I have finally — and I mean finally — been really diving into my reading goals and actually enjoying them again.

For the last few years, my reading has been a little lackluster. I’ve been reading far below my goals (which in and of itself is totally fine), but I was also lacking excitement and joy in my reading. I read a lot of fiction in ’24–’25, but most of it was throwaway fiction that, once I finished it, I never thought about again. It didn’t linger. It didn’t shape me. It didn’t spark anything.

When I made my reading goal for 2026 and started pulling out the book stack I wanted to read, I was honestly shocked to find books I got for last Christmas that I hadn’t read yet. This is unheard of for me, because I usually devour my new Christmas books immediately. In fact, I don’t think I finished a single book from last Christmas. That alone told me something needed to shift.

My goal for 2026 is to read 104 books for the year, which breaks down to two books a week. That’s actually a very doable goal for me, since I’ve spent well over a decade cultivating the habit of reading. If you’re just starting out, though, I highly recommend aiming for one book a week — or even one book every two weeks. Consistency matters far more than speed.

So for January 2026, that breaks down to ten books for the month, and I’m happy to report that I’m right on track! For me, the goal isn’t really about hitting the exact number as much as it is about inspiring me to read more, put down screens, and pick up actual books again.

I’m also developing a “40 before 40” list of classics I want to read by the time I turn forty (four years from now), and I’ll be sharing that list soon!

Here are a few things that have made a big difference for me this year:

First — my health is doing so much better. I’ve spent the past two years (but really closer to four) with lackluster health and energy. It all came to a head this last year when I had multiple rounds of kidney stones, multiple kidney infections, and the lowest energy I’ve ever experienced. I could barely function. I would start cleaning a room and literally have to sit down after twenty minutes to rest. Eventually, I discovered my body was literally starving for oxygen due to extremely low ferritin (iron) levels. It’s been a long nine-plus months of working on this, and for the first time in years I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. I still have a ways to go, but the increased energy has been such a gift. I can read again in the evenings and find little pockets of time throughout the day — and what a joy and blessing that has been.

Second — I’m genuinely excited about my current book stack. This is absolutely essential for me. If I’m excited about what I’m picking up next, it keeps me moving forward. It also allows me to juggle dryer, heavier books because I’ve got something fun waiting in the wings. The last couple of years I tried to force too much reading that simply wasn’t exciting me, and it made reading feel like work instead of delight. I need a good balance.

Here’s what I’ve read in January so far:

The Family Garden Plan. I’m planning a massive garden this year and needed a refresher. I first read this book four years ago, and it was really fun to revisit it now that I have more gardening experience under my belt. It was the perfect first book for the year and got me excited all over again for this season’s plans. Five stars.

Making Vegetables, Book 1. I’ve owned this book for over a decade and this was the first time I actually read it cover to cover. While it’s not groundbreaking, I did pick up some helpful tips. Four stars.

Gut Renovation. I’ve been studying gut health extensively for the past two years, so I was excited about this newer release. While there were a few interesting tidbits, overall it wasn’t especially helpful for where I’m at in my learning. Three stars.

Gardening for Everyone. Can you sense a theme in my reading so far? There’s nothing I love more than picking a new practical subject and reading everything I can get my hands on. When I was learning to quilt, I checked out every single quilting book from the library and promptly read all of them. When I take something on, I like to do it properly — or obsessively, if you will. This is an excellent book for the home gardener. Four stars.

Harry Potter Dramatized Versions, Books 1–3. Audible is currently releasing each Harry Potter book as a full-cast audio drama. It took me a little while to get into the first one, but by the third I was fully engrossed and now I cannot wait for book four coming out in February.

Wisdom on Her Tongue. I originally had high hopes for this book, but a friend told me it was very basic and very short, so I went in with very low expectations. I think because of that, I ended up liking it more than I expected. While it is short, there were some wonderful reminders throughout, and I’ll definitely read it again. Four stars.

Pride and Prejudice. Okay, don’t kill me — but I have to admit I’ve never read a single Jane Austen book and I’ve never seen any of the movies. I’ve just never been drawn to what I assumed was a silly period romance. I do adore studying history, though, and enough people have told me I’m ridiculous that I finally gave in. I’m reading this as part of my 40 before 40 list, and while it’s not my favorite book by any means, I’m enjoying it far more than I expected. Once I finish it, Jason and I are going to watch the movie (which one?!) since he read it last year. As a rule, we never watch the movie or show first if it’s based on a book.

The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis. I’ve somehow never read this very short Lewis book before, but my book club is reading it this month. I’m only at the very beginning so far, so no real notes yet — but I’m looking forward to digging into it.

So tell me — what did you read in January? I’ve got my February reading mostly planned out, but not much beyond that yet, so give me some recommendations!