right.  

More than ever, American culture needs to be inspired by stories of properly ordered romance and courtship, of men chasing women and women with skirts that leave more to the imagination than not.  

Austen’s insightful and often scathing commentary on men and women’s complex—and often more frustrating than not—social interactions leaves the single reader looking for a modern version of that for themselves (“Bridget Jones” was on the right track, just think fewer Playboy Bunnies). 

Austen relied on dialogue rather than the modern go-to of steamy get togethers—she lived at a time when men—for the most part—still acted like gentlemen and women like ladies.   

For relief from the political noise and an escape to a world with real romance (and maybe a model of courtship), look no further than “Pride and Prejudice.” 

—Erin Poff, development writer, donor relations, The Heritage Foundation 

22. ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ 

By Alexandre Dumas 

“The Count of Monte Cristo” is thrilling adventure for both kids and adults. Set in the Napoleonic-era, Edmond Dantès is betrayed, thrown into prison and begins to carefully plot his revenge.

There are enemies, secret passageways, love and a daring escape. Originally published as a serial, this classic fiction will keep you turning the pages until the very end. 

—Stephanie Kreuz, director of sentinel strategy, Heritage Action 

23. ‘The Murder of Roger Akroyd’ 

By Agatha Christie 

The classic mystery featuring Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, as well as one of the most shocking twists in literature and murder mysteries, is close to 100 years old.  

It’s not surprising if you’ve already read “The Murder of Roger Akroyd” or at least know the twist. It’s still a worthwhile read whether it’s for the first time or you’re revisiting.  

“The Murder of Roger Akroyd” is one of Christie’s shorter works, but arguably the most impactful genre in literature and film. This is not just the case with murder mysteries, but with the idea of the unreliable narrator.  

How Poirot came to his conclusion about the murder still astounds me. Speaking of film, the novel was actually referenced in the new “Knives Out” film, “Wake Up Dead Man,” which I also recommend and happened to see when I was reading this famous work by Christie. I have been venturing into the classics in recent years, and I’m so glad that I did with this one! 

—Rebecca Downs, Ohio correspondent, The Daily Signal

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