My goal this year was to read just one book – to alleviate the pressure and just enjoy what I’m reading. I’m on book 19 so far so I’m pleased to say I’ve completed my goal early, which is fun to see every time I log onto Goodreads to log my progress.
I’ve read a mixture of books so far this year, from classics to new contemporary releases, as well as a couple of sci-fi which is not usually my go-to.
My favourite reads of the year have been:
The Driver’s Seat by Muriel Spark
This is a part of Penguin’s new book collection for its 90th anniversary. I was intrigued by the synopsis, having read a previous book by the same author and this being listed as her favourite book she had written. Right from the start, I was pulled in by the unique main character who is morally grey and somewhat controversial in the way she speaks to those around her. I liked the journey we go on and the thrill of finding out what is about to happen and who is going to fall victim to the scenes that play out. I really liked this, it was short but kept me hooked from start to finish. A great psychological thriller.
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
Having never read a James Baldwin book before, I came across this in a bookshop in New Orleans named after the author (Baldwin and Co). The story is hard-hitting at times but was another page-turner. We see the main characters struggle to come to terms with a wrongful conviction of a black man as he and his partner are expecting their first child. While the topics in this one were sad and unpalatable at times, I thought the writing was beautiful and the love that shone through the pages was palpable. There are some things that haven’t aged well, some sexist remarks being one, but overall I thought it was a great novel and very modern for its time.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Is there a more hyped book at the moment than Project Hail Mary? And rightly so in my opinion. I was dubious like others to pick this up because it’s so loved and I usually don’t love hyped books but this was immersive, fantastically crafted and full of warmth and joy – from the intergalactic setting to the wonderful characters. I loved the science and the fact it wasn’t difficult to grasp. It was complex but still written in a way that was engaging and not boring. The friendship found in space was one of my favourites of any book and I think it might be one to add to my reread pile in the future. I would definitely recommend this one to those who love space but don’t know where to start when wanting to read sci-fi books.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
This is a book club pick that I wouldn’t have necessarily thought to read had it not been selected but I’m glad I did. It’s written entirely in letter and email format, which is easy to read as it made me want to read a couple of extra pages each time because the chapters weren’t long. It was an engaging way for the reader to consume the information and learn about the characters slowly without info dumping. There are lots of great characters. I particularly have a soft spot for Sybil and the life she led and all the people she has surrounded herself with. I liked that she would talk about books with people in her letters too and write to the authors to tell them how much she loved reading their book. It’s an emotional read but heartwarming too. I can definitely see why it’s nominated for so many awards.
In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
I was put off reading this because it’s seen as such a great book and I’d been told it was brilliant and I thought surely it couldn’t be. After starting it, I was immediately absorbed in the world of the deep sea and space. I wish I had picked it up sooner. Once I finished a chapter, I wanted to read another. I loved learning about the science behind the missions, the dangers and intrigue scientists have towards the unknown, even when it isn’t always good for their health. I thought the main character and her backstory was interesting as well. She added a lot of depth to the story and the past trauma she had was raw and real.
What’s been your favourite read of 2026 so far? Let me know in the comments. I’m also on Instagram, Twitter and Threads – @bookwormgirl_24
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