Emma Straubknows good books. The author of The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, All Adults Here, and This Time Tomorrow, and most recently American Fantasy, the New York City native is also co-owner of the popular Brooklyn bookstore Books Are Magic. Straub wears many hats in the literary world as both an author and bookstore owner, giving her a unique perspective as a literary expert. Time has recruited the New York Times bestselling author to name her picks for the best books of the year, giving readers insight into what they should read next.
@time
Stuck on what to read? In the fourth episode of our book recommendation series, Emma Straub—author of ‘American Fantasy’ and owner of New York's beloved bookstore ‘Books Are Magic’—shares the standout books of 2026 so far. Who should TIME interview next? #books #emmastraub #booksaremagic #BookTok #americanfantasy Location: @books are magic Host: @Lucy Feldman Producer: @Alyona
In her fourth installment of Time’s book recommendation series, Emma Straub shares her picks for the standout books of 2026, naming The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman one of the year’s best so far.
“Small restaurant in a college town, the entire staff is getting ready because John Grisham has made a reservation that evening. I mean if you like The Bear, Big Night the movie, if you like food, or eating or John Grisham, this is the book. This is a great one.”
Book lovers jumped into the comment section to create a social media book club anyone can join.
“Loved The Reservation!” gushed one reader. “Another added, “Thank you for shining a well-earned spotlight on The Reservation. What a wonderful read!”
“Reservation sounds fun!!” added another.
Related: Ann Patchett Calls Katie Couric's April Book Club Pick 'Brilliant'
Rebecca Kauffman’s Signature Storytelling Style
Known for writing character-driven literary fiction that explores interconnected lives in everyday moments, Kauffman has built a reputation for using ensemble casts and linked narratives in her books, allowing the story to unfold through multiple perspectives. Her earlier works, including Chorus and I’ll Come to You, showcase a style that has become a defining characteristic of her writing and helped establish her as a unique and distinctive voice in contemporary fiction.
Inside The Reservation
The Reservation (2026) centers on a single high-stakes day at a celebrated Midwestern fine-dining establishment. On the morning of an important reservation—famed author John Grisham has made a reservation—22 steaks are discovered missing from the kitchen. As the staff scrambles to prepare for the evening, tensions rise and suspicions spread among the restaurant’s employees.
Each chapter focuses on a different character’s point of view, from chefs and servers to managers and dishwashers. With the mystery of the missing steaks simmering in the background, the story dives deeper into personal struggles, relationships, and the hidden lives of the people who work behind the scenes.
One of the most anticipated books of 2026, The Reservation is less a traditional mystery and more an ensemble narrative that uses a central incident as a lens to explore human connection, ambition, and the emotional complexity of everyday life, all with a side of humor.
Fun, indeed.
Related: John Grisham Says One of His Best-Selling Books Is 'Causing Quite a Stir'
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