My 2026 Reading Goal: Bigger, Bolder, & Full of Books I Can’t Wait to Talk About!

Okay, real talk first: I did not hit my 2025 reading goal. Life happened — work, weekends disappearing, Ash (my cat) demanding attention — but I’m not here to mourn the books I didn’t read. I’m here to reset with purpose for 2026!

So… drumroll… My official reading goal for 2026 is 40 books! And this year, I’m making it intentional. That means not just volume — but variety.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 📖 3 Self-Development books
• 📘 1 Non-fiction book
• 📚 2 Classics
• 📕 All the rest just books I want to read!

🧠 Self-Development Picks (Because Growth Is Non-Negotiable)

1. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
This book is a groundbreaking look at trauma and the ways it lodges itself in our bodies and minds. Van der Kolk blends neuroscience, psychology, and real-world case studies, offering insight into how healing is possible not just through talk, but through understanding the body’s memory itself.

2. Mindset: The Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Dweck shows how our beliefs about our own abilities can make all the difference in achievement and how shifting our view of challenges can unlock real transformation.

3. Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray
A classic for a reason Gray explores communication differences between men and women with empathy and humor. Whether or not you take every idea literally, it’s a great invitation to think about how we relate, listen, and truly understand one another.

📚 Classics I’m Excited to Finally Read!

📖 Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (coming to the screen with Matgot Robbie and Jacob Elordi)
Passionate, wild, moody, and unapologetically intense — this tale of love and revenge on the Yorkshire moors is classic for a reason.

📖 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and social commentary wrapped in a romance that never gets old. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy still give us all the feelings.

🧾 Non-Fiction Mystery Pick

For my non-fiction read, I haven’t made a final call yet — but I’m very likely leaning toward Matthew McConaughey’s book.

📖 What I’m Planning to Read in 2026

2026 is stacked with exciting new releases! I’ve already put a few pre-orders on my list — here are some I’m hyped about:

📌 Unnamed heart-stopping romantic novel from Carley Fortune, coming May 5, 2026 — from the bestselling author who always delivers swoony, emotional storytelling.

Some titles I’m eyeing (to add as they release):

• Colleen Hoover’s Woman Down — a twisty thriller hitting shelves early in the year. (finished and I would not recommend.)
• Alice Feeney’s My Husand’s Wife (5/5 ⭐️)

• Abby Jimenez’s The Night We Met

And so many more — whether it’s romance, mystery, or something that just looks so good I want it now. (Coming out March 24th 2026)

✨ Why This Goal Matters to Me

This year isn’t about guilt for unread books. It’s about curating joy, growth, depth, and escape — and picking books that fit those vibes. Whether I’m curled up on a rainy Sunday with Austen or jotting notes from a self-development chapter, I want every read to matter.

So here’s to 40 books, ongoing curiosity, and lots of good stories. 📚

Let me know what you’re planning to read this year maybe our TBRs will overlap!

✨ Happy reading and happy 2026! ✨