I've done something similar with branching out and reading genres that I flat out said weren't for me and slammed that door. I ended up being pleasantly surprised by actually liking some of the sci fi and fantasy books I read. Did I like them all? No. And that's ok! I tried. I tried and did discover authors and books I thought were excellent.
I ended up loving the author John Wyndham, who wrote Day of the Triffids and Village of the Damned and The Chrysalids. I also read HG Wells War of the Worlds and loved it.
Another genre I've always been judgy about is Romance so my goal this year is to figure out of there are any that I might actually like.
Ahhh yes, fantasy + science fiction are the two genres I'm most intrigued about this year, Jay! I'm also going to attempt to read 1-2 romantasy books, but have always felt super judgmental about that genre... so am very curious where that one will go, haha. I've read enough romance to know it's not *really* for me, but mostly because I don't like when you can anticipate the ending of a book (aka - they'll end up together). I like a faster-paced book that keeps me engaged/intrigued! But I've also read enough of them to know: there's probably 1 romance book out there for everyone! I wonder what questions you could ask yourself, to potentially find the "right one" for you... 🙃
Ha! I didn’t know there was an acronym for those who’ve never seen StarWars. When the first one (original? I’m not even sure how the sequence goes) came out in the 70’s I went with my then high school boyfriend. I fell asleep 10 minutes in and have never had any interest in picking up again. Like you, I know all the pop culture references. It’s a source of amusement for my friends who are fans and often try to convert me. Next they’ll try to have me watch a tv show called ‘Friends’ too…🙂
As for reading out of one’s normal zone, I’ve recently participated in a couple of book club picks. One was an absolute dud, a waste of ink and paper. The second was a brilliant enlightenment, and certainly something that never would’ve been on my radar. I’ll have to see if I can tilt the average above 50% in 2026.
It's interesting you mention book clubs, Bridget, because there's where my idea for this challenge came from! Another story I've always told myself is that I could never join a book club, because a) I'm sometimes a slow reader and b) what if I hate the book!? So my first thought in December was: I wonder if I could follow along with a book club for a year? And then I thought: what if I chose my own books (including ones I'd never normally read)? We'll see where this goes... ☺️
Cait, my local library has an interesting reading challenge for ‘26, where each month features a theme and the reader can choose their own book based on the theme (i.e. January is “travels”)
I love this format of not being tied to a particular title and being able to choose, so I’ve eagerly signed up.
That's exactly it! I don't seem to get OBSESSED with anything! Like where you're deep-diving, researching online, going down rabbit holes, wanting to learn more and more... I don't do this! But I want to! Thanks for your kind words, friend ☺️
Oh my gosh, as the biggest fantasy book nerd I am VERY excited for you! There are so many amazing books and series and worlds to immerse yourself in, I love some of them so much. Since you've previously mentioned enjoying children's books, I would definitely recommend trying some of Trudi Canavan's series - not for kids, but more kind of old-school YA aged. Also, the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman is an absolute classic, and one of my favourites growing up.
I can totally relate with the popular culture thing though - I also hardly watched series and movies growing up, and there are so many references and characters I only know through hearing about them repeatedly and not through actually seeing them hahaha. I too have begun to remedy this as an adult: I married a huge movie nerd and he's been showing me movies while I got him into reading fantasy.
Aww I love that you've found someone you can share your interests with! That feels special, Jess. And thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for this challenge and for fantasy books! That's definitely a genre I have very limited experience exploring, but is the one I feel most intrigued by. I'll be very lightly dipping my toes into it, because I'm typically a slow(er) reader... but we'll see how I feel about the few I try, later this year! Will share more details next week! Thanks for the recos!
Ooooh if you want a shorter, quicker fantasy read, Sabriel by Garth Nix is brilliant! It is part of a trilogy too, but you could definitely read it as a standalone (in the unlikely event that you aren't hooked by the end lol). Also kind of YA aged, I first read it as a kid (and have re-read about 100 times since).
I kind of did this with the Beatles as I watched Get Back and then realised I didn't know enough of their story and knew lots of their songs but more as just songs that were always there and not something I'd intentionally listen to. Cut to me spending the next 2 years reading, listening to all the albums and tons of podcasts, watching loads of Beatles films/docs, and even going to see Paul McCartney live! It's fun to be a fan and I hope you find something that you can deep dive into
I read this while getting ready this morning but didn't have time to comment. Every time I read your writing, I'm like, me, too! I loved reading this!!!
