BookCon 2026 made a triumphant return to New York City on 18 and 19 April, after a six-year absence, drawing in book enthusiasts from across the globe. Hosted at the expansive Javits Center, this sold-out event featured an array of activities, including author panels, book signings, live podcast recordings, and even a fantasy-themed ball.
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The convention highlighted notable discussions with literary luminaries such as R.F. Kuang, Jodi Picoult, Tomi Adeyemi, Veronica Roth, Jasmine Guillory, and Riley Sager. Attendees were treated to a wealth of new announcements and insights into their favourite authors’ upcoming projects and experiences in the literary world.
During her spotlight session, R.F. Kuang, known for her works *Babel* and *Yellowface*, shared details about her highly anticipated next novel. Kuang described her project as a multi-narrative tale that spans several decades, exploring themes of art and fascism throughout the 20th century. The story will feature five interconnected characters, including a German composer during the Franco-Prussian War and a Cambodian refugee in the 1980s. Kuang emphasised the need for a broad historical context, feeling it necessary to embed the story within the complexities of the era.
In what turned out to be one of the weekend’s standout moments, author Rachel Reid and Jacob Tierney, the creator of the adaptation of Reid’s *Heated Rivalry*, met in person for the first time. Their panel, which involved a surprise video appearance from stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, was filled with excitement as they shared their experiences in translating the book to a visual format. Tierney expressed his desire to showcase queer joy and authenticity in the adaptation, highlighting the importance of the intimate scenes in the story, which, he believes, add depth to character relationships.
Jodi Picoult also captured the audience’s attention with a fascinating revelation during her discussion about her latest novel *By Any Other Name*. The author recounted a surprising discovery made during research at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Picoult was able to assist the museum in identifying a previously unknown figure, inspired by her ancestor Emilia Bassano, who she asserts was sidelined in history despite being a contemporary of Shakespeare.
Tomi Adeyemi, famous for her bestselling *Children of Blood and Bone*, introduced her new novel *The Siren*, which will delve into the narrative around the mythical creatures often portrayed negatively. Adeyemi argued that the so-called “evil” nature attributed to sirens is a patriarchal construct, stating that these powerful beings merely embody confidence and allure that can intimidate men. She shared that her own portrait would grace the cover of this work, marking a personal milestone, as she aims to authentically reflect her vision.
Veronica Roth, best known for her *Divergent* series, unveiled the announcement of two new additions to the franchise, much to the delight of fans. Titled *The Sixth Faction*, the first book in this new duology will explore an alternate universe where protagonist Tris makes a different choice at her faction selection, thereby leading her into uncharted territory and a rebellion that diverges from her original path.
Jasmine Guillory, who gained notoriety for her romance novels, recounted a humorous moment from her college reunion, where fellow attendees began divulging personal romantic stories to her. This unsolicited sharing underscored Guillory’s impact as a romance author, with people feeling comfortable enough to open up about their relationship dramas, reflecting the intimate connection her work fosters with readers.
Moreover, Riley Sager, a bestselling thriller writer, spoke about the pivotal moment that transformed his career—a tweet from Stephen King endorsing his debut novel. The acknowledgement from King, who named *Final Girls* as “the first great thriller of 2017,” propelled Sager’s writing journey and significantly impacted his subsequent success.
As BookCon 2026 wrapped up, the literary community left with hearts full of inspiration and excitement for the future of storytelling. This much-anticipated event successfully reignited the passion for books and fostered connections within the literary world, promising a bright chapter ahead for authors and readers alike.