Reading “Firsts” for 2026 Book Tag

I had fun with this back in ’23, but keep forgetting to do it since then. Thanks to Witty and Sarcastic Book Club for reminding me to tackle it.

First Book Read in 2026

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Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

I started this year by wrapping up my 2025 project of reading Lewis works with his final novel.

First Review of 2026

I really don’t like calling my posts reviews, but for the sake of this tag, I’ll swallow that. I’m a little fuzzy about what they’re asking for, was that the first review of the year? Or was it the first book from this year that I reviewed? Eh…I’ll do both, just because.

Mississippi Blue 42 by Eli Cranor

Cranor’s series premier about a rookie FBI agent was plenty of fun and the first book I posted about this year.(my original post about the book)

Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Ace Atkins

It took me a few weeks longer than it should’ve to read it, but Atkins’ 80s set spy thriller with a sense of humor was the first book I read and posted about this year.(my original post about the book)

First Debut Read in 2026

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

This did not read like a debut novel–but according to the Internet (the repository of only truth), it was. (my original post about the book)

First “New to Me” Author of 2026

All the Best Dogs by Emily Jenkins

This charming MG novel about the best dogs was my introduction to Emily Jenkins.(my original post about the book)

First Book of 2026 that Slayed Me

Twelve Months by Jim Butcher

Twelve Months
I’m still recoving from reading this book back in January.(my original post about the book)

First Book of 2026 that I Wish I Could Get Back the Time I Spent Reading It

A Particularly Nasty Case by Adam Kay

This was just…pointless, generally unpleasant (and not just because of a unsavory protagonist), and a mess. It erased a lot of the respect I had for the author after his memoir.

First 5 Star Book of 2026

Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Ace Atkins

I’m known for enjoying Atkins’ books, but this is probably the most fun I had with one of his books. Fast, clever, and funny. (my original post about the book)

As usual, I’m not tagging anyone in this—but I’d like to see what you all have to come up with.