War on the Rocks has published its 2026 Summer Fiction Reading List, a yearly tradition where staff, contributing editors, and show hosts share their personal fiction picks. The list includes Kerry Anderson's recommendation of Matt Haig's "The Midnight Library," described as a fresh take on themes of life's meaning and alternate choices.
The reading list is not a formal policy document but reflects the intellectual tastes of individuals within the defense and national security community. It offers a window into the broader cultural and philosophical interests of those working in strategic analysis.
As a non-official publication, War on the Rocks provides commentary and analysis on defense matters but does not represent U.S. government or military policy. The list is purely for leisure and intellectual enrichment.
No contract values, budget allocations, or operational implications are associated with this publication. The list carries no direct impact on defense programs or force posture.
Analysts note that while such lists are informal, they can influence reading habits within the national security community, potentially shaping broader strategic thinking over time.