As the Earth completes another rotation around the sun and we enter the year 2026, I would like to reflect on some of the more impactful books I read this year. As it will soon become apparent, reading is an enjoyable hobby for me and this year I thought it would be fun to try to catch up on some classics. Which leads us to the first book on this list, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Don Quixote
Miguel de Cervantes
I started this book in December of last year when I received it as a Christmas gift and finished it in June of this year. Even though it felt like it took forever to finish it, part of wishes it never ended. I loved the witty writing style that pokes fun at chivalric tropes popular for the time and the narrator’s enthusiasm for Don Quixote’s adventures. I have very fond memories of sharing humorous scenes with friends and coworkers and even creating a nonsensical inside joke about the out-of-context proverbs spoken by Sancho. I can’t do the book justice in this little reflection, but I highly recommend it if you don’t mind the length. Mayhaps a more in-depth review is in order… (I just want an excuse to rant about this book).
Wuthering Heights
Emily Brontë
I started this book in June and finished it later that same month. I was able to finish it so fast because I actually listened to it as an audio book. The plot centers around Heathcliff’s and Catherine’s (Cathy’s) love for each other, which wouldn’t normally interest me since I’m not big on romance stories, but the story reveals a surprising revenge plot with some ghostly spookiness. Easily one of the best ghost-love stories that I’ve read and I’m so excited for the upcoming movie now. The book teaches a very important lesson about communication since all of Heathcliff’s and Catherine’s problems stem from the pair not communicating their feelings toward each other, leading them both to spread misery to the people who care about them. Until they’re reunited in death. I also liked Heathcliff screaming “CATHY!!!” and may or may not have followed his example.
A Little Life
Hanya Yanagihara
The final book that I want to share actually deviates a bit from the “classic” pattern I’ve been following so far as this book was written somewhat recently in 2015. While I picked it up in January of this year after a coworker recommended it, I didn’t actually start it until June when I finished adventuring with Don Quixote and Sancho. The book follows four friends as they live their lives. While that description may sound unassuming, the characters are so unique while still being believable that you want to keep finding out more about these people. Their pasts, futures, hopes, fears, interactions, and everything in between and around it is laid out in this book. Beware though that it does contain a lot of topics that may be sensitive to people like sexual assault, substance abuse, and self-harm.
What do I want in 2026?
This is usually the part where most writers talk say something like “looking forward to 2026” or “plans for 2026” where they detail some sort of resolution for the upcoming year and how they plan on achieving it. I… can’t do that. I’m terrible at looking toward the future, much less planning for it. So instead, I’m going to talk about some things I want to do. They don’t necessarily have to be accomplished in 2026, nor do I really have to plan them out. Just some really simple desires.
I want to write about more topics that I like. I’ve really enjoyed writing the last two posts because I’ve had complete freedom about what I write about and how I write them. I don’t have to follow a rubric or worry about following MLA or APA guidelines and it’s a blast! So expect me to write about more books but also some shows or movies and maybe even music. I also want to write about current events like the problems with ICE and increased censorship in schools.
I want to write a story. I have a few ideas for some stories that can’t seem to get out of my mind and I want to put them to paper. I think it would be fun to share them on here once they’re nice and polished and they won’t be long by any means. Who knows if I’ll ever bring them to life though, time is a fickle resource.
Lastly, I want to learn to knit. This Christmas I bought a friend of mine a Christmas sweater that I thought they would like (they did indeed, like it) and I wanted one for myself as well. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find one that suited my interest. However, I thought to myself “Well I already know how to crochet, and I’ve been wanting to learn to knit, maybe I can try knitting myself a Christmas sweater for next time.” The likelihood of this coming true is pretty low though since I have low motivation to work on projects for myself, but I do want to learn to knit.
Thank you to anyone who read all the way to the end of this post, and I hope you have a very prosperous 2026… more like Twenty-Twenty Stinks!… yeah, I’ve been cooking that one up all day. Sorry.
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