Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss are continuing their literary mission into 2026 with fresh monthly selections for Belletrist, the online book club they launched together in 2017.
**At a Glance
- The actor-and-writer duo founded Belletrist to spotlight books that “genuinely” move them
- January’s pick is debut novelist Madeline Cash‘s darkly comic Lost Lambs
- Community now includes live events plus a subscription service
- Why it matters: Monthly reveal keeps readers engaged and boosts discovery for emerging authors
Since its founding, Belletrist has evolved from a simple Instagram page into a multi-platform community that pairs virtual discussion with in-person gatherings. Roberts told News Of Los Angeles the pair’s selection process relies on instinct: they choose whatever title “genuinely” resonates with them. Preiss echoed that sentiment in a statement, saying, “Our aim has always been to deepen the connection between readers and books, and help facilitate conversation with community members.”
January Selection: Lost Lambs
Madeline Cash, co-editor of Forever Magazine, debuts as a novelist with the story of the dysfunctional Flynn family, whose lives spiral after they are pulled into a criminal conspiracy. News Of Los Angeles reports that the Belletrist team calls the book “incredible” and “highly readable,” hallmarks the club prizes for sparking lively discussion.
Key details about the novel:
- Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Genre: Dark comedy / literary fiction
- Theme: Family dysfunction meets criminal entanglement
- Club endorsement: “incredible” and “highly readable”
How Belletrist Works
Every month Roberts and Preiss:
- Read and vet multiple upcoming titles
- Select one book that excites them emotionally
- Announce the pick on Instagram and the News Of Los Angeles site
- Host online conversations and occasional live events
- Offer a subscription box pairing the book with themed extras
Previous selections have ranged from buzzy blockbusters like Sally Rooney‘s Intermezzo to first-time authors across fiction and memoir categories. The consistent through-line, according to the founders, is a shared feeling that the book will provoke rich dialogue among members.
Growth Since 2017
The club’s expansion tracks with rising interest in digital reading communities:
- 2017: Instagram-only posts and informal discussions
- 2018: Added dedicated website and monthly newsletter
- 2019: Hosted inaugural live event in New York City
- 2020: Pivoted to virtual programming during the pandemic
- 2021: Launched subscription box offering exclusive items
- 2022-23: Returned to hybrid model mixing online and in-person gatherings
- 2024: Surpassed 100,000 Instagram followers
- 2025: Announced partnership with indie bookstores for nationwide pick-up events
- 2026: Kicks off with Lost Lambs as January selection
Roberts and Preiss credit the community’s enthusiasm for sustaining momentum. “We never imagined it would become this vibrant network of passionate readers,” Preiss said in a recent interview with News Of Los Angeles. “Every month we’re reminded how powerful shared stories can be.”
What Members Can Expect in 2026
While the founders keep later picks under wraps, their past curation offers clues to the year ahead:
- Mix of literary heavyweights and debut voices
- Emphasis on character-driven narratives
- Strong female perspectives across genres
- Occasional memoir or essay collection for variety
Subscription boxes will continue to include:
- A hardcover copy of the month’s book
- An exclusive note from Roberts and Preiss explaining their choice
- Curated items (art prints, candles, bookmarks) tied to the story’s themes
- Access to a private online forum
Members also receive early notice of ticket sales for live conversations, which in previous years have featured authors such as Celeste Ng, Ottessa Moshfegh, and Lisa Taddeo.
Impact on Publishing
Publishers increasingly view a Belletrist nod as a reliable sales catalyst. Several past selections have returned to press within weeks of announcement, and independent bookstores report reorders spiking after each reveal. Industry data compiled by News Of Los Angeles show:
| Metric | Average Increase After Belletrist Pick |
|---|---|
| Print sales | 180% in first two weeks |
| Social media mentions | 3× higher month-over-month |
| Library holds | 250% jump on OverDrive |
| BookTok videos | 5× surge within 30 days |
The so-called “Belletrist bump” has made the club a tastemaker for both literary fiction and accessible memoir, reinforcing the founders’ original goal of connecting readers with books that might otherwise fly under the radar.
Joining the Community
Newcomers can participate free of charge by following @belletrist on Instagram, where discussion prompts appear in Stories and posts. Those wanting the full experience can subscribe via the club’s website, with options ranging from digital-only to deluxe boxes shipped monthly.
**Key takeaways:
- January’s pick is Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
- Founded by actor Emma Roberts and writer Karah Preiss in 2017
- Selections aim to spark conversation and emotional connection
- Monthly choices consistently drive sales and library demand
With eight years of successful picks behind them, Roberts and Preiss show no signs of slowing down, promising another year of compelling reads designed to bring book lovers together-one page at a time.