I'm honestly wondering if this might end up being true for me too, Elizabeth! Maybe not! I think it depends on how much violence is in the books (that can really mess with my insides). But I know I like a faster-paced book, something that keeps me turning the page... and I'm thinking mystery is probably good for that!?
I think certain fandoms slide, friction-free, into an invisible slot that exists in a teen / preteen. My husband and his brother on Star Wars, OMG, it's their touchstone 50 years after they were 14 and 13 when it came out and they saw it. Those things we love as kids, there's nothing like them! I liked Star Wars, just in a normal "it-was-good" way - but then "the empire strikes back" broke my heart because the sexist way Princess Leia was presented and treated was so painful to me. I felt specifically excluded by that.
I can see why that would've been true, Fran! Honestly, I don't remember enough details from the films, which is a common "issue" for me... *and* one of the reasons I really want to watch them again. (Not eps 1-3, but the originals + the newest ones.) So if I do, I'll pay closer to attention to that part now. But yes, I agree that the things we loved as preteens/teens is really special. Nostalgia is also incredibly powerful! I won't be able to replicate THAT experience... but as Anna-Maria said above, I wonder if I'll get "obsessed" with anything. I think that could be a fun feeling!
Really great read! I’m in a similar boat, trying to figure out what I like right now. Not what I’ve been told to like or expected to like. And I’ve completely burned myself out on the self-help category of reading and podcasts! Turns out we’re okay as we are; everything doesn’t need to be improved.
As someone who has had hyper fixations for niche bits of culture over the years, I can tell you that is so much fun… my most recent example is that I’m down the rabbit hole with the musician FredAgain, and it’s worked out (story incoming):
For almost three years, I've listened to every album he's made, watched every Twitch stream where he live composes music, and watched the many YouTube videos of his live gigs. I went to Rome in September to see him for the first time and wrote him and his whole crew handwritten thank-you cards. I attempted to go to Dublin to see his DJ set under Boris Ackart’s beautiful installation, which also happened to be on my birthday, but couldn't get a ticket. I then returned to Toronto in November for a family wedding, I flight booked months before, only to have Fred play an hour after I landed. I was on the guest list via my hairdresser, and was magically selected to be on stage where I danced for 6 hours straight.
For a few other reasons as well, November 14th will go down as my favorite day of last year. It's rare to be purely present in a moment, knowing it will be one of the most memorable in your life as it's actually happening. No desire to meet him, but I will experience his music live again. And it was proof that magic is there for the taking if you're willing to believe, and things happen eventually, how they are supposed to be if you're patient enough to trust the process.
I do hope you find your thing, Cait, Because honestly, makes life so much more whimsical!
Ok well as someone who also enjoys Fred again.. (we listen to him a lot in this house!) I LOVE this for you, Robyn! Love that you discovered him, and have gotten so much enjoyment out of following his work and watching his process too (the Twitch videos sound cool!?). And November 14th sounds like a very special day. Thanks so much for sharing it with us, friend ☺️
Sharing that you read middle school novels a few years back finally let me give myself permission to read just for fun again instead of just for “work” and personal development. ❤️
Such a fun list Cait! Thank you for sharing! My aunt in BC only wore purple! I have never been a Star Wars fan but think it is so fun that you enjoy now! I thought I would like to keep a reading scrapbook this year! 💝💝
In reading your words, as well as the various comments already posted here by your readers, all I can say is:
"Different strokes for different folks" when it applies to one's reading tastes.
They often do change over time as they have done so for me.
As for me, in my younger teens / early 20's, I was into sci-fi and high adventure - a confirmed Trekkie fan (books / movies) as well as all those of Star Wars, along with all types of other sci-fi themes.
After uni graduation and into early career mode, I would haunt book stores on my lunch hours and would really get into themes about business, self-help, career goals, as well as finance. Very nerdy stuff but all of this really educationally prepared me for my later years.
Time passed and then I switched focus into reading more about political happenings, especially biographies.
