What to read and what to skip in 2026

The Final Book Count 39/20

Pages Read: 12,204

Average Book Length: 329 Pages

I am extremely proud of my list of books read this year. After setting my goal way lower than usual, anticipating being busy with wedding planning, I greatly exceeded it. AND to my own surprise everything except my last few books were new to me. I am typically a big rereader and this year I just kept putting books on hold at the library.

While I didn’t get to all the books I’d hoped for towards the end of the year, I’m ready to start 2026 with them.

If you are looking for books to add to your list for 2026 look no further.

Here’s a look at the best and worst of my 2025 reads.

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What’s Left to Read for 2025

Less than 80 days left of 2025. Can you believe it? I’m really surprised that I’ve been coasting with my reading goals this year.

Reading Challenge Currently: 36/20

Now it’s time to kick things into gear and try and hit 40 books! So I’m dusting off the To-Be Read list and choosing a few to look forward to.

But before we chat about what’s left to read, here’s some reviews from my last couple reads if you still need books to add to your own list!

Recent Reads Reviews:

Back in My Sci-Fi Era:

After rewatching The Martian movie based on the book by Andy Weir, which is a read I HIGHLY recommend if you haven’t already, I found he had another book being turned into a movie so I had to take a look.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

“But I have to save humanity first. Stupid humanity. Getting in the way of my hobbies.”

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Where you should Eat in Kauai

If your brother was heading off to Kauai for a wedding wouldn’t you want to go too? Exactly. So that is, in fact, what my family and I did. We stayed up in Princeville, that side of the island is extremely gorgeous, green and lush and very laid back.

A week long adventure with daily sunrises, beautiful views and, of course, eating. If you are heading on your own vacation to Kauai look no further for foodie inspiration.

Number One Choice: Napali Brewing Co

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Getting my Style Reimagined

If you’ve been following along since my college days you know I’ve had my friend style me a few times before. They are always such fun posts. Since it’s been quite a few years since we’ve done one, and I’m feeling creatively uninspired with my current wardrobe, we thought it was the perfect time to bring it back!

She created a few different mood boards to describe the styles she thinks could fit me best. Then we went through my wardrobe using the Indyx App so she could see everything without me having to hold it up to the facetime. So useful!

Here is what she came up with. Five different styles using only things I already own.

First the visions, then the execution, and finally how I felt.

Boho

“I feel like the boho trends are coming back just in a slightly different way. No more printed shirts and “hipster” type skirts, This is more feminine with ruffled and tapered skirts, knits, even some satin like fabric shirts and tanks.”

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Dominating my 2025 Reading Goal

We are only half way through 2025 and I am very proud to say I have already completed my reading goal for the year. After last year’s abysmal crawl towards the finish line, I have been soaring this year. I anticipated I would be really busy, but surprisingly when I actually just decided to read on my downtime even if I didn’t feel like it. I got through books quickly.

If you want to see my reviews for the books I read the first few months check them out HERE

I have been reading mostly fantasy these past few months, here’s the best, worst, and most disappointing.

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Springs Surprising Favorites

We are well into May (can you believe that??) and the return of nice weather deserves some recognition of my spring favorites!

On Repeat:

Joe Jonas

I am really excited for Joe Jonas’ new album. I have his released singles Heart by Heart and Work it Out on repeat constantly! Driving, dancing around my room, getting ready. I love the sound, and am excited to hear what else is on his new album Music For People Who Believe in Love, releasing May 23!

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February Book Reviews

I am starting strong this year with my reading challenge. After a horrible year of reading and not wanting to sit and read, I am FORCING myself to power through and get back into it.

SO! The goal for 2025 is 20 Books.

Much less than usual, but I am getting married at the end of the year and didn’t want to give unrealistic expectations. Now that I’ve seen how many I’ve gotten through by March, maybe I should up my game.

I got a 3-month Kindle Unlimited Membership, and I am determined not to leave it unutilized this time around. That is also where all of my books the past 2 months came from. Aaaand why 5 of the books are from the same series.

The Reviews:

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

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My 2024 in Books

The Year: 2024

The Goal: 20 Books

The Total: 20 Books Read out of 20, woohoo!

Goal Completed…by the hair of my chinny chin chin. I finished 4 books in December to reach my goal. I would not say 2024 was a great year for books. I was in a GINORMOUS reading slump, but in the end, I stuck it out.

Here’s the complete lineup.

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Love Letter to 2024

As this year comes to a close I can’t help but wonder where it went. A lot of people I talk to say that 2024 felt never ending to them, but to me it all blurred together and I can hardly believe it’s been 365 days since I drove home from a New Year’s Eve party.

2024 had its ups and downs and lots of stagnant moments but with the 25th year of my life slowly wrapping out I spent some time scrolling back through my photo album. I learned I need to take more photos and videos of memories outside of just my students, but amongst the class parties and photos of my students’ latest playdough creations, I found something beautiful from each month.

Here are the highest of highs from each month of 2024.

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Transitioning into Fall Favorites!

Mid-October makes me want to accept that it’s a new season, though I always miss summer. I am ready for Fall outfits and cozy weather… if California will get on board and drop the temperature. Here is what I’ve been loving so far this October.

Cozy Weather Playlists

To play in my car with the windows up and the A/C on haha. At least I can pretend it feels like Autumn outside.

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