Morenz Group Top Five Books for 2026

Each year, the Morenz Group selects five books that challenge our thinking, deepen our understanding of the world, and offer unforgettable narratives across genres. The 2026 list continues this tradition with titles that explore identity, ambition, espionage, legacy, and the quiet strength of community. In an age of relentless headlines and a frenetic news cycle, we value the timelessness of good books, works that offer context and a deeper sense of continuity. These selections are not only great reads but also invitations to reflect on the world around us.

In Theo of Golden, author Allen Levi, offers a quiet masterpiece of reflection and grace, inviting readers into the rhythms of small-town life and the enduring power of friendship. Levi’s storytelling is rich with wisdom, making this heartwarming book a standout for those who value character, community, and the sacredness of everyday moments.

Thanks for this one, Brandon!

The Fish That Ate the Whale, by Rich Cohen, is a riveting biography of Samuel Zemurray and a tale of ambition, capitalism, and geopolitical influence. Cohen traces how the banana trade revived the political and economic landscape of the region after the collapse of the silver mines in Peru, giving rise to the term “banana republic.” From Che Guevara to the Bay of Pigs, this story provides a sweeping look at the forces that have shaped and continue to challenge Central America today.

Please keep ‘em coming, Paul!

In Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service, authors Michael Bar-Zohar & Nissim Mishal deliver a gripping account of real-life espionage, Mossad offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most daring and consequential operations in modern intelligence history. The book explores missions targeting Iran’s nuclear program, operations that have shaped regional dynamics for decades. In light of the changing landscape in the Middle East, including renewed attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Mossad is especially timely and offers critical context for understanding the stakes and strategies behind the headlines.

In James, by Percival Everett, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is reimagined through the eyes of Jim, offering a profound and poetic commentary on race, freedom, and identity. What makes James especially powerful is its refreshing empathy and deep awareness of another’s perspective. Everett’s reworking of a classic not only challenges the reader to reconsider familiar narratives but also models the kind of compassionate understanding that is often missing in today’s discourse.

Loved it, Mark… thanks!

Finally, in The Game, author George Howe Colt, chronicles more than the storied Harvard-Yale football rivalry. The Game is a layered exploration of legacy, identity, and the cultural undercurrents of late 1960s America. Through the lives of figures like Pat Conway, who fought in the infamous Battle of Khe Sanh in Vietnam between his first and last seasons at Harvard and Calvin Hill, a Yale standout who became both a preacher and an NFL All-Pro, Colt captures the complexity of a nation in transition. Football, as portrayed here, is not just a sport but a mirror of American values, tensions, and aspirations. The roots of football’s influence on American culture run deep, and this book reveals how much of that legacy can be traced through a single, storied game.

Fun read, Michael. What’s next?

In a time of constant noise, these works remind us of the enduring value of perspective and the written word. Thank you again for sharing these books with us. We wish you and yours a blessed holiday season and happy new year!