Category Archives: Reading Recap

April 2026 Reading Recap

News and Fun, Reading Recap, , ,

April 2026 Reading Recap

April 2026 Reading Recap block

This month began with services for my dad’s passing and our first Easter without him. Every day is still strange, like we’re navigating around unexpected holes he used to fill. The cat continues to hold on– we’re having real success with his medications at the moment. Fingers crossed that we’ll make it at least through the end of the school year with him feeling well. Truthfully, we’ll enjoy every good day he can give us before we say another painful goodbye.

In terms of my reading life, by the end of the month, I felt much more in the swing of things. I’m still reading much more slowly than usual, but catching up as best I can with the reviews I promised. I’ll have a spring reading list post up soon, and at least that will cover all the books I’m still hoping to get to.

Here are the books I actually did manage to read this month. Let me know if you’ve got any of these on your reading lists.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

April 2026 Reading Recap

Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: An absolutely engrossing mystery with the perfect balance of historical and romantic elements. Plus, vengeful orcas!

Published March 17, 2026 | My Review

Room to Dream (Front Desk #3) by Kelly Yang

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’m really enjoying this smart, engaging series. Yang does a fabulous job addressing the impact of anti-immigration politics on communities and families in an age-appropriate way.

Published September 21, 2021 | My Review to Come

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This one has been on my reading list for years. Kendall challenges readers to examine whom their ideas about feminism help and whom those ideas leave behind. Compelling and straightforward.

Published March 3, 2020 | My Review to Come

Travelers Along the Way (Remixed Classics #3) by Aminah Mae Safi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A reimagining of Robin Hood, set during the Crusades and from the perspective of a Muslim girl. It’s a pretty ingenious approach, and I loved the characters and the obviously well-researched narrative.

Published March 1, 2022 | My Review to Come

Until We Meet Again by Lily Kim Qian

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A thoughtful memoir pairing a few sentences of prose with graphic novel panels showing scenes from the author’s life. Addresses stigma surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues and the way that our understanding of our parents changes as we grow up.

Published April 21, 2026 | My Review

Grandpere’s Ghost Swamp by Rachel M. Marsh

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Southern fiction! A family business in jeopardy and a girl with an unorthodox dream. I loved the Louisiana setting, the descriptions of the wildlife, and the emphasis on preservation.

Published March 24, 2026 | My Review

Forgive-Me-Not by Mari Costa

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Lush illustrations show the dangers of a Fey world in this slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance.

Published April 14, 2026 | My Review

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I read this out loud to my eight-year-old. Had I remembered more about the story, I might have opted to wait until next year to read it, but she loved the magic and adventure of Ravenskill and the three unforgettable witchlings in this series opener.

Published April 5, 2022 | My Review

Lies We Tell About the Stars by Susie Nadler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I had to read the last chapter of this book long before I got there because I had to know if a character was still alive. The ending wasn’t what I expected, but I still found this a very compelling read.

Published March 3, 2026 | My Review to Come

How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoe Persico

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A sweet, warm story about the parallel between caring for plants and caring for ourselves and our relationships.

Published April 1, 2025 | My Review to Come

The Leak by Kate Reed Petty

Amazon | Goodreads

My thoughts: My daughter loved this one. An aspiring journalist sets out to stop the culprit poisoning her local water supply. Nicely done.

Published March 16, 2021 | My Review to Come

How to Survive the End of the World by Katy Doughty

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This was a much harder read than I imagined! Each chapter explores some great doom humanity could face. I found it hilarious but also stressful.

Published March 31, 2026 | My Review to Come

What did you read in April 2026?

What books were on your April 2026 reading list? I’d love to hear about them. Have you read any of the titles I listed? Leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed them.

March 2026 Reading Recap

News and Fun, Reading Recap, ,

March 2026 Reading Recap

Trigger warning: pet illness and death of a parent.

