I saw Janette’s post about this book tag, which reminded me that it’s time to do my own Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag 2026. If you’re curious about my responses in 2025, you can view those here. This book tag was originally created by Roisin’s Reading on YouTube.
How many books have you read so far?
So far I’ve read 24 books. Last year round this time I’d read almost double that, probably because I was participating in the SFINCS contest as a judge.
Have you already found a book you think might be a 2026 favorite?
I haven’t finished it at the time of drafting this post, but I’m really enjoying MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES by Rufi Thorpe. It’s not what I usually reach for, but perhaps that’s why I’m liking it so much.
If not, what was your favorite book you read that wasn’t quite five-star?
I haven’t rated anything five stars yet, but I do have one 4.5-star read: THE LAND OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD by Shauna Lawless.
Any 1-star books / least favorite book of the year?
I still have yet to ever rate anything with one star. But one of my least favorite book I’ve read so far is THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE by Charlie Mackesy. HUNCHBACK by Saou Ichikawa had an ending that made absolutely no sense. HOW TO LOSE A GOBLIN IN TEN DAYS didn’t live up to the hype. And TRAD WIFE was not a satisfactorily deep commentary on trad wife-dom. PARABLE OF THE SOWER by Octavia Butler was also a bit of a disappointment for me.
Most read genre so far?
Fantasy, to no one’s surprise! Right now 39% of my reads have been fantasy.
A book that surprised you?
Given the mixed reviews for THE COURTING OF BRISTOL KEATS, I also expected to have a mid experience with it. But I ended up liking it a fair bit and plan to continue with the series.
A Book that’s come out in 2026 already that you want to read but haven’t yet?
As usual there are many books that have come out in 2026 that I want to read but haven’t yet. I’ll just pick one of my ARCs and say THE INFINITE SADNESS OF SMALL APPLIANCES by Glenn Dixon.
One goal you made that you’re succeeding at?
One goal I made is to read 52 books this year and I’m almost at the halfway point. So I’d say I’m doing pretty well with that!
One goal you made you need to focus on?
I also made a goal to read my Arthurian books. So far I haven’t picked up a single one. Basically did the same thing last year!
New to you Booktubers/bookstagrammer/booktokers for 2026 you recommend?
Some book bloggers I started following this year include: katy’s archived and Marked For Plot.
It sounds as though you’re definitely on track to exceed your goal of 52 books. It’s nice to be ahead of the game😀
I’m definitely ahead of the game! I’m up to 27 read now!
I keep hearing about Margot’s Got Money Troubles, and I think it’s also a TV show? I can’t wait to see your final thoughts!
I think you’re right about the TV show…but I only know that because the book cover says it’s on Apple TV.
I’ve also read exactly 24 books as of this moment 😂 actually 22 bucks and two novellas so 🤷🏻♀️ glad it seems like a decent reading year so far!
Novellas count! 🙂 Enjoyment of all 24 books has varied somewhat, but this month I’m actually having a pretty decent reading time.
It looks like your first quarter has been a good one despite a few duds! I still need to read the Lev Grossman Arthurian book, and I swear I have some others to read, too. If we have any in common that you’d like to buddy read, let me know! Maybe we can motivate each other. lol.
Haaa I still need to read Grossman’s Arthurian book, too. Happy to do a buddy read at some point, but I really need to buckle in for a month and read some overdue ARCs first!
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse didn’t work out for me either back when I tried it. I liked the illustrations but didn’t like anything else and began wondering if maybe I was missing the point because everyone else loves it.
I liked the illustrations, too…those were my favorite part. As it was told to me, this book got super popular during the pandemic, I assume for it’s somewhat affirming/positive messaging. I think it’s too simple in its messaging, which is what probably makes it good for kids. There are plenty of adults, though, who are motivated by quotes like that. I am not, though, and I think hardship has made me even less receptive to that kind of thing because I think it’s just empty words. Buuuut that’s my cynicism and personal experience talking!
Same! That’s exactly how I felt. I thought it too saccharine and lacking depth, but you make a good point about the timing of its publication probably playing in its favor. I was working at a bookstore at the time and had a hard time recommending it to people. All I could tell them is, “It’s nice to look at.”
Yay! I had fun reading your tag and it looks like your year is going very well! I felt the same way about The Boy The Mole The Fox and the Horse, I really loved the art, and the friendship, but other than that, nah. I am glad that I am not alone in not liking it much, it seems everyone LOVES it and I keep seeing it (often in Dutch) in bookstores getting hyped. I hope you succeed with both your goals, good luck, and have fun reading!