Eksmo Forecasts Book Trends Set To Shape 2026

On January 25, 2026, in Moscow, the world of Russian literature got a glimpse into its near future. According to the country’s largest publishing house, Eksmo, the coming year will be defined by a handful of literary trends that promise to reshape the reading habits of millions. The announcement—delivered by Evgeniy Kapyev, Eksmo’s general director—wasn’t just a dry forecast; it was a window into what readers are craving, how publishers are adapting, and why books are, perhaps surprisingly, winning out over other forms of entertainment.

So, what’s hot in 2026? Kapyev told TASS that readers can expect a continued boom in cozy detective stories, philosophical prose, and sports biographies. These genres, he explained, are not only topping sales charts but are also capturing the cultural moment in ways that reflect broader shifts in Russian society. “We forecast that in 2026, the trend for cozy detective stories (Peter Boland, Kristen Perrin), philosophical prose (John Streelecki’s ‘Coffee on the Edge of the Earth’), and sports biographies will continue,” Kapyev said. “The autobiography of Igor Akinfeev, released last year, showed great interest in this genre.”

It’s not every day that a sports biography becomes a publishing phenomenon, but Igor Akinfeev’s autobiography has done just that. Akinfeev, a legendary Russian football goalkeeper, has drawn readers far beyond the usual sports fan base. According to Eksmo, his story’s popularity signals a broader appetite for real-life tales of perseverance and achievement—a trend that’s only expected to grow in the coming year.

But it’s not just the written word that’s making waves. 2026 will also see the premiere of a film adaptation of Olga Primachenko’s book “To Yourself Honestly.” This isn’t just any book; it’s been a leader in the All-Russian book rankings for several years, and its adaptation is expected to fuel another surge in interest for Primachenko’s works. Kapyev is confident: “There will be a new wave of interest in her works, which are always among the top sellers.”

Primachenko’s success is emblematic of another trend Eksmo has identified: readers are increasingly seeking out books that offer comfort, self-reflection, and personal growth. Her works, which blend gentle advice with philosophical musings, have tapped into a widespread desire for meaning and self-understanding—a need that, according to Eksmo, isn’t going away anytime soon.

Meanwhile, philosophical prose is enjoying a renaissance of its own. John Streelecki’s “Coffee on the Edge of the Earth” has become a touchstone for readers looking for deeper meaning in their lives. This genre, Kapyev noted, “reflects a growing interest in introspection and the search for life’s purpose.” It’s not hard to see why: in a fast-changing world, many are turning to literature for answers—or at least for the right questions.

Of course, no year in publishing would be complete without a breakout novel. For 2025, Kapyev singled out the science fiction novel “If All Cats in the World Disappeared” by Japanese author Genki Kawamura as the book of the year. Its Russian edition surpassed 450,000 copies sold last year, a staggering figure by any measure. “The book of 2025, without a doubt, can be called ‘If All Cats in the World Disappeared’ by Genki Kawamura. Its circulation last year exceeded 450,000 copies,” Kapyev told TASS. Alongside it, Maria Corelli’s classic mystical novel “The Sorrows of Satan” also found itself at the top of the charts, proving that old favorites can still hold their own against new sensations.

But what’s driving these trends? Part of the answer lies in how people are spending their leisure time. Eksmo has observed a noticeable shift: more and more people are choosing to read books rather than watch films. This isn’t just a passing fad, Kapyev suggested; it’s a sign of a deeper change in how people seek out stories and information. The publisher expects its own programs to become “more vibrant, faster, and more touching,” reflecting the demands of a readership that wants both substance and emotional impact.

To help readers navigate this landscape, new literary schools are set to appear in 2026. These aren’t traditional educational institutions, but rather initiatives designed to guide readers in choosing books that suit their tastes and needs. The goal? To make the process of finding the right book less daunting and more engaging—a response, perhaps, to the sheer volume of titles vying for attention in bookstores and online.

Eksmo’s predictions don’t exist in a vacuum. They come at a time when the Russian literary scene is undergoing some significant changes. Elena Yampolskaya, an advisor to the president, recently pointed out that new unified literature textbooks are being developed to expand the range of books studied in schools. The aim, she said, is not just to produce future philologists, but “to raise people.” Yampolskaya explained, “We understand that children will almost certainly read ‘The Master and Margarita,’ but ‘The White Guard,’ unless we push them toward it, they probably won’t. And this is a very relevant text; it fits well into the historical context, which is important. So the program provides for, rather, targeted changes.” She also noted that works such as “Son of the Artilleryman,” “Russian Character,” “The Brest Fortress,” and “In August Forty-Fourth” will be reintroduced into the curriculum.

The interplay between what’s popular in bookstores and what’s taught in schools isn’t lost on publishers or educators. Both are responding to a public that’s hungry for stories that resonate with their lives—whether those stories come in the form of a cozy mystery, a philosophical journey, or a hard-fought victory on the sports field.

At the same time, Eksmo’s approach is forward-looking. By forecasting trends and adapting its publishing program, the company hopes to stay ahead of readers’ evolving tastes. That means not just following what’s popular, but also taking risks on new genres and voices. The expectation is for “more vibrant, faster, and more touching changes in the publishing program,” as Kapyev put it, signaling a willingness to innovate in response to a dynamic market.

In a world awash with digital distractions, the enduring appeal of books might seem surprising. Yet, as Eksmo’s 2026 forecast shows, literature is not just surviving—it’s thriving, fueled by a blend of nostalgia, curiosity, and the timeless human need for stories that move us. Whether it’s the comfort of a well-plotted mystery, the wisdom of philosophical prose, or the inspiration of a sports hero’s journey, Russian readers are finding more reasons than ever to reach for a book—and publishers are racing to keep up.

As the year unfolds, all eyes will be on how these trends play out in bookstores, classrooms, and living rooms across Russia. One thing’s for sure: the story of Russian literature in 2026 is only just beginning to be written.