February is the month of love, apparently, which means I’ve decided to lean fully into sad love. Devastating love. Love that ruins you a little and then politely leaves you staring at the wall afterward. For February 2026, the theme is sad love stories, and honestly? I’m emotionally prepared. (I think.) This month, I’m diving into heartbreak, impossible choices, and love that sticks with you long after the last page.

First up is Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, which is a reread for me, though I can’t even remember the last time I read it. Baldwin writes longing like it’s a physical space, raw and aching, and the story still manages to hit hard. David’s struggle with identity, desire, and societal expectations makes every choice feel heavy, and every moment with Giovanni feels electric and tragic. Returning to it now, it’s impossible not to feel both grief and awe at how Baldwin captures love as something beautiful and impossible all at once.

Next is The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, another reread, and I honestly can’t believe it’s been over three years since I last opened it. The story of Achilles and Patroclus is epic in every sense: love that’s tender, doomed, and heroic. Re-reading it during the season of hearts and roses feels especially cruel, because you know the ending, but the journey is breathtaking—the humor, the small kindnesses, the slow-burning intimacy—and Miller’s writing just pierces straight to the chest every single time.

And finally, I’m finishing Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. This one got pushed back from December/January, but I’m ready now. Elizabeth Zott’s story isn’t a traditional sad love story—it’s heartbreaking, funny, and inspiring all at once. Where my book club left off is such a sad part that I can’t wait to see how she continues to navigate love, life, and the impossible expectations placed on her. I might finish it with the book club… or without them. Either way, I’m ready to keep going.

On top of these reads, I’m setting a big goal for 2026: 30 books. Totally doable, right? Last year I ended up with 20—15 on Kindle, 5 physical—and this year I’ve got my library card back, which means more physical books, and I’m excited to finally include audiobooks too. I’m ready to mix it up, try new formats, and maybe cry a little on walks while listening to heartbreaks instead of just reading them.

So that’s February: rereads, heartbreak, and stories about loving deeply—even when it hurts, even when it’s complicated, even when you know exactly what’s coming. Join me if you want. Or don’t. I’ll be over here crying quietly, turning pages, and letting the books do the heartbreaking for me.

I know Thanksgiving hasn’t even happened yet, but my brain is already planning December books.

December always feels like the month where time speeds up and slows down at the exact same time. I start the month with a stack of books and the ambition of a reader who thinks she has three extra weeks magically hidden somewhere. And yet—some of my books are absolutely coming with me into the new year, tucked under my arm like emotional support paperbacks.

This year is no different, and honestly, I’m here for it.

Books Following Me Into 2025

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Re-Read + Buddy Read)

I’m jumping back into Fourth Wing because apparently I have a weird hobby of signing up for emotional wreckage… on repeat. But this time I’ve recruited backup! After months of gentle harassment, my friend—who knows absolutely nothing about the series—finally agreed to read it with me. We’re starting at book one and continuing the series together, a perfectly tiny book club of two people who cry over fictional dragons.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (Finally Tackling a 2023 TBR Holdout)

Lessons in Chemistry has been glaring at me from my TBR since 2023, giving me that patented “you know you should read me” side-eye only books can pull off. It’s also my final pick for 2025 in my IRL book club, so this is it—no more procrastinating, no more excuses. I’ve seen clips from the show, and let’s be honest: I’m going to ugly-cry, probably in public. But Elizabeth Zott… I’m ready for you anyway.

Festive Reads to Close Out the Year

The Holiday Mixtape by Liberty Stowe

Because what is December without at least one cozy, wholesome, slightly predictably adorable holiday story? This is giving “Hallmark movie in book form,” and I am absolutely here for it.

The Nightmare Before Kissmas: A Royals and Romance Novel by Sara Raasch

Balancing the sweetness with holiday chaos, romance, and a little campy fun. It feels like exactly the right vibe to close out the year with something festive and ridiculous—in the best way.

So that’s the December stack: comfort, chaos, overdue reads, and a few stories I’ll be proudly carrying into 2025. Whether I finish them before New Year’s or they sneak into January with me, they’re all keeping me company through the final stretch of the year.

One thing I really love about this month’s reading lineup? Every single book except Lessons in Chemistry is on Kindle Unlimited.
It makes diving into holiday reads and starting new series so easy (and so much kinder on my wallet). December is chaotic enough—my book budget doesn’t need to be.

Here’s to cozy reading nights, new stories, and finishing the year at whatever pace feels right.
Happy reading💛📖

Hey everyone! I’m beyond thrilled about my summer reading list, and I’m ready to dive into all these amazing books! It might be a little ambitious, but I’m all about the challenge! Best of all, I have a feeling this summer moved away from the sad girl vibes—I can’t wait to explore these exciting new stories! Here’s to a summer packed with adventurous reading! Let the fun begin! 😊

📖 First up, I want to dive back into The Wicked Years Series by Gregory Maguire. I read the first three books ages ago but never finished the series. And guess what? All four are available on Kindle Unlimited right now, thanks to the new Wicked movie coming out! I’m determined to wrap up the series before Wicked: Part Two – For Good hits theaters. Can’t wait to re-enter that wonderfully chaotic, magical version of Oz that I loved, even if it left me a little bewildered.

