21 Jewish Books We’re Excited About for Fall 2026

Jewish author Chloe Benjamin's novel follows Laurel Salter, a former scientist escaping her life by working as a dishwasher at a remote research base in Antarctica. But when a mysterious light phenomena appears, more scientists arrive at the base, including Laurel's nerdy Jewish ex-husband Eli. Together again, Laurel and Eli might test a theory of the light, called The Arc, which could lead them to be able to relive their story again. Out now.

Inspired by a true story, this novel centers Ritz Hotel's barman Frank Meier in the midst of the Nazi occupation. As Frank is forced to serve Nazi officers, he's also forced to keep a deadly secret: He's Jewish. In doing so, however, he's in the position to try to save Jewish families — including his own. Out now.

With over 75 kosher recipes from the Jewish Martha Stewart, "A Year of Jewish Joy" offers menus, traditions, blessings and crafts to imbue every Jewish holiday (including Shabbat) with a lot more light. Out now.

Is this book technically a middle-grade book? Yes. Is it also an explicitly Jewish tale of friendship by the author of "Ella Enchanted"? Also yes! In "The Unusuals," Gail Carson Levine introduces a trio of interfaith friends (Chera, Lummie and Joan) in medieval England, who must work together to seek justice. Out now.

Finally, a riveting conclusion to the "Golem and the Jinni" trilogy! Out now.

If you're desperate to live in a home like one out of a Nancy Meyers movie, "This Oak House" is for you. Written by Meyers' daughter Annie Meyers-Shyer, this book takes you inside the Jewish writer and Instagrammer's renovated home in Los Angeles and will guide you through your own home renovation projects. Out now.

"Entourage" first introduced the world to Ari Gold, the Jewish super-agent in Hollywood inspired by real-life big macher Ari Emanuel. Now, Emanuel is doing the talking with his memoir "Roll the Calls." It's juicy, full of entertainment industry secrets and gossip and an all-around must-read. Out 9/22.

In the wake of her recent death, Gloria Steinem's final memoir is an urgent and inspiring call to action. "An Unexpected Life" retells the intimate and perhaps surprising moments of the Jewish icon's life which turned her towards activism. Out 9/22.

From the author behind "Disobedience," "The Strangers" is part memoir, part speculative fiction. It follows Naomi Alderman in the wake of her mother's death and how her grief is shaped by the sudden appearance of a strange new animal: a mimmoth. The novel promises to be like nothing you've ever encountered before. Out 9/22.

Between 1922 and 1938, Vienna, Austria went from a glittering metropolis with strong Jewish life to a city virtually bereft of any Jews. Historian Douglas Booth captures the history of this seven year stretch through the voices of those who lived it. Out 9/29.

This collection of essays catches sentences left unsaid: "I’ve started my period," for one. Or another: "I am not supposed to say no one thinks Jews are beautiful." "Freak Lip" finally expels the secrets of Cohen's mind through lyric essays that refuse shame, draw upon the clear voices of literary giants like Gertrude Stein, Mary Ruefle, Louise Gluck and reflect Jewish humor. Out 9/29.

WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich, the son of Soviet Jewish emigres to the United States, captured the world's attention when he was arrested in Russia in March 2023, accused of spying. But once inside a Russian prison, Evan continued reporting. The result is "This Cursed Beautiful Land," a book which chronicles his time in jail, the moments of unexpected humanity within it, his release and the connection of Russians to their own country. Out 9/29.

Described by the author as "very Jewish," this novel explores grief, masculinity and a divided America through two brothers tasked with driving their father's cryogenically frozen body across the United States. The result is a darkly humorous novel, a sort of 21st century "As I Lay Dying," that is emotionally resonant and suited for our times. Out 10/6.

This graphic novel from illustrator Lucas Harari and his Oscar-winning brother Arthur Harari follows David, a Jewish photographer in Paris. David is adrift in life, but when he wakes up one night in the body of a woman he saw at a party, things take a mysterious turn. Out 10/13.

"Dead Beat" is Leigh Bardugo's dynamic, thrilling conclusion of "The Ninth House" trilogy and Hispanic-Jewish protagonist Alex Stern's journey from hell and back. Out 10/15.

This collection of essays showcases the rich, multifaceted experience of Black Jewish identity through oral histories, essays and interviews by and with Black Jews. Out 10/19.

There a few things as powerful in Eastern European cooking as a spoon. In this cookbook, author Alissa Timoshkina brings together recipes for soups, stews, dumplings and desserts from numerous cultures, including Ashkenazi Jews. Out 10/20.

The next entry into Sarah J. Maas' Jewish-inspired ACOTAR series is full of danger, intrigue, romance and a creeping shadow of Koschei the Deathless. Out 10/27.

We'll let a sentence from this book's PR copy speak for itself: "Laced with queer desire and life-threatening secrets, 'Venus, Vanishing' pulses with the hedonism and danger of 1930s Berlin as history comes to Hannah’s door, offering a heart-pounding story of Jewish survival, creativity and resistance." Out 10/27.

The vaunted list of men who dominate the narrative of the Nuremberg Trials are only one part of the story. In this history, writer Natalie Livingstone highlights eight women who were pivotal to the outcome of the trials. They include a brilliant American lawyer, three pioneering journalists, two German, one British, an iconoclastic artist, a beautiful refugee aristocrat, a dauntless survivor of Auschwitz and a young Russian translator. Out 11/3.

From Jewish author Judy Batalion and NBC News correspondent Chloe Melas, this guide is a candid, authentic and humorous exploration of how to live with chronic gut health issues. AKA: Something us Jewish girlies need to know about. Out 11/10.