So, it's 2026! How can we have bookish fun all year long? Well, we obviously have to start our own 26 in '26 Reading Challenge. This year we challenge you (and ourselves) to read 26 books in 2026. (Have I said '26' enough yet?)
I know that some of you are excited, others probably on the fence, but what better time is there to challenge yourself to (on average) read one book every two weeks. Did I mention there will be prizes? Every quarter you hit your goal you can enter to win some fun bookish prizes.
All year long we (likely I) will be giving you recs, and encouragement to stay on task! Why? Because I love reading more than anything in the history of forever, and want to encourage as many people as I can to enjoy my favourite hobby.
Oh, and before I forget -- please join our Reader Rendezvous Discord server if you'd like to connect with other readers! We have a dedicated channel for the 26 in '26 Challenge but feel free to chime in on all the other bookish fun!
To get you started on your 2026 reading journey here are five sure fire recs to keep you turning the page!
Starting off strong with the first, in likely my favourite quartet, and also best romantic suspense series is The Last Victim by Karen Robards.
This has murder, a ghost, a romance, and so much more. I have re-read the quartet (more than once) and love getting back into Dr Charlotte Stone's world every time!
To keep you on your toes, my next reading recommendation is one I read in 2024, but still think about, and sadly is still very relevant to what is occurring across communities today. The history of the opioid crisis and how it is traced through one very powerful pharmaceutical family the Sacklers. This is a heavy read but very enlightening.
Moving on...
No list is complete without a YA recommendation. And yes, I know some of you are thinking "I'm too old to read young adult..." and this is a lie. There are no age restrictions on great reads. I have decided to be controversial, yet brave, in this next recommendation. We read it as one of the selections for Happy Ever After Book Club -- and I'll be honest with y'all -- I was the only one who liked it. But I like it so much, I think it deserves a place on this list (and you may tell me I am wrong in the comments.) Without further ado, I give you Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven. Is it weird? Yes? Is there reincarnation but we don't know why? Yes. Is it *objectively* good? YES.
This is likely not a new author to anyone, but I finally joined the "Kristen Hannah's books are really great" fan club. I absolutely became transfixed by her latest release (which to be fair is from 2024) The Women.
I started to become so engrossed in Frankie's life and story that I actually missed her when I had to put the book down. Though not perfect, I still recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Lastly for today, I would like to recommend the novella Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. A quiet, slow narrative that finds a man examining his community and how his past has shaped him.
I hope one of these gets you going on your challenge, or that you share a recommended title for others below or in the Discord! Happy Reading!
Add a comment to: Welcome to 2026! (And please join our *VERY* fun reading challenge)