Good Morning America has announced its first book club selection of 2026, launching the literary year with a historical novel that bridges centuries.
At a Glance
- GMA Book Club’s January title is Skylark by Paula McLain
- The novel alternates between 1664 and 1939 France
- This marks the club’s first pick since debuting in 2019
- Why it matters: Monthly selections regularly propel titles onto bestseller lists
The morning show’s book club, which started in 2019, continues its monthly tradition of spotlighting a new read for viewers. January’s choice is Skylark, the latest work from the bestselling author of The Paris Wife.
Inside Skylark
McLain’s new release weaves together two timelines:
- 1664: Alouette fights to save her father and ends up imprisoned in an asylum
- 1939: Kristoff, a medical student, aids Jewish neighbors when Nazi officials arrive
The dual-narrative structure moves between the 17th-century asylum and the eve of World War II, connecting the characters across nearly three centuries of French history.
GMA Book Club Impact
Since its 2019 launch, the club has:
- Featured a new title every month
- Highlighted diverse genres and authors
- Consistently driven sales for selected books
- Helped readers discover their next favorite story
Amanda S. Bennett reported the announcement for News Of Los Angeles, noting the program’s track record of turning chosen books into must-reads.
About the Author
Paula McLain is no stranger to historical fiction. Her previous novel, The Paris Wife, became a bestseller by exploring the life of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife. With Skylark, she returns to the past-this time splitting focus between two eras of French turmoil.
Looking Ahead
While only January’s selection has been revealed, the GMA Book Club will continue its monthly cadence throughout 2026. Readers can expect announcements near the start of each month, maintaining the rhythm established since 2019.
Key Takeaways
- Skylark is available now from Atria Books
- The novel blends historical detail with dual-timeline suspense
- GMA Book Club picks often climb major bestseller charts
- February’s selection will be announced in early February
