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Thu Jan 29 2026

Clare Mulroy | Books Reporter

For many of us, the world feels dark right now. It's hard to put it into words without sounding glib. And while there's not much comfort I can offer, I hope this is a glimmer of good bookish news in your inbox today.

Books can soothe in times of hardship or uncertainty. Diving into a new world or stepping into new shoes can be a reprieve from doom-scrolling or even the frigid temperatures outside.

If you're craving a book that feels like a hug, might I suggest our roundup of comfort reads ? This list contains hopeful books like "Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman, "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna and "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt.

The perfect remedy for the winter blues is a good book.

Paper Trident, Getty Images

Here's even more good news to give you something to believe in:

✍️Don Winslow comes out of retirement: Crime readers will be happy to learn the prolific writer is back with "The Final Score." And while these pulse-pounding short stories may not feel cozy like our other suggestions, Winslow offered a hopeful testament to the power of writing in our recent interview.

📺Your favorite book might be coming to the big screen: The days feel long and cold, but at least there's Jacob Elordi as a steamy Heathcliff to look forward to. Between the new series of "Bridgerton," Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" and "Project Hail Mary," 2026 will be a big year for book-to-screen adaptations.

🏒'Heated Rivalry' is still making us believe in love: Library downloads surged this weekend after the New York Public Library offered unlimited free downloads of the Rachel Reid books for the snowstorm. If you're still not over Ilya and Shane, we've got a list of other steamy hockey romances to read next.

Thanks for checking out USA TODAY Books this week! Tell me what you're reading by reaching out via email at cmulroy@usatoday.com or on Instagram.

If you enjoy our Books newsletter, USA TODAY has more where that came from! Check out our full slate of newsletters, including some fresh launches from my colleagues:

•	USA 250: Explore, celebrate and remember who we are as a nation after 250 years.
•	Chasing Gold: Follow coverage of Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.
•	TODAY Californian: Get a fresh take on what's trending – news, sports and culture – from across the Golden State.
•	Making More of Your Money: This 8-week series gives you money advice and personal finance tips you wish you learned in school.

New book unites women in menopause. And makes them laugh.

Melani Sanders founded the We Do Not Care Club, uniting more than 6 million women in perimenopause and menopause.

Melani Sanders didn't try to start a movement. The mom of three was just tired and frustrated. See why 6 million women joined her We Do Not Care club.

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