Which lead me to even more interests over the past decade. Heaven knows that I've read more than enough of political stuff from browsing the internet (via blogs, sub stack, you tube, etc. etc.) and so, to put some "relaxation" back into my reading, I've turned back to again enjoying reading adventure fiction (sci-fi, para-normal, action adventure, etc.)
Of course, with techie advances over the years, I rarely drop into book stores any more (not that there are all that many around) since I'm now fully into e-reading on my Kindle.
That all said, and as time marches on, more and more I'm looking at future reading / business trends and so have started to get interested in and educate myself on topics that are AI - related, for I see it more and more starting to impact our lives in so many ways.
And so it goes, my friend, our tastes do change over the years, regardless of our age or our gender. That's what human nature living is all about.
Happy reading & viewing and "May the Force be with you". 😉
I'd say this also shows that you're an "interested" person, friend! Because I don't know many people who follow so many different interests, or educate themselves on so many different topics... what you're describing feels a bit rare! And inspirational! I think it's smart to learn more about AI too, as we're just at the beginning of that being part of our lives... may the Force be with all of us, haha. 🤓
Well said, my friend and as the Star Wars Jedi Master Yoda would also say: "Do or do not. There is no try". Enjoy your weekend ahead with TM and family.
I can hardcore relate to buying books for my aspirational self when I was younger! I've since also decluttered all those physical books but something I hadn't realized I'd let out of control was my TBR list. I had added things when people mentioned books, or when I read "you must read these books" kind of lists and that thing grew to almost 400. It gave me so much anxiety I stopped looking at it for recommendations. Then, just this past December, the thought occurred to me that it was actually MY list, that I was in control and could put whatever I wanted to on it (or take whatever off). So, I gave myself permission and deleted half of them. I only kept books I really thought I'd want to read. It felt sooooo liberating. I love your reading goal for 2026, can't wait to hear your thoughts on more of it!
Ohhh I can definitely relate to this, friend! I haven't kept a TBR list in years, for this exact reason! Personally, I had to stop taking on all the recos my friends made. Recommendations are incredibly personal anyway, and I would often find they weren't "the right" books for me, for any number of reasons. Instead of always looking books up and saving links to them, if a friend told me about one they loved, I learned to say: "that sounds great, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!" and then I'd let it go...
That's a fantastic reply, so reaffirming and kind! Going to put that one in my wheelhouse for when more recs fly my way LOL. I'm a list person so the TBR for me works, but with a HUGE caveat, which it took me a while to pin down. I've also gotten more authentic with feeling which book is right for me at the moment and have felt much less guilt about DNF-ing books, which I used to never do, thinking it was "quitting". I've since learned that quitting for the right reasons is far better than sticking with something for the wrong reasons. I feel like you've written about this as well in the past...
Ooo yes, I'm a firm believer in DNFing books now! Mostly because (as I used to remind myself) there are so many wonderful books out there! Life is WAY too short to read one you're not enjoying.
I'm left wondering: What's the HUGE caveat for your TBR list!?!
It has to do with reading moods. I run the book recommendation through a filter and if it passes, I put it on the list. The question I ask myself is: would I read this book no matter what mood I'm in? If it's a yes, I add it. If not, then I'll trust that it'll come back into my life at the time when I'm supposed to read it.
May you find books and series that bring you joy! I avoided certain types of books because I thought they would be too fluffy or not make me look smart. However I have since found some « light » series I love and they in no way have taken away from the « classics » or « real fiction » that I also adore. Turns out I can love lots of things.
I love the scene in Runaway Bride when Julia Roberts tries ALL the ways eggs are prepared to see what she truly likes best. I hope your book journey is just as fun!
I've done something similar with branching out and reading genres that I flat out said weren't for me and slammed that door. I ended up being pleasantly surprised by actually liking some of the sci fi and fantasy books I read. Did I like them all? No. And that's ok! I tried. I tried and did discover authors and books I thought were excellent.
I ended up loving the author John Wyndham, who wrote Day of the Triffids and Village of the Damned and The Chrysalids. I also read HG Wells War of the Worlds and loved it.
Another genre I've always been judgy about is Romance so my goal this year is to figure out of there are any that I might actually like.
