January 2026 Book Picks: New Year, New TBRs

Dec 18, 2025
1h 21m

Episode Description

As we head into the holiday season, we’re already looking ahead—because nothing pairs better with cocoa and cozy time off than planning your next year’s TBR 🎄📚 

For our January 2026 Book Picks (and the final Book Lounge episode of 2025!), I'm joined by Madison to break down the new releases we cannot wait to snag in the new year. These are the books we’re placing holds and adding to notify me tags in Libby, lining up for holds, and mentally reading before the wrapping paper’s even recycled ✨ 

This episode is equal parts holiday sendoff and new year reading hype. We’re taking a short break, soaking up the season, and coming back in January 2026 with all-new episodes. 

🎁 One last thing before the year ends! 
Help shape the future of Book Lounge by completing our listener survey by January 5: 
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8564187/2025-Book-Lounge-Listener-Survey 

Happy holidays, happy reading, and may your holds come in early. ✨📖 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel


Titles mentioned in this episode: 

Madison’s picks: 

Joe’s picks:  

  • Fustuk – Robert Mgrdich Apelian 

  • Gaslit – Megan Davidhizar 

Check out Madison’s Bookstagram 


Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 

00:01:07 Intro 

00:07:33 January 2026 Book Picks with Madison!’ 

01:17:11 Outro 


Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple PodcastsSpotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge

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