🍷 Next, we’ve chosen The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel for our book club this month! It’s 445 pages long, and while the group plan is about 60 pages a week, I know I could devour it in just a few days.My personal pace: …I could absolutely finish it in like 3 days, but we’re being realistic and respectful here because life is lifing, and we’re tired. I honestly don’t know much about this book other than I picked it up for my Kindle for about 13 bucks. We just decided on it last night, so I’m really looking forward to it!

🎡 And for a little spooky summer fun, I’m adding Joyland by Stephen King to my list. It has ghosts, carousels, and those melancholy amusement park vibes that feel just right for summer. It’s giving me a bittersweet nostalgia, and I can’t wait to dig into it!

Overall, my summer vibe is all about witches, wine, and haunted fairgrounds. A perfect mix of cozy chaos and fun reading that’ll keep my brain happy! 

What’s on your summer reading list? I’d love to hear about it! 📚✨

Hey friends! 👋

Guess what? A brand new month is here, and that means a fresh stack of books is waiting for us! I have to be honest—this month’s picks are packed with some serious Sad Girl Summer vibes. 😅 Somehow, I ended up choosing three deeply emotional and soul-stirring books, and I’m super excited because I’ve never read any of them before! And can you believe it? Two of them are non-fiction, which is a big deal for me since I usually hang out in Fiction Land.

But hey, sometimes we all need a good cry, a heartfelt story, and a little reminder that we’re all just humans figuring things out as we go. So if you’re up for some powerful reads, raw emotions, and great conversations, you’re in the perfect spot!

Here’s what we’ll be diving into together this month:

💔 To Selena, With Love by Chris Pérez

Get ready to dive into an incredibly emotional memoir by Chris Pérez, the husband of the iconic Selena Quintanilla! This book opens a heartfelt window into their relationship, sharing their beautiful love story and the profound heartbreak that followed her tragic passing. It’s a deeply personal account, and let me tell you, I’ve heard it’s nothing short of breathtaking. Selena was one of a kind, and I still feel the impact of her music and the legacy she could have created.

Why I picked this book:

• I’ve always looked up to Selena, but experiencing her story through Chris’s eyes is something entirely new. 
• I’m bracing myself for some serious tears—like, a lot! 
• It promises to be a love letter filled with raw emotion and a journey of grief that’s both beautiful and painful. 
• Plus, I’ve heard it answers all those burning questions, like, “Did they ever argue? What were the fights about? And did Chris really like Yolanda?” Can’t wait to find out!

🕯 For Whom the Bell Tolls by Jaysea Lynn

Prepare yourself for an emotional journey that’s anything but ordinary! This isn’t the classic Hemingway tale you’re expecting—no 1940s war scenes here! Instead, dive into a modern exploration of grief, memory, and profound personal transformation. I’ve heard that the characters are so incredibly rich and lifelike that it’s like spending time with your closest friends. And with most of the TikTok series under my belt, I’m already invested in their stories, which means it’s going to hit hard! 

Why is this making the list? 

• It perfectly captures the essence of love and loss.
• I’m clearly ready to experience every single emotion! 

Remember—it’s Sad Girl Summer! Get ready to feel all the feels! 😭✨

🎹 Three Pianos by Andrew McMahon

I’m thrilled to share my second non-fiction pick of the month (what’s happening to me??)! This incredible memoir dives into the world of music, identity, illness, and healing. If you’re not familiar with Andrew McMahon, he’s the brilliant mind behind Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Even if you haven’t heard his music, this memoir stands strong all on its own! 

As a fan since 2005, I’ve connected deeply with his music and lyrics, finding so much personal healing through them over the years. This book is likely to bring on the tears, especially since it covers his battle with leukemia—my second cancer-themed book of the month! (Minor spoiler alert for *For Whom the Bell Tolls*!)

Why my excitement is mixed with a little fear:  

• It beautifully blends creativity with survival and self-discovery.  
• It’s raw and reflective—one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve read it.  
• Sure, it might tug at the heartstrings, but I believe this kind of sadness can ignite inspiration!  

I can’t wait to dive into these powerful narratives!

I’m really excited that I was able to find “Selena with Love” and “Three Pianos” in physical copies at my local Barnes & Noble! I couldn’t track down “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” but no worries—I managed to grab it on Amazon. I’m trying to cut back on using Amazon for books since I love supporting local stores. And barnes and noble is nowhere near a small and local store but it is a physical store and sometimes it’s just so convenient! By the way, I also stumbled upon a fun book called “Gays on Broadway,” which is perfect for Pride Month!