Ahhh yes, fantasy + science fiction are the two genres I'm most intrigued about this year, Jay! I'm also going to attempt to read 1-2 romantasy books, but have always felt super judgmental about that genre... so am very curious where that one will go, haha. I've read enough romance to know it's not *really* for me, but mostly because I don't like when you can anticipate the ending of a book (aka - they'll end up together). I like a faster-paced book that keeps me engaged/intrigued! But I've also read enough of them to know: there's probably 1 romance book out there for everyone! I wonder what questions you could ask yourself, to potentially find the "right one" for you... 🙃
Ha! I didn’t know there was an acronym for those who’ve never seen StarWars. When the first one (original? I’m not even sure how the sequence goes) came out in the 70’s I went with my then high school boyfriend. I fell asleep 10 minutes in and have never had any interest in picking up again. Like you, I know all the pop culture references. It’s a source of amusement for my friends who are fans and often try to convert me. Next they’ll try to have me watch a tv show called ‘Friends’ too…🙂
As for reading out of one’s normal zone, I’ve recently participated in a couple of book club picks. One was an absolute dud, a waste of ink and paper. The second was a brilliant enlightenment, and certainly something that never would’ve been on my radar. I’ll have to see if I can tilt the average above 50% in 2026.
It's interesting you mention book clubs, Bridget, because there's where my idea for this challenge came from! Another story I've always told myself is that I could never join a book club, because a) I'm sometimes a slow reader and b) what if I hate the book!? So my first thought in December was: I wonder if I could follow along with a book club for a year? And then I thought: what if I chose my own books (including ones I'd never normally read)? We'll see where this goes... ☺️
Cait, my local library has an interesting reading challenge for ‘26, where each month features a theme and the reader can choose their own book based on the theme (i.e. January is “travels”)
I love this format of not being tied to a particular title and being able to choose, so I’ve eagerly signed up.
Ooo that sounds GREAT! I love how open and flexible that is. Any idea what you'll read!?
Not yet.
They offer suggestions for each theme which I’ll explore or decide on something off the beaten track.
Friend!
One of my absolute favourite things is getting really excited and obsessed about something. I'm excited to see how this unfolds for you!
The thought and care you put into your writing is really beautiful. I can feel the emotions as I read it. Such lovely reflections. 🩷🩷🩷
That's exactly it! I don't seem to get OBSESSED with anything! Like where you're deep-diving, researching online, going down rabbit holes, wanting to learn more and more... I don't do this! But I want to! Thanks for your kind words, friend ☺️
Oh my gosh, as the biggest fantasy book nerd I am VERY excited for you! There are so many amazing books and series and worlds to immerse yourself in, I love some of them so much. Since you've previously mentioned enjoying children's books, I would definitely recommend trying some of Trudi Canavan's series - not for kids, but more kind of old-school YA aged. Also, the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman is an absolute classic, and one of my favourites growing up.
I can totally relate with the popular culture thing though - I also hardly watched series and movies growing up, and there are so many references and characters I only know through hearing about them repeatedly and not through actually seeing them hahaha. I too have begun to remedy this as an adult: I married a huge movie nerd and he's been showing me movies while I got him into reading fantasy.
Aww I love that you've found someone you can share your interests with! That feels special, Jess. And thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for this challenge and for fantasy books! That's definitely a genre I have very limited experience exploring, but is the one I feel most intrigued by. I'll be very lightly dipping my toes into it, because I'm typically a slow(er) reader... but we'll see how I feel about the few I try, later this year! Will share more details next week! Thanks for the recos!
Ooooh if you want a shorter, quicker fantasy read, Sabriel by Garth Nix is brilliant! It is part of a trilogy too, but you could definitely read it as a standalone (in the unlikely event that you aren't hooked by the end lol). Also kind of YA aged, I first read it as a kid (and have re-read about 100 times since).
I kind of did this with the Beatles as I watched Get Back and then realised I didn't know enough of their story and knew lots of their songs but more as just songs that were always there and not something I'd intentionally listen to. Cut to me spending the next 2 years reading, listening to all the albums and tons of podcasts, watching loads of Beatles films/docs, and even going to see Paul McCartney live! It's fun to be a fan and I hope you find something that you can deep dive into
Did you listen to the One Sweet Dream and AKOM podcasts about the Beatles... so interesting!
