My 2026 reading challenge

I have two main hobbies: buying books and reading books. They’re linked but, as my groaning bookshelves bear witness, the former seriously outweighs the latter. Most trips out end with me bringing at least one book home with me. Often two. Sometimes more.

Okay, I admit it… always more.

The result is that I own more books than I could ever read in a year.

At the moment, my yearly reading tally sits at around sixty books (as well as monthly comics, magazines, etc.) And yet still new books arrive — at least one a week.

The sums don’t add up, but the books certainly do. The place is overflowing. And then there’s the guilt that comes with knowing so many good stories are sitting there unread, books I was genuinely excited about when I picked them up, now quietly judging me every time I walk past.

So I’m setting myself a challenge: this year, I’m going to try to read my bookshelves first and foremost, making a concerted effort not to add to them until the to-be-read pile has significantly subsided.

This isn’t a New Year’s Resolution where I declare: “I’m not going to buy any new books.” I considered that, but quickly realised the venture was doomed to failure. The moment I thought about it, I started coming up with caveats — some of which are still in play, as you’ll see below.

What I do want to stop is as many impulse buys as possible, especially online. That’s where I’m weakest. Someone suggests an exciting-sounding book and before I know what I’ve done, it’s set to arrive in a few days’ time.

And all the time, my bookshelf gently weeps.

So, challenge accepted. Let’s set some ground rules.

Rules (or loopholes – you decide!)

• Books bought at author events are fine, because heaven knows I can’t give those up as well.
• Books that I 100% need for research are allowed — but only if I can’t borrow them from the library.
• Books given to me as presents are obviously fine (and to be encouraged at all times), as are ARCs received from publishers.
• Books read or listened to via subscriptions like Audible or Kindle Unlimited are also allowed.

As for books published in 2026… well, if I hear about one I want, I’m going to jot it down in my notebook rather than rushing straight to a bookshop. The next step will be to check whether I can get it from the library — which has the added bonus of supporting our permanently endangered library service.

If it’s not available there, I’ll put in a request and/or add it to a wish list for my birthday, Father’s Day, etc.

Will I still visit bookshops? Of course I will. This is me, after all. The trick will be not leaving with straining tote bags. And book-related paraphernalia is allowed, right?

Right?

Let’s see how long this experiment lasts. The good news is that I visited two of my favourite booshops yesterday and walked out of both empty handed.

I probably deserve a medal. Or a certificate? Maybe even a sticker? I’m not fussy.

What I've read so far in 2026

So what have I pulled from my bookcases, then?

1. Frankenstein: Written and Directed by Guillermo Del Toro by Sheila O'Malley
   
   It’s no secret that I a) love Frankenstein and b) love Del Toro’s thoroughly immersive filmmaking and breathless world-building. This Christmas present from my Mum and Dad was a treasure trove — especially the inclusion of more of the director’s beautiful journals.
   
   
2. Craftfulness by Rosemary Davidson and Arzu Tahsin
   
   A kind of manifesto on how taking up a craft can improve wellbeing. I enjoyed it, though I did wish the authors cited more of their sources when referencing scientific research.
   
   
3. Him by JD Kirk
   
   An Audible exclusive audiobook, performed by Louise Brealey and some bloke called David Tennant. A psychological thriller about a woman who loses her husband in suspicious circumstances, only to find herself in serious trouble after activating an AI grief-tech avatar of the man she loved.

Now I’ve started a book I’ve been saving since it arrived at the end of last year — a complete doorstop of a fantasy novel I’ve been desperate to read: King Sorrow by Joe Hill.

Unbelievably, it’s been ten years since Joe’s last novel, The Fireman, so this feels like a real treat. That said, at 896 pages, it’s not exactly the kind of book you can slip into your bag when you pop out for a walk.

The good thing about reading a book so big you could use it to brain Godzilla? It should keep me occupied while I resist the urge to feed the shelves all over again.

I’ll let you know how I get on with the challenge. Do you think I’ll manage it? Let me know in the comments — and please do share what you’re reading or listening to right now (even though it’ll probably tempt me all over again).