2026 Reading List: January Edit

One of my focuses for 2026 is to come back to the things that bring me joy and feel deeply tied to who I am (or at least who I want to be/have been) – habits that quietly slipped away during the last few years of moves, babies, and general overwhelm. Reading is one of those things.

So this year, I’m keeping a running list of the books I finish. I’ve already found that the act of recording them helps me remember them a bit better and inspires me to read more. Here’s what I read in January, and what I’m currently listening to as I head into February.

January Reads

Here is everything I finished in January (a few of these I started in December and didn’t finish until the new year).

Listening to the Law — Amy Coney Barrett

This book offered a fascinating, inside look at how the Supreme Court actually works. I loved the behind-the-scenes details—her personal interactions with other justices, the traditions of the Court, and the human side of an institution that often feels abstract/unrelated to me.

What stood out most were her clear explanations of how the legal system functions in practice: how precedent works, how laws are read and applied, and how judges think through difficult cases. It felt like a practical, accessible civics lesson grounded in real experience. I also loved peeking behind the curtain at social traditions between the justices (dinner parties with their spouses) and how they build bridges across differences in political opinions.

The Correspondent — Virginia Evans

I went into this novel with no expectations and absolutely devoured it. I don’t often read books with older main characters, and this one gave me a lot to think about—aging, relationships, regret, and what really matters over the long arc of a life.

It was a powerful reminder that older people are still just people: imperfect, growing, struggling, and figuring things out as they go.

Red Queen — Victoria Aveyard

This dystopian young adult fantasy was a big departure from what I usually read, but I really enjoyed it. The world-building and premise pulled me in quickly, and it was fun in a very escapist way. I found myself genuinely interested in what would happen next.

Glass Sword — Victoria Aveyard

While I was excited to continue the series, this second book didn’t land the same way for me. I didn’t find it as strong or as compelling as Red Queen, and I don’t plan to continue the series (but maybe I needed less of an escape when I got to the second book?). Still, I’m glad I tried something different—it reminded me that not every read has to be deep or serious to be worthwhile.

I Didn’t Sign Up for This — Dr. Tracy Dalgleish

This book weaves together stories from Dr. Dalgleish’s therapy practice with accessible explanations of therapeutic principles. I really appreciated her story-driven approach and the way she made therapy concepts feel practical and relatable.

I didn’t love the audiobook narrator, but the content itself was thoughtful and grounding—especially for navigating seasons of life that feel heavier or more complicated than we expected. I found it so fascinating that a marriage therapist could still be struggling with the sample principles in her own marriage that she was working through with her patience. If you’re interested in a marriage book that feels less “self help” and more or a story, this is a good one.

Present Over Perfect — Shauna Niequist (re-read)

This book hit differently than it did the first time I read it five or ten years ago—which I actually think means I’m making some progress. I still love the reminder to slow down, connect with God, and reject the idea that productivity equals worth. If you haven’t read it, put this oen on your list.

Shauna Niequist’s writing is tender and beautiful, and this felt less like a radical wake-up call and more like a steady, gentle nudge back toward presence.

Stop Letting Everything Affect You — Daniel Chidiac

A helpful perspective shift for someone who tends to overthink, ruminate, and mentally replay situations. The book focuses on emotional boundaries and choosing where to place your energy.

While it’s fairly straightforward, it offered useful reminders about not letting every thought or interaction hijack your peace.

The Confidence Code — Katty Kay & Claire Shipman

This book explores what confidence really is, how it develops, and why it’s often socialized differently—especially for women and girls. Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and real-world examples, it makes the case that confidence usually follows action, not the other way around.

I found this especially interesting as I think about how to raise confident, capable girls—and how to model resilience, risk-taking, and self-trust.

Currently Listening To

As I head into February, I’m rotating between a few audiobooks depending on mood and general mental bandwidth—something reflective, something historical, and something intellectually curious.

The Book of Awakening — Mark Nepo: This feels more like a meditation than a book to rush through. Reflective, spiritual, and meant to be read slowly, I like to listen to just a few minutes a day.
The Splendid and the Vile — Erik Larson: A narrative history of Winston Churchill and Britain during the Blitz, blending sweeping historical events with intimate, human details. I love Larson’s ability to make history feel alive and personal but it isn’t a page turner.
Emotional — Leonard Mlodinow: An exploration of how emotions shape our thinking, decision-making, and perceptions—often without us realizing it.
Summerland – Elin Hilderbrand: I have this paperback next to my bed and its helping unwind while keeping my phone out of the bedroom (a 2026 goal). Elin Hilderbrand is the quintessential New England beach read and I’ve really enjoyed past books from her.

What are you reading? What should I download next?

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