Cynthia Sweeney's 2026 Reading List
Novelist Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney shared her recommended reads for 2026 in ELLE's Shelf Life column. The author of *The Lake Effect* highlighted an assortment of books that have influenced her both as a writer and reader. Her carefully curated picks provide inspiration for anyone looking to refresh their literary rotation with trusted recommendations.
Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney's latest novel, *The Lake Effect*, delves into the intertwined lives of two families in 1970s Rochester, New York, exploring the enduring consequences of a passionate affair between two of their members. The book examines themes of love, desire, loss, and the conflict between personal happiness and family stability. Sweeney's debut novel, *The Nest*, published in 2016, was a breakout success, debuting on the New York Times Best Seller list. The story revolves around four dysfunctional adult siblings and the inheritance that has shaped their lives. The rights for the novel were sold for a seven-figure deal, and it is currently in development as a limited series with AMC Studios. Her second novel, *Good Company*, was a "Read with Jenna" Today Show Book Club pick and also an instant New York Times bestseller. This book explores the complexities of marriage and long-term friendships, set against the backdrops of the New York theater scene and Hollywood. A wife's discovery of her husband's long-lost wedding ring unravels secrets and forces her to question their life together. Before becoming a novelist in her 50s, Sweeney had a career as a nonfiction writer and worked in marketing. She holds an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars and has had her work translated into more than 28 languages. Sweeney's writing is often praised for its signature tenderness, humor, and insight into human relationships.
