I’m pausing midyear (6/6) to discuss the BEST 6 books I’ve read in 6 months. Can you list your top six books in the last six months? Do we share any favorite reads? Do you stop midyear and reflect on your reading? Has a book ever given you a book hangover?

Emma @ Words and Peace is now hosting the #sixinsex meme and link up (previously hosted by Jo at The Book Jotter ). Check out Emma’s post for all the details. I’m breaking the rules and offering a modified version for the linkup. In lieu of 6 books in 6 categories, I’m simplifying it to one category: the best six books in six months. Or you could look at it as one best book in each of 6 categories.

I love the idea of stopping midyear to reflect on the Best Six in Six .

Although I’ve read many enjoyable and memorable books so far this year, these six are a good representation: one nonfiction, one family drama, one beach read, one biographical histfic, one book about books, and one by an author of color.

Can you identify your best 6 books in 6 months?

Best 6 Books in 6 Months of 2026

***This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

(In no particular order)

A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

What are the elements that captured my attention?
Biographical, U.S. History, Founding Fathers, and an amazing woman!

---

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

What are the elements that captured my attention?
A book about books, a bookshop, and the grief journey.

---

Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn

What are the elements that captured my attention?
Narrative nonfiction, Pearl Harbor, and complicated family drama.

---

Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris

What are the elements that captured my attention?
Author of color, literary fiction, and against the odds.

---

Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore

What are the elements that captured my attention?
Complicated family drama and sisters. (So much better than Sandwich or Wreck IMO!)
Beach bag approved.

---

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

What are the elements that captured my attention?
Fan of the author, perfect beach bag book, likable main character.

---

---

Let’s Discuss

Have you created a “6 in 6” post?
I can enthusiastically recommend every book on my list! Have you read any of them?
What is the most important element in the books you consider BEST reads?
Do your BEST reads ever give you book hangovers?
Do we share any favorites?

You might also enjoy my 2026 Summer Reading Guide

Last year’s best 6 in 6 post here.

---

---

Happy Reading Book Friends!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.” ~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.” ~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.” ~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

---

---

Let’s Get Social

Thank you for visiting and reading today! I’d be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share my blog. Every share helps us grow.

Find me at:
Twitter/X
Blue Sky
Instagram (Threads link in bio)
Goodreads and StoryGraph
Pinterest
SubStack: @carolreadingladies
Reading Ladies Book Club on Facebook

---

---

***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price.

All books I review are purchased or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that the book is free (arc).

Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website receives all credit for book covers and author photos.

© ReadingLadies.com