Well, March started out peacefully, but it really went out with a bang for my family. On March 21, we spent the day at the emergency vet with a very sick cat, who we learned has cancer. We brought him home with the intention of trying to keep him comfortable for a few days while we said goodbye. Within a couple of days, he was responding well to the medication and doing a lot better.

And then my dad passed away suddenly that Monday night.

Our household is perhaps a little bit unusual in that it includes my parents, my partner, and my two daughters, so we were all here at home when this happened. On the upside, it meant that no one faced this heartbreak alone. It also meant that as the family began to gather, they gathered here.

It also means that nothing is the same for us now. In many ways, we’re still reeling from the shock of what happened. It has been like a nightmare that I can’t escape.

Needless to say, I’m way off my predicted and planned blogging schedule. Most of the posts that have gone up since this happened were written a while ago. I’m kind of just doing what I can, as I can.

That said, I read some lovely books in March, and I still want to share some notes about them before too much time passes. If you’re looking for late reviews from me, please know I will get to them as soon as possible.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

March 2026 Reading Recap

Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: The storytelling style here reminded me a little bit of Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson. It has a similar high-stakes mythical story that connects to spiritual beliefs about the world’s origins and ecological values.

Published February 24, 2026 | My Review

Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions by Ahmad Saber

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I really appreciate that authors are writing stories that boldly ask hard questions about the intersection of faith and identity. This one is so engaging. I loved it.

Published March 2, 2026 | My Review

Daughter of the Cursed Kingdom (Witch Hall #2) by Jasmine Skye

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I loved the first book in this duology and really looked forward to the conclusion of Shaw and Rosy’s story. So glad I read this one.

Published February 24, 2026 | My Review

Sparking Fire Out of Fate (Forging Silver Into Stars #3) by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’ve followed the stories in this universe from the very first one, so it was bittersweet to reach the conclusion. That said, I felt like Kemmerer delivered on all the promises she set up in the story, and I’m glad I read it.

Published January 27, 2026 | My Review

Hafsa’s Way by Aisha Saeed

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This thoughtful middle grade story set in Pakistan will easily win over readers who love animals. Really nicely done.

Published March 10, 2026 | My Review

SideQuested: Book 1 by Ale Presser and K. B. Spangler

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This was such a fun read. I loved the way it played on tropes and expectations. Dungeons and Dragons fans will not want to miss this one.

Published March 17, 2026 | My Review

The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I have finally read a book by Tiffany D. Jackson! The writing lived up to every bit of hype that I’ve heard. This was a perfectly-paced, nuanced, unflinching narrative. I was on the edge of my seat.

Published October 7, 2025 | My Review

In Time with You by Kristin Dwyer

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I liked the way that the story used the time travel elements to reveal parts of the relationship with Carter that Nieve hadn’t been ready to face. Definitely one to check out if you enjoy enemies-to-lovers and/or a time-travel romance.

Published March 24, 2026 | My Review

One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This book blew me away. The second-person narrative really works, putting the reader in both perspectives. We see both sides of the story, but are never allowed to excuse the harmful behavior. Definitely a must-read.

Published March 17, 2026 | My Review

The Genius Under the Table by Eugene Yelchin

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’d been meaning to read this book since I read Yelchin’s YA memoir last year. I love that this book shows so many of Yelchin’s drawings.

Published October 5, 2021 | My Review to Come

What did you read in March 2026?

What books were on your March 2026 reading list? I’d love to hear about them. Have you read any of the titles I listed? Leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed them.

February 2026 Reading Recap

News and Fun, Reading Recap, , ,

February 2026 Reading Recap

LOL. After a couple of months of perfectly timed recap posts, here I am, nearing the end of March, finally looking back at what I read in February. Falling behind was bound to happen eventually.

February was a busy month. I ended up starting a new job, which has required some reorganizing in the other areas of my life. It’s been really cool, though. Prior to this, I worked primarily from home doing freelance writing. This puts me in an office and in connection with a lot of people for 10-15 hours per week. The change in what’s required of me in terms of social energy has taken some time to acclimate to, but I find I really enjoy the work. I’m also enjoying connecting with new people.