Yes!
"It's fun to be a fan!" YES! I want to feel more of this, Linsey! Thank you for sharing where your own journey took you... ☺️
I read this while getting ready this morning but didn't have time to comment. Every time I read your writing, I'm like, me, too! I loved reading this!!!
I began reading mystery novels last year, a genre I thought I would never read. Now these books are at the top of my list.
I'm honestly wondering if this might end up being true for me too, Elizabeth! Maybe not! I think it depends on how much violence is in the books (that can really mess with my insides). But I know I like a faster-paced book, something that keeps me turning the page... and I'm thinking mystery is probably good for that!?
I think certain fandoms slide, friction-free, into an invisible slot that exists in a teen / preteen. My husband and his brother on Star Wars, OMG, it's their touchstone 50 years after they were 14 and 13 when it came out and they saw it. Those things we love as kids, there's nothing like them! I liked Star Wars, just in a normal "it-was-good" way - but then "the empire strikes back" broke my heart because the sexist way Princess Leia was presented and treated was so painful to me. I felt specifically excluded by that.
I can see why that would've been true, Fran! Honestly, I don't remember enough details from the films, which is a common "issue" for me... *and* one of the reasons I really want to watch them again. (Not eps 1-3, but the originals + the newest ones.) So if I do, I'll pay closer to attention to that part now. But yes, I agree that the things we loved as preteens/teens is really special. Nostalgia is also incredibly powerful! I won't be able to replicate THAT experience... but as Anna-Maria said above, I wonder if I'll get "obsessed" with anything. I think that could be a fun feeling!
Really great read! I’m in a similar boat, trying to figure out what I like right now. Not what I’ve been told to like or expected to like. And I’ve completely burned myself out on the self-help category of reading and podcasts! Turns out we’re okay as we are; everything doesn’t need to be improved.
Wishing you a fantastic 2026!
We are definitely ok as we are, Melody! I'm so glad that feels true for you, and am curious what new things you might end up liking too... ☺️
As someone who has had hyper fixations for niche bits of culture over the years, I can tell you that is so much fun… my most recent example is that I’m down the rabbit hole with the musician FredAgain, and it’s worked out (story incoming):
For almost three years, I've listened to every album he's made, watched every Twitch stream where he live composes music, and watched the many YouTube videos of his live gigs. I went to Rome in September to see him for the first time and wrote him and his whole crew handwritten thank-you cards. I attempted to go to Dublin to see his DJ set under Boris Ackart’s beautiful installation, which also happened to be on my birthday, but couldn't get a ticket. I then returned to Toronto in November for a family wedding, I flight booked months before, only to have Fred play an hour after I landed. I was on the guest list via my hairdresser, and was magically selected to be on stage where I danced for 6 hours straight.
For a few other reasons as well, November 14th will go down as my favorite day of last year. It's rare to be purely present in a moment, knowing it will be one of the most memorable in your life as it's actually happening. No desire to meet him, but I will experience his music live again. And it was proof that magic is there for the taking if you're willing to believe, and things happen eventually, how they are supposed to be if you're patient enough to trust the process.
I do hope you find your thing, Cait, Because honestly, makes life so much more whimsical!
Ok well as someone who also enjoys Fred again.. (we listen to him a lot in this house!) I LOVE this for you, Robyn! Love that you discovered him, and have gotten so much enjoyment out of following his work and watching his process too (the Twitch videos sound cool!?). And November 14th sounds like a very special day. Thanks so much for sharing it with us, friend ☺️
Sharing that you read middle school novels a few years back finally let me give myself permission to read just for fun again instead of just for “work” and personal development. ❤️
Aww, that makes me so happy, Kelly! Are there any books you've enjoyed most!?
Such a fun list Cait! Thank you for sharing! My aunt in BC only wore purple! I have never been a Star Wars fan but think it is so fun that you enjoy now! I thought I would like to keep a reading scrapbook this year! 💝💝
Ooo that's a fun idea, Michelle! 😍
Hi Cait!
In reading your words, as well as the various comments already posted here by your readers, all I can say is:
"Different strokes for different folks" when it applies to one's reading tastes.
They often do change over time as they have done so for me.
