For the last couple of years, I’ve set a goal for myself to read 100 books. It sounds completely insane when I say it out loud, but I’m a big reader. It’s not unusual for me to have four books going at once (one ebook, one audiobook, one physical book, and a devotional book… and that doesn’t count the books I read with my older kid!).
I’m not sure what it is about 2026, but I’ve been reading even more than usual lately. In fact, I’m already over 3/4 of the way to my goal of 100 books for the year!
I guess I’ve needed a little escapism more than ever. Go figure.
I often get asked what books I’m reading and loving and, well, when you read a bajillion books a month there are bound to be some duds. Honestly I’ve truly enjoyed most of what I’ve read this year, but there are certainly a few that have stood out above the rest. So today, I thought it would be fun to round up my top 10 books from the first half of the year. If you’re looking for something great to read, stick around.
Note: I’ve combined series into one entry and counted them as one book. My list, my rules. Also, these are in no particular order.
The Raven Scholar. My best friend and I exchange books every Christmas, and this is what I got her in 2025. She loved it enough to convince me to read it and I still think about it all the time. If you enjoy fantasy books without the romance, this is a great options. I can’t wait for the second one!
The Wedding People. I fully expected to not love this book, but it was so, so good. I don’t love a mid-life-crisis trope, but this one was incredibly compelling and surprised me at every turn. Absolutely loved it, perfect beach read if you’re looking for one!
Dungeon Crawler Carl. What do I even say about this series? It’s so good. Instant obsession. Try the audiobooks, they might just change your life. It’s impossible to explain (it sounds absolutely crazy), so just jump in. It’s such a fun ride.
This Changes Everything. The audiobook is a MUST-LISTEN. Tyler reads it himself and it’s so well done. This book made me laugh, made me cry, and made me think. Everyone needs to read it, truly. This was a close tie with his other book, I Take My Coffee Black, so honestly you should probably just read both.
Braving the Truth. For a couple of months there I think everyone in my life got sick of hearing me talk about this book because I would not shut up. I still think about it all the time and I know it’s one I’ll read a bunch of times. Get a physical copy so you can highlight and take notes. Prepare to feel big feelings.
Project Hail Mary. Another audiobook that was so fun to listen to! This story was so sweet and fascinating and fun. I didn’t know what to expect going into it, but I just loved every second of this story. The movie is incredible too, of course.
Carrie Soto is Back. I have absolutely adored every book I’ve read by TJR, and this one was no exception. I love a complicated main character, and Carrie was so compelling to follow. This story is beautiful and sad and wonderful in so many ways.
Quicksilver / Brimstone. I don’t know why I took so long to try this series but HOLY COW, I loved it! Easily right up there with my other favorite romantasy books, and one I’ll need a physical copy of eventually so I can read it again and again.
Yellowface. This book is hard and uncomfortable and downright upsetting at times. But, it stuck with me lonnggggggg after I finished it and to me that’s the mark of a great book! I felt so many feelings reading this, and I still think about it all the time.
House in the Cerulean Sea. Howwwww did it take me so long to read this adorable book? It was so sweet and funny and delightful in every way and I love these characters and this world so much. It wasn’t at all what I expected, but I loved every second.
There are a ton of other books I loved this year (this one and this one were honorable mentions, for example), but these were the best of the best!
I’d love to hear - what have you been reading lately? What should I read next?!
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