“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ― Stephen King
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Most writers are avid readers. An article on medium.com sums it up this way:
In a nutshell, reading and writing are inseparable. The better writers tend to be exceptional readers, and better readers can produce exceptional writing. A writer who doesn’t read is like a musician who doesn’t listen to music or a filmmaker who doesn’t watch films. It is demoralizingly hard to do good work without experiencing the good work that has been done before.
A well-read writer has better verbal skills, discerns the nuances of language, and distinguishes between poor and quality writing, so read more, read widely, and learn from other people who do what you are aiming at with the facility and the skill level you would love to cultivate.
I’ve been reading an eclectic variety of books in 2026. Here are some of them:
On Desperate Ground by Hampton Sides
The story of the battles around Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War. I’m writing a novel with Korean War veterans and I wanted to get details of the actual battles.
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
A book club pick. It’s an interesting novel that explores aspects of the fear of death, the art of fortune telling, and the power of suggestion. Most authors will appreciate the first chapter which almost guarantees readers will turn the page.
Over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen
A fascinating look at the expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan that resulted in the first circumnavigation of the Earth. It’s one of the books that fuels my fascination with the early explorers.
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
Time to saddle up and read about the cowboys. Although I skimmed the long, descriptive sections, I liked the story and found myself eager to get back to it each evening.
Balancing Life’s Roles by Jarrell Gibbs
This common sense guide to handling all the different roles we play in life was written by a friend of ours. Very useful advice especially for young people.
Satan’s Subway by Steve Hooley
Our very own Steve Hooley authored this middle grade fantasy. Once again, Steve tackles a serious issue through the eyes of a the Mad River Magic gang.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
This was also a book club pick. I read just a few chapters before it had to be returned to the library. The book is wildly popular, and I’d be interested to know if any of you have read it and what you think about it.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Just started this one. I imagine it would be interesting to many authors.
Now I’m looking for a good mystery. Any recommendations?
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So TKZers: What books are you reading in 2026?
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A missing person. A trail of secrets. Private pilot Cassie Deakin reluctantly follows a mystery that refuses to stay buried—uncovering truths that shine brighter, and more dangerously, with every step.
Click the image to go to the Amazon book detail page.
Our book club is discussing Theo of Golden at our next meeting, and I just finished reading it. Interesting that the reviews are all over the place. It’s basically the story of a mysterious, Portuguese-born octogenarian, going only by Theo, who moves to the small Georgia town of Golden and ends up deeply touching the lives of numerous residents. He becomes fascinated with the portraits done by a local artist and displayed in a local coffee shop. He makes it his mission to purchase these, a few at a time, and give them, in person, to the subjects of the portraits.
Parts of this novel are beautifully written but there are spots where the pacing slows. The ending is predictable in a way but there are some good surprises that answer the question of who Theo really is and why he chose Golden.
I believe this is the author’s first novel, and he’s certainly doing a lot better than I am with my mysteries!
Good morning, Sharon. Thanks for the summary of Theo.
Yes, this is a first novel, and I believe it was self-published. It’s the kind of success authors dream of. Maybe I’ll get back to it after I finish some of the other books on my TBR pile.
Have a good week!
Lately I’ve been immersed in biographies of contemporary songwriters and musicians – finishing one on Guy Clark (Tamara Saviano’s Without Getting Killed or Caught), just this past weekend, and recently the late Tod Snider’s autobiography (I Never Met a Story I Didn’t Like: Mostly True Tall Tales).
I’ve got another couple on reserve at the local library…
Additionally, military histories – most from Dad’s library (he was a Naval Aviator)
▪️Ghost Soldiers (Hampton Sides), about the Batan Death March and rescue of American POWs from the Cabanatuan Prison
▪️For Crew and Country (Joun Wukovits), the story of the USS Samuel B. Roberts
▪️Flights of Passage (Samuel Hynes), his autobiography of being a Marine Corps aviator in the Second World War
▪️Blue Jacket Admiral (John T. “Chick” Hayward and C.W. Borklund), Hayward’s autobiography of working his way from being a sixteen-year-old seaman in the 1920’s, attending/graduating Annapolis, flying in WWII, and ending up an admiral and president of the Naval War College at the end of the ’60s.