I still managed to do some reading in February, though I think more of it was graphic novels and audiobooks than usual. Still counts!

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

February 2026 Reading Recap

The Lion’s Run by Sarah Pennypacker

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I love when authors examine a familiar moment in history (World War II) and then hone in on a part of it that is less frequently explored. I learned so much from the author’s note in this book. This is an incredibly compelling story that I didn’t want to put down until I’d read the last page.

Published February 3, 2026 | My Review

Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I am always a fan of a story about a magical carnival, and this one was no exception. The friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope also hooked me pretty easily here.

Published February 3, 2026 | My Review

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’ve heard about this book for years, and I’m so glad I finally got a chance to read it. I love the voice in this one. It’s very conversational. The framing of this as a story told to her grandparents during a road trip works really well here. I am a fan.

Published October 6, 2009 | My Review to Come

The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures #2) by Katherine Rundell

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I enjoyed Impossible Creatures (despite the death of a favorite character), so I was excited to continue the series with this new adventure. I loved seeing more of the characters from the first book, and the new characters were amazing as well.

Published September 11, 2025 | My Review to Come

Legendborn (Legendborn #1) by Tracy Deonn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This series has been on my reading list for years. I love the way that Deonn uses the King Arthur legends here and connects the story to southern culture and history in the US. I’m eager to see where the series goes.

Published September 15, 2020 | My Review

City Spies: Forbidden City (City Spies #3) by James Ponti

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’m thoroughly hooked on this series at this point. I love how the stories rotate through the cast of characters. Each book centers a specific mystery while revealing clues to a larger story. It’s a lot of fun.

Published February 1, 2022 | My Review to Come

Queen of Faces by Petra Lord

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I found the back cover copy of this book a little confusing, but once I got into the story, the magic system and societal issues/norms made more sense. I think it’s one of those that’s hard to describe in a few paragraphs. I thought going in that this would be a standalone, but I’m looking forward to seeing where the series heads next.

Published February 3, 2026 | My Review

I’m Still Here: Loving Myself in a World Not Made for Me (Adapted for Young Readers) by Austin Channing Brown

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’m not the target audience for this book, but I so appreciate its message. I think taking time to listen and think about the author’s experience as a Black student and professional is important. Some of the things she talked about were familiar ideas, but others gave me more to think about. I have a feeling I’ll return to this book again in the future.

Published April 4, 2023 | My Review

This Wretched Beauty: A Dorian Gray Remix by Elle Grenier

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: My only complaint is that I wish I’d read the original story before reading this. I suspect it would have given me a larger context for some of the scenes here. That said, I found this to be a really compelling novel and an interesting take on the original premise. A nice addition to the Remixed Classic series.

Published February 10, 2026 | My Review

Chris Makes a Friend by Alex Gino

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I love Alex Gino’s books, so it was a given I’d read this one. Their books are always so wise. I love that the stories make space for the character to experience and work out their feelings without the author intruding to judge them. I also love the reading list the story creates, and that appears in the backmatter.

Published November 4, 2025 | My Review to Come

Table Titans Club: Sneak Attack by Scott Kurtz

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This adorable summer camp story had me from its first pages. The tabletop references and gameplay scenes are such a great nod to DnD and other tabletop games. It’s such a fun story, especially for readers interested in summer camp stories.

Published March 10, 2026 | My Review

Serendipity by Gabbie Benda

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This graphic novel is sneaky in the best way. It’s a quirky, fun story that explores what to do when you overcommit and how to set boundaries and expectations. It explores these topics with humor and charm, making this one entertaining, thoughtful experience.

Published February 10, 2026 | My Review

Korobá: The Case of the Missing Kolo by Àlàbá Ònájìn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I love that the author wrote a mystery set in a Nigerian town to show kids elsewhere what life is like. The mystery is well-paced, and the story’s cultural elements are accessible.

