Amazon Just Named This Oprah's Book Club Pick Its Best Book of 2026 So Far
For a writer, there are few accolades that have as big an impact on book sales and notoriety as being named an Oprah's Book Club pick. For Tayari Jones, the author of one of the year's most celebrated books, Kin, being named Oprah's 121st book club pick-and the former talk show host's first book club selection of 2026-was just the beginning.
Amazon recently released its prestigious Best Books of the Year So Far list, showcasing Amazon Editors' top 20 picks from hundreds of new releases published through midyear. Kin has been named Amazon Editors' No. 1 pick so far this year.
Kin by Tayari Jones Named The No. 1 Amazon Best Book of The Year So Far
Kin explores themes of friendship, family, identity, and the idea of a chosen family. The story focuses on two motherless girls, Vernice and Annie, who grow up as best friends in a fictional Louisiana town. As the two enter adulthood, their lives take dramatically different paths.
Kin is Jones' first novel since her bestselling novel An American Marriage became a literary sensation in 2018 and an Oprah's Book Club pick that same year.
Why Amazon's Ranking Matters
One of the most anticipated midyear book rankings, Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far list is among the publishing industry's most influential lists. Amazon's midyear selections are closely watched because they often help shape summer reading lists, inform year-end "best books" conversations, and can serve as a precursor to awards-season recognition later in the year.
Accolades For Kin
Jones' novel is a New York Times bestseller and was also named to The New York Times Best Books of the Year list for 2026. Goodreads readers give Kin a 4.25-star rating, with reviewers calling it the "literary hit of 2026."
Kin is also receiving high praise from established authors, including Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, and award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson, who calls Kin "the best book I've read in a long time."
Other Books On The Amazon Best Books Of The Year So Far List
Kin may have earned the No. 1 spot on Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far list, but Jones' novel is in good company. Rounding out the top five are some of the year's most anticipated reads, including two debuts: London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe, Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden, and Night Objects by Eli Raphael.
Readers on book discussion forums like Goodreads have described the novel as emotionally powerful, difficult to forget, and among the best books they've read this year. Several readers specifically praised the friendship at the center of the story and said they couldn't stop thinking about the ending.
Is Kin Worth Reading?
Oprah Winfrey calls Kin a book "you won't want to miss out on." Goodreads readers, The New York Times, celebrated novelists, and now Amazon Editors agree. Kin is one of the best books of 2026 and is on track to become one of the books of the summer.
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 6:22 AM.