As for me, in my younger teens / early 20's, I was into sci-fi and high adventure - a confirmed Trekkie fan (books / movies) as well as all those of Star Wars, along with all types of other sci-fi themes.
After uni graduation and into early career mode, I would haunt book stores on my lunch hours and would really get into themes about business, self-help, career goals, as well as finance. Very nerdy stuff but all of this really educationally prepared me for my later years.
Time passed and then I switched focus into reading more about political happenings, especially biographies.
Which lead me to even more interests over the past decade. Heaven knows that I've read more than enough of political stuff from browsing the internet (via blogs, sub stack, you tube, etc. etc.) and so, to put some "relaxation" back into my reading, I've turned back to again enjoying reading adventure fiction (sci-fi, para-normal, action adventure, etc.)
Of course, with techie advances over the years, I rarely drop into book stores any more (not that there are all that many around) since I'm now fully into e-reading on my Kindle.
That all said, and as time marches on, more and more I'm looking at future reading / business trends and so have started to get interested in and educate myself on topics that are AI - related, for I see it more and more starting to impact our lives in so many ways.
And so it goes, my friend, our tastes do change over the years, regardless of our age or our gender. That's what human nature living is all about.
Happy reading & viewing and "May the Force be with you". 😉
I'd say this also shows that you're an "interested" person, friend! Because I don't know many people who follow so many different interests, or educate themselves on so many different topics... what you're describing feels a bit rare! And inspirational! I think it's smart to learn more about AI too, as we're just at the beginning of that being part of our lives... may the Force be with all of us, haha. 🤓
Well said, my friend and as the Star Wars Jedi Master Yoda would also say: "Do or do not. There is no try". Enjoy your weekend ahead with TM and family.
I can hardcore relate to buying books for my aspirational self when I was younger! I've since also decluttered all those physical books but something I hadn't realized I'd let out of control was my TBR list. I had added things when people mentioned books, or when I read "you must read these books" kind of lists and that thing grew to almost 400. It gave me so much anxiety I stopped looking at it for recommendations. Then, just this past December, the thought occurred to me that it was actually MY list, that I was in control and could put whatever I wanted to on it (or take whatever off). So, I gave myself permission and deleted half of them. I only kept books I really thought I'd want to read. It felt sooooo liberating. I love your reading goal for 2026, can't wait to hear your thoughts on more of it!
Ohhh I can definitely relate to this, friend! I haven't kept a TBR list in years, for this exact reason! Personally, I had to stop taking on all the recos my friends made. Recommendations are incredibly personal anyway, and I would often find they weren't "the right" books for me, for any number of reasons. Instead of always looking books up and saving links to them, if a friend told me about one they loved, I learned to say: "that sounds great, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!" and then I'd let it go...
That's a fantastic reply, so reaffirming and kind! Going to put that one in my wheelhouse for when more recs fly my way LOL. I'm a list person so the TBR for me works, but with a HUGE caveat, which it took me a while to pin down. I've also gotten more authentic with feeling which book is right for me at the moment and have felt much less guilt about DNF-ing books, which I used to never do, thinking it was "quitting". I've since learned that quitting for the right reasons is far better than sticking with something for the wrong reasons. I feel like you've written about this as well in the past...
Ooo yes, I'm a firm believer in DNFing books now! Mostly because (as I used to remind myself) there are so many wonderful books out there! Life is WAY too short to read one you're not enjoying.
I'm left wondering: What's the HUGE caveat for your TBR list!?!
It has to do with reading moods. I run the book recommendation through a filter and if it passes, I put it on the list. The question I ask myself is: would I read this book no matter what mood I'm in? If it's a yes, I add it. If not, then I'll trust that it'll come back into my life at the time when I'm supposed to read it.
That is a GREAT question, friend! Thank you for sharing!
May you find books and series that bring you joy! I avoided certain types of books because I thought they would be too fluffy or not make me look smart. However I have since found some « light » series I love and they in no way have taken away from the « classics » or « real fiction » that I also adore. Turns out I can love lots of things.
A great reminder that we contain multitudes, friend!
I love the scene in Runaway Bride when Julia Roberts tries ALL the ways eggs are prepared to see what she truly likes best. I hope your book journey is just as fun!
Haha, what a great comparison, Caryn! Thank you!