Library Card
Libraries are extremely overwhelming to a new book-lover like me. My wife can walk in with some faint whimsical notion of what she’d like to read next, peruse a few of those Dewey’ed aisles and return with 3 or 4 novels, at least 2 of which she’ll actually really enjoy. I, on the other hand, must have a specific book or author in mind to look for when I enter the building or I’m toast. If that book isn’t there? Trip ruined. There can’t possibly be another book in this entire warehouse that I would enjoy reading.
“I think you would like this book,” says Gabi.
“How could you possibly know that?” inquires Michael, panic smeared all over his face.
“This author is similar to the last one you read.”
“I can’t trust an author I’ve never read before!”
After pulling and replacing 137 different books, Michael leaves the library with yet another Jack Reacher novel.*
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I don’t think I read a single book after the 9th grade staples of Animal Farm and 1984. Once we were assigned A Tale of Two Cities with its 544 pages I struck a deal with my bookworm girlfriend — she would read the books and I would get her synopsis of what was on the test and earn my own A from her guidance. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.
I wanted to get back into reading in 2019, so I decided to start with something incredibly digestible and/or familiar. So I went with A Game of Thrones — familiar, but DENSE at 674 pages — and Stephen King’s 11/22/63 — a super fun tale of a man who discovers a way to the past and is sent on a mission to save JFK, but makes the mistake of falling in love with a 60s woman… and also a THICC BOY at 842 pages. I think I held those books on and off for about two full years.
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Since actually devoting time to reading, I have found some real gems. I love anything by Matt Haig, especially The Humans or How to Stop Time. I’ll always break up bigger works with collections of hilarious essays, like those of David Sedaris and Tom Papa, who’s You're Doing Great! And Other Reasons to Stay Alive actually inspired me to start writing this very blog!
And so now, I come humbly to you — What are your recommendations for books in 2026? Comment below!
Please, save me from a panic attack at my local library. It’s a beautiful place, and it doesn’t deserve a meltdown from yours truly.
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