50 Books Challenge 2026 Part One

[Southeastdweller]

Welcome to the first thread of the 50 Book Challenge for this year.

The challenge is to read fifty books (or more!) in 2026, though reading fifty isn't mandatory. Any type of book can count, and please try to let us all know your thoughts on what you've read.

If possible, please can you embolden your titles and maybe authors as well of books you've read or going to read? It makes it much easier to keep track, especially when the threads move quickly at this time of the year.

I aim for 50 every year and never manage it. Maybe this will be my year!
Started the final book in Edna O'Brien's The Country Girls trilogy yesterday. Have powered throught the first two this week, so hoping to finish this one by the weekend.

Thanks @Southeastdweller and Happy New Year to all! Nice to see you again @AliasGrape 😊 and everyone else of course, old and new!

@ChessieFL I love Moondial, one of the best children’s books I think.

I’m halfway through a non-fiction physical book and just started another on kindle, so it’ll be a while before I finish my first book of the year, and non-fiction always takes me longer. I’m also joining the Les Mis readalong. Now just need to find some time to read!

That’s been on my wishlist for ages so it was bought almost before I could blink!
And annoyingly, I’ve had The Land in Winter on reserve at the library for months and it literally swam to the top of the pile to collect today, of all days.

Checking in!

I’m in the middle of The Mirror and the Light (audio), Slow Horses and I’m joining the Les Mis crew.

Hi all, just bookmarking for now. I have more Kindle books, print books in paperback and hardback, and library books (print and ebook) "tbr" than I can be bothered to count, especially as there are lots I want to reread too, and I don't keep them separate (except for library books, which I do keep carefully separate from my own books).

I decided to spend the last half hour or so of last year online rather than trying to finish another book (24 pages left) before midnight. So I finished that book in the early hours of this morning and will list it as #1 for this year. I did this at New Year 2025 as well I think. I have quite a lot of books on the go at once, but normally have a smaller number that are priority and that I'm making significant progress with.

I know what you mean @Terpsichore I got both of them for Christmas

(Pedant alert: And when I say it ‘literally' swam to the top of the pile, it - of course, did not. Because it’s a book, not a fish 😬)

Hi everyone, just popping my head in. I don't know if anyone remembers me but I used to be a regular on the 50 Books.

After some health stuff I am reading again! I managed 40-something in 2025 so let's see how this year goes

I know that the first thread fills up quickly, and I don't have any reads to log yet so I'll be back later when I have something to report.

I remember you @VikingNorthUtsirewelcome back!

Happy New Year! I'm new to the thread and starting with a nostalgic one (in flu recovery zone, but always appreciate a dark edge):

1/50: The Doll's House, Rumer Godden

Hello 50-Bookers - I have been on these threads before but usually fall off, but here I am again with the best intentions.
I read 56 last year which was my best number for several years.

I have just made my friend's day letting her know The Hallmarked man is 99p today, she was waiting for it to be discounted.
I love the Strike series as an easy read, but this is not her best, just a necessary installment really.

I listen to a lot of Audio, both Audible (paid) and Borrowbox (free) - I just lucked out in the Audible 2 for 1 sale and got:
Cruel Acts - Maeve Kerrigan 8? - I am on about 5 atm.
Boudica - I read years and years ago but fancied a relisten
Our London Lives - much reviewed on here in 2025
Annie Bot - also much reviewed here
Heads You Win - Jeffery Archer
Bel Canto Ann Patchett

If I manage to get some reading time this afternoon I might be able to post my first review later

@EineReiseDurchDieZeit The Lamb promised so much and was such a disappointment. It almost felt like a different writer in the second half, it got so silly.

Thank you so much @Southeastdweller. A nice, fresh new year of threads!
I am planning my first read of 2026. It will have to be on my kindle because I am still away and I don’t fancy any of the holiday cottage books (we’ve been coming here for 12 years and they’ve never changed ).
I should be out walking in this glorious weather but it’s an Unexpected Reading Afternoon, due to the dog cutting her leg this morning and needing three stitches 🙄. The boys have gone out for now and it will be my turn later / sometime tomorrow. I’m in absolute silence at the edge of a forest, so there are worse places to be confined to with a fully charged kindle

Hi, can i join in. Joined a book group a few years back so most of the books are from that & whilst i’ve always loved reading its been nice reading some different styles of books which i wouldn’t have before.

managed 24 last year which i don’t know if i’ll beat this year. Got a few sitting from the library and some Christmas presents so hoping for a cosy January.

starting off strong with…..The Gavin & Stacey book 🤣 which was a Christmas present lol.

Love to join the thread if that is ok? Currently reading Intermezzo by Sally Rooney and I am sure that in homage to my username that a reread of my favourite book (Persuasion) will feature at some point.

@PitchforksAndProof I loved The Country Girls when I read it, probably 40+ years ago. In fact Edna O'Brien survived the huge cull of physical books I have done. I will add to my re-read list though I suspect I'll have to buy an e book as the print is tiny.

Hello all, will join again but under a name change. I have hit the 50 a few times, but sometimes it can feel that I have to immediately pick up a new book - some books I need space afterwards, so not making the 50 can feel l’ve failed and not what I want reading to be about…anyway, that was a long winded way of saying that my aim is now 42 (for obvious reasons!) more or less is fine.

Currently finishing up Death at the sign of the Rook, which I am enjoying, and Nigel Slater’s Christmas Chronicles.

Highlights from last year were:
Reading Lessons
The Neapolitan Quartet
Sweet Sorrow
North Woods

I always mean to post more than I actually do, but perpetually lurk.

@AnneElliotsBestFriend My favourite Austen too. One of my resolutions for this year is to do a read through of all her books.

Happy new year 50 bookers! Looking forward to another year of reading and book chat.

I just picked up The Benefactors and A Better Second Half for 99p each.

Totally @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie

So many newbies! All welcome!

@HagCymraegyou've listed some great books there!

Would like to join, how do I add the bold?

@Everythingwillbeokayplace a star either side of the words you want to bold. This star *

Either select the text in your post and press the B in the bottom left corner of the drafting box, or put an asterisk * on either side of the text you want bolded

Should keep me going for Jan anyway - I have some driving to do for work, so audio is my friend

Lurker here, will try and contribute in 2026!

Also doing RWYO. Starting with The Shipping News by Annie Proulx.