book reviews 2026

At the start of every year, I ask myself if I'm going to continue to keep my lists and documentation here and elsewhere, because I begin to wonder if it's more commitment than I'd rather keep up with. But then I look back and see how much I value returning to my previous self's thoughts and impressions, and I know that I won't be giving this up, at least not for the foreseeable future. So here we go, year nineteen of pretty-immediate mini-reviews of all the books I read throughout the year. 

2. 1/21/26

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

(purchased book)

I fell into this book with my whole self, losing time and place, breathing the air with these characters and living in the depth of their emotions. Agnes utterly mesmerized me, and I long for her to stay with me in my thoughts. Her entire being was magic and love and strength, and to witness her experience the devastation of losing her child was transformative. I simply love her character, and I love the inner world the author created for a historical figure of whom not much is known, yet there is no doubt to me that she must have been incredible. I love that this was her story, and not her husband's, he who isn't even named here, a detail that at first tickled me and then made more sense. This is not primarily his story to tell, the parent who lived a life away, far from his family, and it's not a story of the playwright who looms large in history. This is a story of a family, mostly through the lens of a mother. Absolutely brilliant.

1. 1/18/26

Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success by Jeff Hiller

(purchased book)

I've heard that the audio book of this memoir is even better than the print version, and that might be true because Jeff Hiller's reading of his own words has got to be amazing. But let me say that the print version was superbly engaging, wryly funny, and exactly what I needed. Hiller's candor about life in general is relatable, and his storytelling kept me laughing. I especially loved all stories related to SOMEBODY, SOMEWHERE, which was one of the best series I've ever seen. I'm thrilled that the show brought Jeff Hiller's recognition, and I hope he continues to be cast and honored.

Reading to try to stay sane,