My ambitious 2026 Reading Challenge: will I make it?
The beginning of the year is always filled with promise: personal goals to achieve, professional milestones to celebrate, things to recalibrate, finances to reshuffle and ... a towering TBR (To Be Read) list of books to tackle! And I love nothing more than a challenge to keep me accountable.
How well did my reading challenge go in 2025?
In 2025, I read 36 books, mixing many biographies with family dramas, thrillers and romance. I am extremely proud of this achievement which I turned a bit more seamless by blending my Kindle library with my Audible one. I love listening to at least 30 minutes of an audiobook in the morning or whilst walking. That allows me to incorporate reading into my rushed life as well as to have relaxed moments under a blanket with my reader when I have some downtime.
Jess
What is my reading ambition for 2026?
For 2026, I will be pushing the envelope further and I want to reach 52 books. It's about one book or audiobook per week. I am sure I could reach that number without even buying a new book as my libraries are bursting - call me a book hoarder! - but you know I easily succumb to new launches as well.
Jess
What also helps? I have several books I have started in 2025 (or before!) and have to get them out of the way to read something new.
Here is what I am reading right now (and what's next):
I have been listening to Kelly Bishop's The Third Gilmore Girl and I am currently reading The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage. Cannot wait to start Ellie Levenson's debut novel Room 706, already on my kindle
- 📖 On my Kindle: I am devouring journalist Rebecca Armitage's The Heir Apparent
- 🎧 On my Audible: I am loving Kelly Bishop's biography The Third Gilmore Girl
- 📚 Next in line must be: Ellie Levenson's steamy debut novel Room 706, launched in January 2026
