We’re halfway through 2026, and it’s shaping up to be a great reading year! So many amazing new books have been released, and based on my preliminary research for the rest of the year, even more engaging books are coming.
I read 53 books in the first six months of the year with the vast majority rating 4+ stars. I DNF’ed 14 books which is really high for me. I put some parameters on my reading with my bookish pet peeves (see this Instagram post to learn what they are), and as soon as a book hit one of those, I stopped reading. Most of the DNFs were ARCs of new releases, and I have just given up on trying to increase my NetGalley score!
I also began a reading challenge this year, so my favorites below are listed by the different challenge categories. Check out my Goodreads profile for my reviews of the books.
All links are Amazon affiliate links. You can also find these books listed in my Bookshop.org shop, which supports independent bookstores and creators.
Travel Destination Book
Audiobook
First Lady Books
American Revolution Books
Book From Physical Shelves
Oldest Kindle Book
Time Travel Book
Reread Favorite Book/Classic
Daily Inspirational Reading
Books By a Favorite Author
Favorite ARCs
I have read 18 Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) so far this year, down from previous years but still a big chunk of my reading. Here are two favorites that didn’t fit in any of my challenge categories.
Do we have any of the same favorites?
