What I read this week
+ some small book resolutions
Hello my lovelies, and happy 2026!
It’s been quite a while since the last edition, and the longer the gap grew, the harder it became to sit down and write again. Despite churning out thousands of words a week — texts, endless emails, investigative pieces — the moment I try to tell y’all what I’ve been reading, I freeze up. But one of my goals for 2026 is to loosen my grip on perfectionism and simply … do the thing. So here I am. No 2025 roundup, no grand lookahead. Just a straightforward little dispatch about the books I read this week and why you should read them, too.
Before diving in though, I do want to share a few of my loose goals for reading this year. Emphasis on loose — I don’t want to beat myself up come 2027!
Inspired by Petya K. Grady, I’d like to tackle a lengthy classic like Anna Karenina or Wuthering Heights. I’m calling this the “thiccums” category.
Reading more from my TBR! I say this every year, but I really would like to challenge myself to do this before choosing anything new. I have this giant stack of books staring at me every night — and she is threatening!
Getting more physical books from the library. While I adore Libby, I do miss holding real-life books (especially for long, complex novels like the Neopolitan quartet). This resolution has already kicked off into high gear!
Actually keep up with my book journal. Since I scarcely do “actual” journaling anymore, I’d love to give this a proper go.
Being riskier in book club! I usually select a book I already know and love for my friends, but this year, I want to go out on more of a limb. I’m hosting in April, and will keep y’all posted on what I choose!
Read more this year. I wasn’t thrilled with my overall number from this year (55), and while it doesn’t really matter, it did kind of sting. I hope to read more books next year, but in a way that feels sustainable and authentic.
What are your book resolutions for 2026?
The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante1
I finally finished the Neapolitan quartet, and I’m now in full mourning.
This series reminded me how worthwhile it can be to give books a second chance. I first attempted My Brilliant Friend back in college because my friends were obsessed, but I struggled to get past the first 50 pages.2 When the New York Times crowned it “the best book of the 21st century,” I rolled my eyes. It felt overrated and I just didn’t get it.
Well … I am delighted to report that I am eating every last bite of crow.
Reading this series — while occasionally maddening (Paul can confirm I nearly hurled these books across the room more than once) — was perhaps the richest reading experience of my adult life. It transported me in the same way reading Harry Potter did when I was a kid: when I closed each book, I remained locked inside the byzantine world, thinking about the characters constantly, yearning to visit Naples, Amalfi, Pisa.
And yes, I learned a ton about postwar Italy and the Camorra — but what will stay with me is the volatile, electric bond between our protagonist Lenù and her best friend (and sometimes worst enemy) Lila. I’ve never seen a writer give friendship this level of depth and ferocity. And for the record: anyone speculating the anonymous Ferrante is actually a man must be wrong. Only a woman could capture this relationship with such precision!
💛 Read if you like: being part of the zeitgeist, noir film, leather shoes
A Family Matter by Claire Lynch
I went into this one completely blind — it popped up in my Libby queue, and I couldn’t remember who recommended it. Whoever you are, whether internet stranger or real-life friend: thank you, and please come collect your flowers.
Inspired by real cases of women losing custody of their children after coming out, the story moves back and forth between a mother and daughter in 1982 and 2022. Despite its brisk 240 pages, this novel hits hard. Keep tissues nearby. I finished it in one night and was not okay the next morning.
It’s really astonishing to me that this is Lynch’s debut. Drawing from her own connection to the material, she writes with compassion and clarity without veering into the sentimental. I’m already eager to see what she does next.
💛 Read if you like: contemporary historical fiction, alternate timelines, British lingo
📚 On my shelf:
I got so many tantalizing books from the library and our book club December swap! Have you read any of these? Which should I choose first?
There are a few books that aren’t out yet that I am eager to get my hands on; Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block and Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy top the list. I’m seeing Jeanette next month at Sixth and I in DC, and am so excited!
📚 Links and things:
Loved this feature on the book club at the Rikers Jail
🍪 I bought Cookies: the Book! over Christmas, and I have to say — these really are the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. Just ask my friends who devoured them this week while watching Traitors!
I’ve published several pieces since we last checked in, but I’m most proud of this story.
The Pitt!!! Is!!!! Back!!!!
I enjoyed this delicious prediction list from Brendon Holder, especially the Berlin mention! 🪩
Happy reading! 💛
XOX
Alli
I think it’s funny that Elena Ferrante’s publishers have addressed how ugly these book covers are. I guess it’s intentional?
Hi, Megha and Kyra!!
55 is a good number!!
So glad you’re back!!