My January 2026 Reading List
If you’re looking for thoughtful book reviews and a curated reading list to inspire your own reading, you’re in the right place. At the beginning of each month, I share every book I read — from literary fiction to nonfiction and classics — along with honest reflections, favorite quotes, and who I think will love each one. My January 2026 reading list felt especially reflective and layered, setting the tone for the year ahead.
Before diving in, here’s my rating scale so you know exactly how I evaluate each book:
⭐️ Not for me at all.
⭐️⭐️ Didn’t hate it but wouldn’t recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Just OK — enjoyable enough but not especially memorable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really love it and would absolutely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of my all time favorites — a book I’ll always remember.
Below you’ll find all five books I read in January 2026, what I thought about each, and whether I’d recommend adding them to your own reading list.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely loved The Women by Kristin Hannah! It’s a captivating story that brings to light the remarkable women heroes of our country highlighting their courage, resilience, and sacrifices during the Vietnam War. Kristin Hannah weaves history and emotion seamlessly, making the stories of Frances “Frankie” McGrath and her Army Nurse Corps friends feel both inspiring and deeply personal. I was drawn in from the very first page and the novel left me in awe of their strength and determination.
While the story focuses on Frankie, it also shines light on her fellow nurses and all the women whose sacrifices and courage have often been overlooked. The Women are courageous. The Women are heroes. This book will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
How To See (Mindfulness Essentials #7) by Thich Nhat Hanh
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How to See is the second book I’ve read in the Mindfulness Essentials series by Thich Nhat Hanh. Like others in the series, it’s easily digestible and has offered me some valuable insights. A quick and accessible read, one of my favorite teachings from How to See is:
“Creating a New Neural Pathway: Suppose you are reaching for something sweet to eat. But because you’ve learned mindfulness, you suddenly become aware of what you are doing, and you ask, ‘Why am I reaching for a cookie? I’m not hungry.’ We take the time to breathe. One in-breath can make all the difference. You may discover that there is some worry, loneliness, or irritation in you, so you’re automatically reaching for something to eat to cover up the unpleasant feeling. This has become a habit and has created a neural pathway in your brain that often leads to suffering. Bringing mindfulness, concentration, and insight into the process of perception, you can create a new neural pathway that leads to understanding and more happiness.”
This passage illustrates how mindfulness practices can reshape habits and bring more awareness, understanding, and happiness into life.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I read American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins before becoming fully aware of the significant discussion surrounding the book. I understand that it has prompted many important conversations and while I won’t attempt to explore those here, I do want to acknowledge their presence. For this review, I’m simply sharing my personal experience as a reader.
From the very first page, you’re pulled into the story with a gripping narrative that felt nearly impossible to put down. The pacing and tension are steady throughout and the characters’ journeys feel vivid and urgent. Beyond the suspense, the novel invites reflection on resilience and the difficult choices people face. While a work of fiction, the emotions linger long after reading, encouraging empathy and thoughtful consideration. For me, American Dirt was both compelling and thought-provoking leaving a lasting impression.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love a good crime novel and Long Bright River by Liz Moore absolutely delivers. Set in Philadelphia, it follows two sisters living in and around the same neighborhood yet with lives that couldn’t be more different. Once inseparable, they’ve grown apart in ways that feel both heartbreaking and deeply human.
At its core, this is a powerful family story woven into a compelling mystery. The storytelling is seamless and immersive — emotional, tense, and completely unputdownable.
I know I’m a little late to the party when it comes to the book-to-screen adaptation but I’m excited to finally watch to see how this story is brought to life.
The Woman in Cabin 10 (Lo Blacklock #1) by Ruth Ware
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A murder mystery on a cruise ship? Say no more, I’m in. Ruth Ware’s The Women in Cabin 10 is tense, twisty, and had me second-guessing everything. Being stuck at sea with a narrator no one believes makes it extra stressful (in a good way). I flew through this — such a fun, fast mystery.
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