In this vein, I’ll have to check out On Desperate Ground…
I’m currently about to complete my circumnavigation of the globe (just finished the chapter of Bergreen’s Over the Edge of the World in which Magellan was [spoiler alert] killed in the northern Philippines…)
Good morning, George.
That’s an impressive list of military histories. Let me know if you read On Desperate Ground by Sides. I knew next to nothing about the Korean War before I read that book.
Reading about Magellan’s decision to get involved in tribal disputes had me thinking, “Don’t do that.” The same reaction I have when watching a movie where the hero is getting ready to go into a building where you know there’s a trap waiting for him.
Enjoy your reading week!
A friend has written a few non-fiction books, St. Louis, African American history. He just published his first non-fiction. Working on that. Not sure what will be next.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSSJLM65?ref=fed_asin_title
Your friend’s book looks interesting, Alan. Best wishes to him in all his writing future!
Thanks, Kay!
I recently read Charles Martin’s, The Letter Keeper.
I’m currently reading Steven James, Story Trumps Structure, one of JSB’s favorite books. I don’t agree with much of James’ proclamations, and he is arrogant. But, I’m finding gems among the criticism.
Greeting to everone here!
Good morning, Steve! It’s good to see you here.
I read Story Trumps Structure a couple of years ago. Maybe it’s time to go back and refresh my memory.
Thanks for Satan’s Subway. Great team, tough subject.
Have a good week, my friend.
News to me, Dale. 😁
Good topic, Kay! The amount of reading you’ve accomplished this year astounds me. You must not sleep. 😉
Currently I’m reading I Did Not Kill My Husband by Linda Keir
https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/products/book-j5yp
Fast-paced mystery-thriller about a gold digger social media influencer convicted of murder who escapes while being transported to prison. Goes on a wild chase through mountain wilderness where the stylish expert in designer fashions turns out to be smarter, tougher, and more capable than expected. Keir Graf is one of the cowriters and I respect him a lot. Glad I gave this book a chance. The plot twists are fun. Plus it captures the lynch mob mentality of social media.
Hi Debbie. My list looks more impressive than it is. I started a couple of those books in 2025, but finished them in 2026. One of others was returned to the library after just a few hours of reading, and I’m still in the middle of reading several. 🙂
I looked up I Did Not Kill My Husband and I see the author team of Linda Hull and Keir Graff. I am fascinated by people who write as a team, and I wonder how they resolve disagreements. Frank and I were asked recently to teach a workshop at a writers’ conference. We worked on the presentation for weeks, and I’m proud to say, “I Did Not Kill My Husband.” 😇
Have a great week.
Everyone I heard from raved about your class, Kay! And dinner Saturday night was so much fun.
Good morning, Kay! Your post today is near and dear to my heart, needless to say 🙂
I’ve been reading JSB’s Mike Romeo thriller series, which is of course a gripping, propulsive read with a fascinating hero.
“The Kuiper Belt Job,” by David Levine, a science fiction heist novel set in the outer solar system.
“Sugar Cookie Murder,” by Joanne Fluke, on audio. Another delightful cozy set in Lake Eden, Minnesota with Hannah Swenson and friends.
“Down These Streets,” a short story collection by James Scott Bell, which I’ve been dipping into for months between novels.
“Reconstruction,” by Eric Foner. A magisterial history of the post-civll war era in the U.S. Listening on audio
“Atomic Habits,” by James Clear. A new classic on incremental changes leading to powerful new habits.
“Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD,” by Lidia Zylowska, MD. An insightful book on using meditation to help with focus and awareness for those with ADHD.
Mystery recommendations:
Cozy mystery–“Assault and Pepper” by Leslie Budewitz.
More procedural: “Into the Woods” by Tana French.
Hello Dale!
Your list looks very interesting and as diverse as mine. I’ve read all of JSB’s Romeo series, and I’m looking forward to the next one. I’d like to read a good book about reconstruction. Please let me know what you think about Foner’s book.
