Meaghanldawson

Cheers to the ANALOG year of our Lord, 2026.
Where we put down our phones. Do cool s**t.
And take the power of our attention and intention back from *gestures wildly in the air* whoever it is that is pulling these cultural puppet strings on the internet.
Who's with me?

This year I read 105 books, WAY beyond my expectations and (relatively) modest goal of 75. It's clear when looking back over my list that I read a wide variety of genres; I am a little chaotic in my choices, and have made a strong commitment to the "DNF" if something is not worth my time.

Now, in no particular order, here are my top FIVE-STAR reads from this past year:

FICTION:
Buckeye
The Elements
The God of the Woods
Wedding People (My favorite new(ish) release and the one I think has the most general appeal)
Home of the American Circus
The Shell Seekers
Lonesome Dove (Such a surprising one, but it is my top read of the year)

NON-FICTION:
Seeking Shelter (I am STILL thinking about this book and it changed so much about how I view homelessness and poverty)
The Ancient Art of Thinking For Yourself (a hard read but one we all should in this time of division)
Everything Is Tuberculosis
The Worst Hard Time
Total Garbage (Influenced so many of my choices this year)

All in all, this was an incredible year of reading. My goal for 2026 will remain modest because 1) I love busting through a goal early in the year and feeling accomplished AND 2) I've got big plans for more hobbying, shenanigans, and tomfoolery, so I don't know how much time I'll devote to reading.

I say that, but we all know that I'll still be deep in a book at any given time and find true pleasure in reading. So keep your recommendations coming. I love bonding with friends over books and take any and all recommendations from anyone!