Published February 24, 2026 | My Review

Chernobyl, Life and Other Disasters by Yevgenia Nayberg

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Fans of Eugene Yelchin will not want to miss this sharply observant, artistic memoir set in Kyiv during the Chernobyl disaster. The humor runs a little bit dark, but still totally appropriate for the audience. I highly recommend this one.

Published April 14, 2026 | My Review to Come

The Greenies by Emma Mills

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’ve loved novels by Emma Mills, so I was really curious to see how her writing translated to this story format. Turns out, it translates beautifully! This tale is packed with rich relationships and memorable characters. I’m eager to read more of this series.

Published March 3, 2026 | My Review

A Better World is Possible by Meera Subramanian

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Part memoir, part informational guide, this book introduces readers to the climate crisis and the work of some remarkable young people and organizations. The hopeful tone and encouraging information about getting involved will energize more people to help.

Published March 3, 2026 | My Review

Postscript by Cory McCarthy

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: It’s been a while since I’ve read McCarthy’s writing, so I forgot how incredible it is. Omg I ate this book up in one night. The story is beautifully written. Fans of They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran will not want to miss this one.

Published February 17, 2026 | My Review

Bloodmarked (Legendborn #2) by Tracy Deonn

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I am continuing to read the Legendborn Cycle, so this one was up next. It’s a long book, and a little slower-paced than the first. We do get a lot of background information on how the Legendborn group’s leadership operates and how racism and the allure of power have warped the institution. I still want to read the third book, so look for that in the coming monthly wraps!

Published November 8, 2022 | My Review to Come

The Dragon’s Apprentice (The Dragon’s Apprentice #1) by James Riley

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I picked this book up at a book sale recently, and my daughter and I read it together. She really enjoyed the playful humor and the relationship between Ciara and Scorch, the dragon. She wants to continue the series, but we don’t have the second book yet.

Published April 1, 2025 | My Review to Come

What did you read in February 2026?

What books were on your February 2026 reading list? I’d love to hear about them. Have you read any of the titles I listed? Leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed them.

January 2026 Reading Recap

News and Fun, Reading Recap

January 2026 Reading Recap

January has been a whirlwind month. I started the month with extra work from a client, which is great, but came with a bit of a learning curve. Some unexpected opportunities have come up, so I’m excited to see how those things turn out.

Reading-wise, this has been a great month. For the first time ever, I have a spreadsheet listing the unread books I own (and it’s embarrassingly long), and a plan to read more of them this year. I finished my January review requests by the middle of the month and started on February requests, though my reading has slowed down this week.

My littlest is still on a mystery reading binge, so we’re enjoying reading some middle grade mysteries together, like Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe and Finally, Something Dangerous by Doug Cornett. Our Barnes & Noble recently had a moving sale, so we picked up a few middle grade fantasies that caught her eye and some graphic novels– her favorite things to read.

All together, I read 18 books this month. Weirdly, I read more middle grade this month than young adult titles. Usually it’s the other way around. I think some of what’s driving that, honestly, is stress. Middle grade books are often a little lighter and/or shorter than young adult books, which helps me move through them. Sometimes I just do not have room to experience anyone else’s emotions, even if they’re fictional ones.

At any rate, I read some great books this month that will stick with me for a long time. I’m excited to run through the list here.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. Thanks for using them to do your shopping.

January 2026 Reading Recap

I, in the Shadows by Tori Bovalino

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This is the first novel I read by this author, and I enjoyed it. Great balance between ghostly mystery-solving and the slowly developing sapphic romance.

Published January 13, 2026 | My Review

Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: First time I’ve read a full-length novel by the author. I loved the way Lukoff walks readers through Bug’s journey to discover an identity that truly fits. Really nicely done.

Published April 20, 2021 | My Review to Come

Eureka by Victoria Chang

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This is the second historical novel in verse that I’ve read in a short period of time. I think this format allows authors to hone in on the emotional experience the characters have while anchoring the story in a historical setting that doesn’t get bogged down with a lot of details. I love that authors are shedding light on little-discussed, important moments in our history.