I like Tana French’s writing quite a bit. I read Into the Woods a few years ago. I’d be interested to hear what you think about the ending.
Have a good week!
When I read this post, it made me wonder how many books I’ve read this year, so I looked back and counted in my online library app, Kindle, and physical books. I counted 37, among them Dying to Call You by Elaine Viets, Nowhere to Hide by Terry Odell, Matters of the Heart by Kelly Irvin, and City of Angels by James Scott Bell. I’m currently reading The Love Haters by Katherine Center, which has places that make me laugh so hard I have to stop reading and catch my breath. I have read about half of We Pointed Them North by Teddy Blue Abbott as research for a book I’m writing, which is set in 1876.
Listing these books made me realize the type of books I enjoy most are the ones that make me happy and provide hope. Even books like The Witness, which I’ve read three times, have funny parts and tense parts, but show that love conquers all.
Thanks for the mention, Becky!
Hope you enjoyed “Dying to Call You,” Becky.
Wow! 37 books this year so far. I’m in awe, Becky.
You certainly have done TKZ proud with your choice of books! I haven’t read The Love Haters, but I’d like to try a book that makes me laugh out loud.
Have a great week.
Just returned to a nonfiction book I set aside due to moving and what-not, The Secret Life of Trees. Fascinating read! The author has an engaging style — his passion shines through every page.
Thanks for mentioning this book, Sue. Just looked it up on Amazon and it does sound fascinating.
I read a nonfiction book about my home town, “The Broken Heart of America: St. Louis and the Violent History of the United States” by Walter Johnson, a well-researched history of racial exploitation and how it affects us all.
I’ve also been bingeing Lee Child and Baldacci. Currently reading Child’s “No Plan B.”
Thanks for letting us know about The Broken Heart of America, Elaine. The title is compelling.
Interesting about binge reading. I wonder if anyone else is bingeing on books this year.
Finished Theo of Golden a few weeks ago. At my level of skill, I don’t feel qualified to comment on the author’s craftsmanship, but I found it interesting and enjoyable.
One of my brothers‑in‑law just gifted me The 100‑Year‑Old Man. He highly recommends it, though I haven’t had a chance to start it yet.
Most of this spring has been spent editing and rewriting rather than reading. I’m glad to be back at it, but I hope I’m not missing something great.
Hi Marshall,
Thanks for the info on Theo. Everyone I’ve talked to has liked the book.
I read The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared last year. I liked it. I’d be interested to hear what you think.
Because of various health issues, I’m reading less although I now have lots of free time. Yes, irony. The books of note I’ve read this year have been parts of series I really enjoy and recommend.
Jim Butcher’s 20th “Dresden Files,” TWELVE MONTHS. Urban fantasy. A hard read because the main character is dealing with debilitating grief.
GARTERS, GHOSTS, AND WEDDING TOASTS, Angie Fox. “Southern Ghost Hunter,” Book 15. Cozy paranormal mystery. Verity attends wedding events at a Southern plantation with an extremely angry ghost who wants to murder the groom as she’s murdered several other grooms. A charming heroine, lots of annoying gangster ghosts, and two past and a present murders to solve.
Thanks for the recommendations, Marilynn. I read Storm Front, the first Dresden book, but that’s the only one. I love the character Harry Dresden.
Last three novels I’ve read – 1) “Small Mercies”, by Dennis Lehane, 2) “The Onion Field”, by Joseph Wambaugh, 3) “The Watchmaker’s Hand”, by Jeffrey Deaver. Currently reading “Sonny Boy”, Al Pacino’s autobiography – highly recommended.
Book Club read: The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick
Currently reading: Last Redemption by Matt Coyle
Some of my reading this year: Haunted by a Broken Oath by Dee Armstrong;
Illusion of Truth by James L’Etoile
Truck a Duck by Claudia H. Long
The Dark Place by Aaron Elkins
When the Penny Drops by Karla Brandenburg
Rage, by Linda Castillo
Violent Spring by Gary Phillips