Mid-Year Reading Check-In

I complete this same list of questions (almost) every year, and it is a good way to check in on what's been read so far and make some plans for the rest of the year.

1. Number of books read so far this year

As of today, I’ve read 60 books.

2. Best book you've read so far in 2026

Patriot: A Memoir by Alexei Navalny is, without question, the most profoundly moving book I’ve read this year. I was not only deeply affected by Navalny’s story, but also incredibly impressed by him as a person. With most politicians, it’s easy to question their motivations—whether they are driven by power, fame, or wealth. In Navalny’s case, I came away with a very different impression. Given the course of his life, it seems clear that his primary motivation was the pursuit of justice, and he ultimately gave everything in that fight.

3. Best sequel you've read so far in 2026

Malice at the Palace by Rhys Bowen, the ninth installment in the Her Royal Spyness series. I love dipping into this cozy mystery series a couple of times each year, and this was one of my favorite installments so far. It was witty, charming, and thoroughly entertaining.

4. New release you haven't read yet, but want to

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. It’s a satirical novel about a tradwife influencer who wakes up in 1855 and is forced to live the harsh pioneer life she has only been romanticizing online. The premise sounds both hilarious and thought-provoking, and I’m really hoping to get to it this month.

5. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

Taipei Story by R. F. Kuang. It’s described as a witty, deeply moving coming-of-age novel exploring grief, language, and culture shock against the backdrop of one unforgettable summer in Taipei. I’m very excited to see what Kuang does with a more contemporary story.

6. Biggest disappointment

Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe. It’s marketed as an enemies-to-lovers dystopian romance and has developed quite a devoted following among romantasy readers. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. The experience also reinforced something I’ve been noticing lately: finding truly exceptional romance novels often means sorting through quite a few mediocre ones first.

7. Biggest surprise

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I had previously read two of Reid’s novels and thought they were perfectly fine, but neither quite lived up to the hype. Atmosphere, on the other hand, exceeded every expectation I had. It completely captivated me and will almost certainly end up on my list of favorite books of the year.

8. Favorite new author (debut or new to you)

Allen Levi. Theo of Golden was my first experience with his writing, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I can’t wait to see what he writes next.

9. Newest favorite character

Theo from Theo of Golden. His kindness, quiet wisdom, and ability to savor every conversation and every moment of life made him one of the most memorable characters I’ve encountered in a long time.

10. Book that made you cry

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman, and Upward Bound by Woody Brown. Each one moved me in a different way, but all three left me reaching for the tissues.

11. Book that made you happy

Crowned and Dangerous by Rhys Bowen. Spending time with Lady Georgiana always feels like visiting old friends, and this installment was especially delightful.

12. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

In addition to Yesteryear, the books at the top of my TBR are Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell, The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett, Whistler by Ann Patchett, and Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune. I also have an entire stack of summer romances waiting for me, and I’m hoping to read as many of them as possible before the season comes to an end.