Battle of the Books 2026

Free printable bracket below!

Each month, we select and read a book based on a different criterion. Each quarter, we discuss and vote for our favorite book of the three options. At the end of the year, we discuss and vote again for the BOB 2026 CHAMPION!

Rules:

• No reading the same book twice

• Must read every book in the quarter to vote in the semi-finals

• Discussion and voting will be virtual – Join our Discord server!

Monthly criteria:

January – book with more than 500 pages – The Witch Elm

February – book based on a true story – Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

March – book set in Africa – My Sister, the Serial Killer

April – book with a number in the title

May – an NY Times bestseller

June – book that has been translated

July – book with “ship” in the title 

August – book set in a jungle or forest

September – thriller with a twist at the end

October – book with Gothic vibes

November – a short story

December – book written in 2026

Get a free printable of the BOB 2026 bracket!