1. Which upcoming YA novel by a celebrated Irish-Bangladeshi author is set to publish in January 2026?

a) Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar

b) Brick Lane

c) Nadia Islam, On the Record

d) Strange Girls

3. Which title features the adventures of a beloved Pakistani-American superhero and is set to release early in the year?

a) Ms. Marvel: Remnants of the Past

b) Mother Mary Comes to Me

c) Other People’s Houses

d) The Doctor and the Saint

4. Which memoir by a Hollywood icon, tackling life and resilience is scheduled for release in March 2026?

a) Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!

b) The Look

c) Phases

d) You With the Sad Eyes

2. Which highly anticipated thriller by a bestselling American author was released in January 2026, drawing on creative tension and psychological suspense?

a) Half His Age

b) Woman Down

c) Scavengers

d) Remember That Day

5. Which highly anticipated thriller, the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me, was released in January 2026?

a) The Day I Met You

b) The First Time I Saw Him

c) Gone Without a Trace

d) We Never Said Goodbye

Answers

1. The correct answer is c.

Nadia Islam, On the Record by Adiba Jaigirdar is scheduled for release in January. Jaigirdar has established herself as as one of the most important voices in contemporary young adult fiction, particularly for her focus on Muslim identity and the emotional complexity of adolescence. As an Irish-Bangladeshi author, her work often bridges cultural spaces with nuance and empathy, resonating with readers who rarely see their lived experiences reflected in mainstream YA publishing.

The novel continues her interest in voice and visibility, following a young woman grappling with public perception while attempting to stay true to herself. Set against the pressures of modern life where reputation, social media and personal identity frequently collide, the book promises a grounded and emotionally intelligent take on coming of age, making Nadia Islam, On the Record one of the most anticipated YA releases of early 2026.

2. The correct answer is b.

Woman Down by Colleen Hoover was released in the first week of January and marks a significant moment for readers who have followed her evolving career. Known primarily for emotionally charged romance and domestic drama, Hoover has increasingly moved into darker psychological territory in recent years. This thriller continues that shift, drawing on intense character studies and suspense driven storytelling.

Woman Down explores themes of power, vulnerability and the lasting impact of trauma with early reception suggesting the novel sustains this focus while intensifying the stakes. Several of Hoover’s previous novels have been successfully adapted for the screen, including It Ends With Us (2024), starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni and Regretting You (2025), starring Allison Williams, Dave Franco and Willa Fitzgerald. In 2026, Verity, a psychological thriller starring Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway, is set for release in October.

3. The correct answer is a.

Ms. Marvel: Remnants of the Past brings back Kamala Khan, the Pakistani-American superhero who has become one of Marvel’s most beloved modern characters. Written by Saadia Faruqi, the novel is aimed at younger readers while remaining rooted in the spirit that made Ms. Marvel a cultural touchstone. Kamala’s story stands out for blending superhero spectacle with everyday concerns about family, faith and identity.

Set to release early in 2026, the book expands Kamala’s world without requiring deep familiarity with the wider Marvel universe. Faruqi’s approach makes the story accessible with themes of heritage, responsibility and self-discovery with a character who reflects the complexity of contemporary Muslim-American life.

4. The correct answer is d.

You With the Sad Eyes is Christina Applegate’s memoir, scheduled for release in March. A household name for decades, Applegate’s career spans comedy, drama and film, with performances that often balance sharp humour and emotional depth. In recent years, her public discussion around health challenges, particularly following her MS diagnosis, alongside personal change have reshaped how audiences view her journey.

The memoir reflects on her life in Hollywood, tracing both professional milestones and deeply personal experiences. Rather than offering a glossy account of fame, the book centres on resilience, reinvention and the realities of ageing in an industry obsessed with image. You With the Sad Eyes promises an honest and reflective narrative.

5. The correct answer is b.

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave was released in the first week of January and serves as the official sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me. The original novel became a breakout success for its taut pacing and emotionally grounded suspense, later reaching an even wider audience through its screen adaptation.

The sequel returns to the story of Hannah Hall, expanding on unresolved emotional and narrative threads. Rather than repeating the formula of the first book, Dave deepens the psychological landscape, examining trust, secrecy and the consequences of decisions made under pressure. The release has been closely watched by fans of the original, cementing Dave’s position as a leading voice in contemporary suspense fiction. The second season of the screen adaptation is also eagerly anticipated this year.