Best Books of 2026

After a year of crisis, plenty of noise from the White House, and a barrage of algorithmic posts, it’s time for the best debate of the Advent season: four readers, one roundtable, too many opinions. In the spirit of the legendary “Literary Quartet,” but with a focus on Anglo-American literature, we’re gathering once again in the house library—and affectionately bickering our way through the literary year of 2026. New to the table: Roman Seebeck, who became director this year, makes his Quartet debut. At his side, the tried-and-true panel is ready to go: René Freudenthal (cultural programming), René Zipperlen (culture desk, Badische Zeitung), and Susanne Schmid (Jos Fritz Bookstore). The rule is strict, the debate free: Everyone brings two books—a current English-language book in German translation for the showdown, and a very personal bonus highlight. Books are recommended, panned, raved about, and—in the very best sense—argued over. Marcel Reich-Ranicki would have beamed. And ranted!