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One of my New Year’s Resolutions for 2026 is to read 50 books. So far, I’ve read 34 in 17 weeks. Ever since I was a kid, reading has always been a significant part of who I am. So much so that my first word was “turtle,” after a character in my favorite childhood book, Gossie. For me, literature has always been a fortress of solitude where I can truly be myself.
Whether it’s a meet-cute romantic comedy, a tale of a powerful heroine defeating both physical and metaphorical demons, or a psychological thriller with an unreliable narrator, I love stories. I have discovered much of my own identity from the characters that I grew up beside.
Early in my first year I found it challenging to balance social life, academics, and my own personal interests. Reading has always served as an escape from the tumultuous world around me. When I stopped prioritizing making time for reading amidst the chaos of becoming a first-year UCSB student, I turned to doomscrolling to pass the little free time I had. If you find yourself in a similar position, here are 4 books I have read and loved this year!
Listen For the lie by Amy Tintera
I started the year with Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera. This popular thriller novel features Lucy Chase, a feisty and complicated main character who becomes the primary suspect in the murder of her best friend. However, every memory she had from that night has vanished. A charismatic true crime podcaster, Ben Owens, comes to town armed with questions and a desire to solve this mystery. This book was laced with twists, turns, and complex characters that made me want to keep reading.
If you are new to the thriller genre, this book blends mystery, a touch of romance, and comedy with a fast-paced writing style, keeping you on the edge of your seat. While I read this book on my Kindle, many people advocate for the audiobook, where narration adds another layer of mystery and intrigue. Whichever way you prefer, this book will not disappoint!
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
If thriller novels are not your vibe, this next series is laced with romance, humor, and addictive plots. The Deal by Elle Kennedy is a part of the well-known Off-Campus series. I read this book years ago, but reread it this year in light of the TV show adaptation that airs on Prime Video on May 13th!
The story follows a typical formula between a music student and a college celebrity hockey player on a journey of self-discovery. Mixing fake-dating tropes, familial-like friendships, trauma, and college athletics, this novel is complex and empowering. This is also the first book of many, consisting of multiple series and spin-offs that are wildly popular. If you’re searching for a long-term commitment, look no further!
I am predicting that this series will capture the hearts and minds of many on social media following its upcoming release. If you want to be part of the OG fandom, I would prepare to binge and become obsessed with these characters and stories.
The last letter by rebecca yarros
The third book I bring to the table with extreme caution and a box of tissues at arm’s length. The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros is a heart-wrenching novel that explores themes of grief, second chances, and motherhood. The novel tells the story of a soldier, Beckett, who is deployed.
Alongside him is his best friend Ryan, who winds up killed in action and requests that Beckett look after his sister, Ella. Amidst the loss of her brother, Ella is a single mother to twins (one of whom is battling cancer) while she balances medical expenses, her own grief, and operating a bed and breakfast in Colorado.
What I loved most about this tear-jerker was the character complexity and the ability to find strength in unimaginable situations of loss. Yarro’s portrayal of grief and attention to detail immersed me in a world of pain that felt incredibly real. This book, as heartbreaking as it was, was beautifully written. It made me appreciate the everyday moments that I often take for granted.
What the wind knows by amy harmon
The last book that I unexpectedly fell in love with is What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon. If you’re a fan of Kristin Hannah, I definitely recommend you explore more books by Harmon. What the Wind Knows is a historical fiction set in 1920s Ireland that is mixed with elements of time travel.
This novel placed me in an unfamiliar historical period to me: the Irish War of Independence and Easter Rising. It intertwines historical events with fictional characters, creating a beautiful story of love for one’s country, culture, and people. This story kept me hooked from start to finish, with an element of mystery and twists I could not see coming. As someone who has read hundreds of books, it’s hard to find ones that surprise me, but the rich writing, likable characters, and appeal of 1920s Ireland made this read unforgettable.
All of these novels hold special places in my heart for different reasons. With rich storytelling, memorable characters, and emotionally complex plot lines, I was immersed in worlds I wish I could spend more time in. If you ever find yourself struggling to get into reading or don’t know where to start, these are all great choices.