Published January 27, 2026 | My Review

The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P. G. Bell

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: What a fun ride! I love the story world. Love the characters. The mystery elements are balanced well with the fantasy and sports elements. I’m definitely going to read more by this author.

Published January 20, 2026 | My Review

Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Oof. This one hits hard as it’s about a boy who survives a school shooting. I thought I was emotionally prepared for this, but it was still a hard read at times. I love the humor, the ridiculous moments, and the relationships between the characters, especially Simon and Agate.

Published January 31, 2023 | My Review to Come

Worst-Case Scenario by Ray Stoeve

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Wow! I already knew that I liked Stoeve’s writing, but I love the nuanced, tender mental health representation here. Beautifully done.

Published January 20, 2026 | My Review

The Ribbon Skirt by Cameron Mukwa

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This faith-positive, inclusive graphic novel follows Anang as they set out to create a ribbon skirt for their community’s next powwow.

Published November 12, 2024 | My Review to Come

Finally, Something Dangerous (The One and Onlys #2) by Doug Cornett

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

What you need to know: My daughter and I read this together after she enjoyed the first book in the series. We enjoyed the upbeat humor and mystery elements, along with the brush past gentrification’s effect on communities.

Published November 22, 2022 | My Review

Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlen

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Grab a box of tissues for this one. I must have sobbed through fully half of this story, but it’s so powerfully told and has such an uplifting, relevant message. Quindlen deftly navigates her characters’ journeys of faith and identity. Adult characters are present without stealing the spotlight.

Published January 27, 2026 (Orig. 2014) | My Review

There’s Always Next Year by Leah Johnson and George M. Johnson

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A perfect winter romance to read with a cup of cocoa. Great characters and lots of humor. These coauthors did a fabulous job putting this story together.

Published December 2, 2025 | My Review

Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar by Anahita Karthik

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I love an awkward narrator who is so in her own head, and Krishna is exactly that. This book has a sweet (with a hint of spicy) romance, a fun road trip, and a wonderful emphasis on family relationships and going all out for the ones we love.

Published January 27, 2026 | My Review

Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah Howe and James Howe

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: My littlest and I continued our mystery binge with this classic tale of the vampire bunny who bites… vegetables! The writing feels very 1970s, but the story is still very accessible. A quick, humorous read.

Published August 8, 2006 (Orig. 1979) | My Review to Come

The Swan’s Daughter: A Possibly Doomed Love Story by Roshani Chokshi

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This is one of my most-anticipated books for 2026, and it did NOT disappoint. I’ve been longing for another fantasy novel from Chokshi since her last one. I love the rich fantasy landscape, complex characters, and delicious romance.

Published January 6, 2026 | My Review to Come

Night by Elie Wiesel (Night Trilogy #1)

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: I read this book for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Wiesel’s straightforward memoir of his experiences in Auschwitz and Buchenwald can’t help but leave a mark on anyone who reads it, and I think everyone should.

January 16, 2006 (Orig. 1956) | My Review

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi (Pet #1)

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: This book has been on my TBR for a long time, and yet it’s so interesting to read it right now, in January of 2026, and to think about what monsters look like.

Published September 10, 2019 | My Review to Come

The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: A long book (over 400 pages) with short chapters that kept me reading. I liked the exploration of myths and who wrote them, inviting readers to consider the stories in a larger context.

Published February 3, 2026 | My Review

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: Alechia Dow is an auto-read author for me. I love the playfulness and vulnerability of this story. Its uplifting message was perfectly timed. The magical setting is lovely. I really enjoyed this one.

Published February 3, 2026 | My Review to Come

City Spies: Golden Gate (City Spies #2) by James Ponti

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

My thoughts: After reading the first City Spies novel last year, I wasn’t sure whether I’d continue with the series. I think book 7 comes out this year, so that leaves a lot of ground to cover. This one really pulled me into the story and made me want to read more. That ending hit me right in the feels.

Published March 9, 2021 | My Review to Come

What did you read in January 2026?

What books were on your January 2026 reading list? I’d love to hear about them. Have you read any of the titles I listed? Leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed them.