It’s been a while since I’ve written about my reading progress and goals, so what better time than now, as we enter the final months of the year?

2026 Reading Challenge

Based on my previous year’s completion rate, I set the simple goal of 52 books this year, figuring I was going to exceed, and I’ve done just that! I’m already 6 books over my goal, which thrills me to no end as I’ve not only exceeded my goal, but stretched myself across different genres and categories.

I’m getting better at writing reviews for these books. All past read book reviews can be found on my Goodreads or on this site right here.

The 52 Book Club: 2026 Challenge

We’re a little behind.

You can see a full list of the books I want to read for this at the bottom of this post, but I have fallen behind on this challenge while I focus on reads that entertain me rather than come from an arbitrary list. That said, the books I’ve chosen are fantastic, and I’m excited to get to them.

30 books over the course of 4 months… well, they don’t call it a challenge for nothing!

Future Reads

It’s literally random.

I have all the books that I want to read on this spinning wheel. Usually, I fill in the already read books with “Reader’s Choice”, but considering I am behind with the 52 Book Challenge and want to get to those, I think I’ll just “Spin Again” or delete those.

Time to get reading!

Final Word

When Dolly Parton passed away this month, a light was shone on her wonderful generosity, including her Imagination Library program, which gifts books free of charge to children from birth to five years old, funded by donations. While 79% of adults in the United States are considered fully literate, only roughly 31% of fourth graders and 30% of eighth graders read at or above proficiency. Without change, it will only get worse.

If you love reading, writing, and/or care about our country’s/children’s literacy/future, please consider donating to her foundation, or any local foundation in your area. Consider donating to your local library, asking if they need help, or starting a program in your community.

“And, of course, if there are no young readers and writers, there will shortly be no older ones. Literacy will be dead, and democracy – which many believe goes hand in hand with it – will be dead as well.” – Margaret Atwood

“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.” – Mark Twain

“Tyrants revel in the chasm separating the literate from the illiterate.” – Anonymous

Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash

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