January 2026: Monthly Wrap-Up

Here we are, already a month into 2026. And I’m still trying to remember not to write 2025 at the end of all my dates.

2026 has been off to a good start for me! In classic new years fashion, I’ve thought up a few resolutions across home, health, work, and blogging. My wife and I have been very conscious of encouraging each other to keep to our goals, and so far it’s been going pretty good! While I don’t always get everything done I want to, I’m trying to give myself patience and practice self-compassion when I know I’m trying my best.

Books Read:

I finished the year by reading lots of fantasy, and in doing so, I finally jumped headfirst into Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe. After finishing the Mistborn trilogy with The Hero of Ages, I was obsessed and couldn’t get enough. Thinking back to The Final Empire, I can’t even believe how Sanderson managed to consistently up the stakes and intensity of this series and end it so satisfactorily.

I immediately started Warbreaker, which I absolutely adored. I think this might be one of my favorite Sanderson novels. The magic system was just so creative and immersive and this novel had some of my favorite characters Sanderson has written.

I did take a little break after to read Holly Black’s latest novel, Thief of Night, which is the sequel in her Book of Night duology. I wasn’t sure what to expect when picking this one up, because the cliff-hanger ending in the previous instalment, but I ended up really enjoying it! Black has never written a book I didn’t love. I had no idea how she was going to tie everything all together, but she always manages to do it with a flourish. A let-down sequel? Black doesn’t know her.

I ended the month by reading Sanderson’s Elantris. I will say this was definitely my least favorite Sanderson novel. Not because it was horrible or anything like that, but it is long and the pacing is really slow. While I enjoyed the world-building and plot points, as always with Sanderson, I wish I could have spent half the time reading than I did. 😅

Media Watched:

I’ve been so excited by how many movie and TV adaptions have been coming out lately! In January I forced my wife to watch People We Meet on Vacation, His & Hers, and the newest season of Bridgerton. She’s been a big Bridgerton fan ever since they introduced a sapphic romance, so that last one wasn’t too difficult. She’s always flabbergasted when I tell her how much better the show is than the books. I think this may be the one time that is the case. 😂

I really enjoyed the His & Hers adaption. Mainly, I think, because of Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal’s portrayals. Alternatively, while I thought both Emily Bader and Tom Blyth acted well in People We Meet on Vacation, the adaptation felt a little clunky. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, because I really did. But the overall pacing felt a tad uneven. My wife didn’t love it, but it’s probably my least favorite Emily Henry novel (sorry!), so I couldn’t be too disappointed by that.

Next Month TBR:

While I do wish to continue reading Sanderson’s Cosmere, I think I might need a little break before returning so I don’t burn myself out. I’m also experiencing choice paralysis between reading Stormlight Archives or Mistborn Era 2 next. Does anyone have a recommendation for me?

After starting the new season of Bridgerton, I’ve been feeling an urge to pick back up those books. After this season, I will have officially caught up with what’s been adapted, as I’ve only read the first 4 books. And this might be the one instance where the adaptation is much superior to the novels it’s based on. Maybe I’ll find my way to finishing off the series, if only to help imagine how much better the adaptation will be when they get there. (You know I can not wait for Francesca’s season with Michaela 😍)!

How was your January?

What books are you looking forward to reading this February?

Let me know!