From Survivors to Stars: Key Nonfiction Books to Read in 2026

The year 2026 will bring powerful true stories, from survivors of major crimes to Hollywood icons. It begins with "A Hymn to Life" (Bodley Head, February) by Gisèle Pelicot. After a trial convicted her husband and 50 others of rape and assault, she writes to give "strength and courage" to other survivors. French author Emmanuel Carrère turns his focus inward for "Kolkhoze" (Fern, September). He examines his relationship with his mother to explore a personal history of France, Russia, and Ukraine. Writer Siri Hustvedt also reflects on family. Her memoir "Ghost Stories" (Sceptre, May) details her final years with her husband, author Paul Auster, before his 2024 death. Hollywood stories remain big. Sylvester Stallone's first autobiography, "The Steps" (Seven Dials, May), traces his journey from homelessness to Oscar success with "Rocky." Lena Dunham's "Famesick" (4th Estate, April) promises a frank account of how early fame led to chronic illness. Actor Gillian Anderson releases "More" (Bloomsbury, September), a new anthology of women's sexual fantasies. Other notable releases include memoirs from Liza Minnelli and essay collections from David Sedaris and Alan Bennett.