January 2026 in Books
The Highs and Lows of My Frosty Month In Reading
It’s rare that I read both a masterpiece and a boring ass book within the span of a couple weeks, but January has become a truly weird month. I started off on a high, with one of the best books I’ve read in a while, then went on a slump with a string of forgettable works, before ultimately ending the month with a potential new favorite author. If the rest of the year continues like this, then I’m on course for some tremendous highs and lows.
Lincoln in The Bardo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
I picked up Lincoln in the Bardo because I was scheduled to go on a reading retreat to read Vigil. I’d known George Saunders was a highly regarded writer, but had never read any of his work until this one. What makes this book (and George Saunders) an incredible craftsman is that he’s able to incite the full gamut of human emotion in one story. Tremendous scenes of heartbreak, juvenile humor, rancor and blinding rage. This book about Lincoln and the death of his boy will take you on a helluva ride and have you weeping at times, but I will warn you, it’s not the easiest one to follow along to. There are dozens of characters, and much of the story consists of primary sources stitched together to craft a historically accurate tale. I was definitely lost for the first hundred pages, but once I started to adapt and understand his techniques, it became much easier to follow.
Saltcrop
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)
I was immediately drawn in by Saltcrop’s premise: an international thriller set in a dystopian, climate ravaged world. While the setting and its characters were tantalizing, this one dragged on a little longer (372 pages) than it needed to. Towards the end I found myself uninterested in both the plot and it’s hastily introduced characters. Although Yume Kitasei is clearly a talented writer, I wish this book was cut down a bit more. Would’ve been a great one if it were a hundred pages shorter.
Girl on Girl
⭐⭐☆☆☆ 2/5
Sophie Gilbert takes us through the 90s and early aughts to provide us with an extensive survey of the key pop culture moments that have gone on to shape the world as it is today. I was initially excited about this book because I love it when journalists write about subjects they are deeply immersed in. And while this book is clearly well researched, it does feel like it lacks a clear thesis. Gilbert quotes anti-porn activistis and talks at length about the effect of porn on pop-culture, but never goes on to say explicitly that she’s against porn. It feels like she has a clear opinion of the problem, but refuses to make any claims. It’s a book that could’ve been excellent if it had a stronger thesis or a stance in general.
My Year of Rest & Relaxation
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4/5
At no point reading this did I ever feel like something good was about to happen. The story follows a woman who is hellbent on spending as much time as possible sleeping. And while the title and premise sound relaxing, the story is anything but. Ottessa Moshfegh’s style is chaotic, and incredibly unsettling. I’d recommend this book to anyone except those struggling with severe anxiety, because it may actually make it worse.
Crazy Rich Asians
⭐☆☆☆☆ 1/5
When I saw the movie a few years ago, I was pleasantly surprised. Although the characters in Crazy Rich Asians were enormously wealthy, they still felt wholesome and relatable and worth listening too. So recently I decided to read the book and see how it compares. And this is perhaps the only time I’ve ever said this but please watch the movie, and skip the book. It feels very much like Wolf of Wall Street without the self-awareness. So far this is the worst book I’ve read this year (not to mention it’s also +500 pages), and I doubt there will be a close second. I’d gladly watch any other movies based on a Kevin Kwan novel, but you couldn’t pay me to pick up another of his books.
Vigil
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4/5
I have a longer review of this one coming, so I won’t say too much about it now. But what I will say is that while this book isn’t as magnificent as Lincoln in The Bardo, it’s still a great, short read for anyone looking for a climate story with strong themes of religion and philosophy. If you haven’t read any of Saunders’ works, then this one or his short story collection may be a good start. I haven’t listened to the audio of Vigil, but from what I’ve heard from others, it’s quality rivals the novel.
The Sympathizer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Every now and then I come across a writer that I regret I haven’t read sooner and Viet Thahn Nguyen is one of those writers. The Sympathizer is a fictional account of one spy’s life during the Liberation of Saigon. The spy is a double agent, and mixed race man of “two face“ who accepts the contradictions inherent in living within an empire that you’re also trying to take down. Not since Gabriel Garcia Marquez, have I seen a writer takes aim at U.S. imperialism while being endlessly entertaining. Nguyen is an inspiring figure because he demonstrates to writers and artists everywhere that you can hone your craft, reach the pinnacle of the profession, and still have something important to say about the world at large.