From thought-provoking fiction to insightful non-fiction, this curated list brings together the books the St. Lucia Times team believes will shape your reading list in 2026. Whether you’re looking to challenge your thinking, escape into a compelling story, or simply build a more intentional reading habit, these recommendations reflect the ideas, voices, and themes worth […]
The article Our Picks: Must-read books in 2026 is from St. Lucia Times.
From thought-provoking fiction to insightful non-fiction, this curated list brings together the books the St. Lucia Times team believes will shape your reading list in 2026. Whether you’re looking to challenge your thinking, escape into a compelling story, or simply build a more intentional reading habit, these recommendations reflect the ideas, voices, and themes worth your time in the year ahead. Consider this your go-to guide for what to read next — handpicked, purposeful, and worth bookmarking.
Anansi: New & Ancient African Tales
Author: Ivana Akotowaa Ofori and others | Genre: Folk Tales
“A collection of tales featuring everyone’s favourite trickster. There are authors from across the diaspora, including Dawn French of Saint Lucia.”
— Terry Finisterre, Sports Editor
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At Last A Life
Author: Paul David | Genre: Biography
“A collection of tales featuring everyone’s favourite trickster. There are authors from across the diaspora, including Dawn French of Saint Lucia.”
— Josiah St. Luce, Multimedia Journalist
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How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable about Anything: Yes, Anything
Author: Albert Ellis | Genre: Self Help
“A collection of tales featuring everyone’s favourite trickster. There are authors from across the diaspora, including Dawn French of Saint Lucia.”
— Josiah St. Luce, Multimedia Journalist
Lucky Me
Author: Rich Paul | Genre: Autobiography
“Lucky Me highlights how everyday experiences shape and develop our futures.”
— Quinn St. Juste, Multimedia Journalist
Meditations
Author: Marcus Aurelius | Genre: Philosophy
“Meditations is a private journal written by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius to remind himself how to live well under pressure. It’s a collection of short, blunt reminders about how to stay calm, do the right thing, and not get dragged down by ego, anger, or other people’s nonsense. He isn’t trying to sound wise or impress anyone. He’s trying to keep himself steady while carrying a lot of responsibility. What makes this book stick is that it feels real. You’re reading the thoughts of someone who struggles, fails, and keeps trying to be better anyway.”
— Kherim Nelson, Multimedia Journalist
Neruda on the Park
Author: Cleyvis Natera | Genre: Literary Fiction
“Neruda on the Park carries the weight, history, and culture of a multigenerational Dominican family facing impending gentrification in their neighbourhood. Each character’s journey is honest, and poignant. This book is well-written, emotional, familiar, and un-put-downable.”
— Sydney Joseph, Digital News Editor
Ready Player One
Author: Ernest Cline | Genre: Science Fiction
“Ready Player One captures the nostalgia of playing your favourite video games, no matter your age, while presenting a technological future that seems closer to reality everyday.”
— Sydney Joseph, Digital News Editor
Running in Heels
Author: Yasmin Solitahe Odlum, Barbara Jacobs Small | Genre: Non Fiction
“The stories of women’s involvement in Saint Lucian elective politics, political organisations, governance, etc. Very comprehensive. I actually was MC for the launch of this book several years ago, and was supposed to be given a copy. I finally bought one this year. Fantastic read, and great timing in an election year.”
— Terry Finisterre, Sports Editor
Steve Jobs
Author: Walter Isaacson | Genre: Autobiography
“Steve Jobs is for innovators, dreamers, and developers, who want to change their personal obsession into meaningful contributions.”
— Quinn St. Juste, Multimedia Journalist
The Bolt Supremacy
Author: Richard Moore | Genre: Biography
“An examination of the Jamaican speed factory, specifically from the starting point of possible doping, but a great collection of interviews and anecdotes from the forties through to Bolt’s Olympic dominance. The author examines the primary and secondary school setup that laid the foundation for Jamaica’s ability to punch well above its weight.”
— Terry Finisterre, Sports Editor
The Diary of a CEO
Author: Steven Bartlett | Genre: Business
“Diary of a CEO showcases how anybody can lead if they follow the right principles.”
— Quinn St. Juste, Multimedia Journalist
The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive
Author: Patrick Lencioni | Genre: Business and Economics, Fiction
“This is the most practical leadership book I’ve read this year because it breaks great leadership into four disciplines I plan to follow in 2026. Build a cohesive leadership team, create clarity, communicate it relentlessly, and reinforce it through the company’s systems. The key takeaway for me is that execution usually fails because alignment is unclear, not because people aren’t working hard.”
— Hermina Elcock, CEO & Publisher
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The Myth of Self-Esteem
Author: Albert Ellis | Genre: Psychology
“This is the most practical leadership book I’ve read this year because it breaks great leadership into four disciplines I plan to follow in 2026. Build a cohesive leadership team, create clarity, communicate it relentlessly, and reinforce it through the company’s systems. The key takeaway for me is that execution usually fails because alignment is unclear, not because people aren’t working hard.”
— Josiah St. Luce, Multimedia Journalist
The Prime Minister
Author: Austin Clarke | Genre: Political Fiction
“A really gripping and interesting story about the dislocation experienced by returning nationals after lengthy stays abroad. The protagonist is tipped as a minister in the island’s new government, but soon finds himself navigating very tricky social, romantic, and political situations. The book is informed by Clarke’s time as an advisor to the Prime Minister of Barbados.”
— Terry Finisterre, Sports Editor
This Woven Kingdom
Author: Tahereh Mafi | Genre: Fantasy Fiction
“This trilogy has one of the best magic formats among any I’ve read. Though it’s a slow start, it combines fantastic world-building and dynamic character relationships. Perfect choice for anyone wanting to curl up with a good read over a weekend.”
— Sydney Joseph, Digital News Editor
12 Rules for Life
Author: Jordan B Peterson | Genre: Self Help
“12 Rules for Life is Jordan Peterson trying to answer a simple question: How do you live when life is painful and unfair. The book mixes practical advice with psychology, religion, and personal stories, all centred on taking responsibility for yourself before blaming the world. The rules push ideas like standing up straight, telling the truth, setting your life in order, and aiming at something meaningful instead of easy comfort. It can be messy and intense at times, but at its core, it’s about finding structure and purpose so chaos doesn’t run your life.”
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