The power of a Reading List

I have been working on getting my reading appetite back for the last year or so more consciously; My reading habit has been predominantly centered around anything that catches my eye or a theme or a topic that I have been drawn to in that season. But, making a reading list this year has been a game-changer!

Sometime in Dec 2025, during a conscious break to reset myself, I started seeing book recommendation reels while dumb scrolling and then told myself that I was spending my time usefully looking at book lists (talk about reframing!) A particular "My Friends" by Fredrik Backman caught my eye and I borrowed it as an ebook immediately started reading and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even recommended them to people I know who read quite regularly.  Then… it dawned on me to make a list of titles I wanted to read from all those shared for 2026. I looked up every book that caught my eye, almost like love at first sight adding some, disregarding others if they didn’t appeal to me. I also added the books I’m currently reading, to journey along with them. And then I added themes I’d enjoyed before; for example, "The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul" by Deborah Rodriguez which led me to discover Marjan Kamali and her books.

My original list was about 15 books give or take, but I have been adding to that as I discover more not just through social media but also adding those books I always wanted to read but never made an intentional effort!

Why is this a game changer for me?

1. My reading appetite has been great and I constantly look forward to reading
2. I know I will never be in a place where I dont know what to read next and I like that feeling
3. I have an organic goal towards reading and I am looking always to carve time out for reading
4. I am using my public library visits or looking for ereads or my book shopping with a purpose and it has been satisfying!
5. I am buying books with complete awareness that I will read them
6. I am having conversations about these books with like minded people and I thoroughly enjoy it!
7. I am looking forward to blogging about the books as I finish reading (or not) PS: I have completed two already on my reading list!

Would you be interested to know my reading list for 2026? or share what should I add?