🗣 Let’s Feel Things Together (or Not, No Pressure 😌)

I’m sharing the books I’ll be reading this month in case you want to join me on this emotional journey! If any of these titles appeal to you, feel free to read along or save them for later when you’re in your own “Sad Girl” era.

I’ll likely post some thoughts, quotes, or random memes as I go (because balance!). It’s all about the vibes, tissues, and maybe a cozy drink or two.

Here’s to a “Sad Girl Summer” filled with emotions, good stories, and that strangely comforting kind of sadness we sometimes need to embrace. 

Feel free to read with me—or just watch my spiral. Either way, I’m glad you’re here! 💛📖

Let’s be real: between school, work, and life, all I really want to do is sit down with a good book. But sometimes, my TBR list feels so overwhelming that I don’t know where to start. We’ve all been there, right? You screenshot a book cover, save it to your Notes, or add it to Goodreads… then never go back to it. Why do we do this?

I think it’s because we trick ourselves into thinking we’ll remember, but we never do. We save it for “later,” and later never comes. Out of sight, out of mind.

Why Do We Do This?

Screenshots feel like we’ve done the work, but they’re buried in our phone and forgotten. Notes apps get cluttered, and Goodreads often just becomes another list to ignore. It’s easy to feel like you’re losing track of books you’re excited about.

So, How Do We Fix It?

Here are a few better ways to keep your TBR from feeling like a mountain:

1. A Dedicated TBR Journal

Write it down! Whether it’s a cute notebook or a bullet journal, putting your TBR on paper helps you remember. There’s something so satisfying about writing things down. Sure, it’s more work than adding a book to Goodreads or typing it into your Notes app, but the act of physically writing down books makes it feel more real. 

2. Pinterest Board for Books

I know, Pinterest is already a rabbit hole of inspiration and distractions, but hear me out: creating a Pinterest board for your TBR books is actually a fun way to track your list visually.

3. Physical Book Tracker

If you’re into tangible things, get a book tracker or reading calendar. It’ll keep your TBR front and center so you never forget what you’re excited to read next.

4. Goodreads (Used Right!)

I know, I know. You probably hate Goodreads by now, but hear me out. Instead of just creating a vague TBR list and letting it collect dust, use it in a more structured way. Try organizing your books into lists (i.e., genres, read soon, recommendations, etc.) or even set a goal for how many books you want to read each month. Keep it interactive, so it’s more than just a “dumping ground” for books you forget about.

The Bottom Line

Between school, work, and everything else, the last thing I want is my TBR list to stress me out. I just want to read! By using a system that works for you—whether it’s a journal, Pinterest, or a better way to use Goodreads—you can keep track of your TBR without feeling overwhelmed. The goal is to keep the excitement of reading alive, not let the list become another chore! 📚✨

Hey everyone! March is off to an interesting start; let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure! Hector and I took the plunge this month and moved into a cozy rental house. While it’s got a lot of charm, a few things need some TLC. I can’t wait to share more about our journey! Right now, I still need to unpack boxes.

My Reading List For March

Babel By R F Kuang

I know I’m a little late to the party with this book; it was literally the best book of 2022 at Barnes & Noble, so I’m about three years late to rave about R.F. Kuang and how much I love her work! I absolutely loved The Poppy War (I really need to finish that series!) and was entirely captivated by Yellowface. Now, I can barely contain my excitement about diving into Babel! I’m definitely going to snag a physical copy soon, but for now, I’m seizing the opportunity to read it for free on Kindle Unlimited. I can’t wait to immerse myself in this new adventure!

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

I can’t even express how invested I am in this series! I’ve always been obsessed with sci-fi, sci-fantasy, and plain old fantasy. There’s just something magical about escaping reality. The challenges in “Iron Flame” are so far removed from anything I experience in real life, aside from the relationship drama! I have to say, the idea of sitting in Violet’s dragon car seat sounds fun. Someone mentioned that on TikTok, and it’s honestly the most accurate description! However, I really don’t think I would last a minute in that universe. Reading about it is more than enough for me!

Fahrenheit 451

I once heard someone say that in the future, every dystopian society movie and TV show will focus on the Trump administration, and it seems to feel that way more and more lately. I sometimes find myself longing for a different timeline where we could have embraced a female president instead. It’s a bit political, but I sometimes find the news so overwhelming. It’s interesting to see how Bradbury’s 65-year-old book connects so well to today’s fast-paced, distracted lives. Many of us, myself included, often feel we need to be on our phones or devices every moment. Between 1984 and Fahrenheit 451, It’s definitely a topic worth chatting about!

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

I’m absolutely thrilled about diving into Haymitch’s story in the Hunger Games universe! It’s such a wild perspective, but for me, it’s not just Suzanne Collins’ writing style that pulls me in—it’s her incredible character development! I’m obsessed with how she captures the internal battles her main characters face. It keeps me on the edge of my seat every time! I can’t wait to see what unfolds!