Welcome to Quick Lit, where I share short and sweet reviews of what I’ve been reading lately on (or around) the 15th of the month, and invite you to do the same.
This month I’ve been predominantly reading for potential summer 2026 coverage, with the Summer Reading Guide being top of mind. But I’ve enjoyed dabbling in not-too-deep backlist and other fairly recent releases as well. (For titles in the January–April 2026 window: we hosted our Spring Preview Library Chat on February 7 for MMD Book Clubbers and our WSIRN patrons; that saved video and title list are available now to old and new members of both communities.)
I’ve read some amazing books this past month, but I’ve also noticed a real restlessness of late when it comes to deciding how I want to spend my limited reading time. I tried and subsequently abandoned more than a dozen books in this window, sampling a few chapters of each and then deciding it’s not for me—or at least not for me, right now.
This dabbling is a normal part of my reading life, but the degree to which I’ve been doing it feels excessive. I’m all for an attitude of experimentation when it comes to what I’m reading—but when I get itchy like I have been lately, I know it’s because my TBR is too long and my rubric for choosing my next read has gotten muddled. I look forward to spending some quality time with my reading journal this week to sharpen my picture of my 2026 summer possibilities, and to carefully consider what else I want to prioritize reading in the months to come.
(For what it’s worth, I think I’m on the right track. And I’m LOVING the books I’m reading now and can’t wait to tell you about them next month!)
I hope you enjoy this month’s selections, and that you find something that looks intriguing for your TBR here. I look forward to browsing your recent reads below: thanks in advance for sharing your short and sweet book reviews with us!
Welcome to February Quick Lit
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Lake Effect
The Father You Get: And the Ones You Make, Believe In, and Become
In Your Dreams
Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life
What have YOU been reading lately? Tell us about your recent reads—or share the link to a blog or instagram post about them—in comments.
38 comments
I have a wide variety of book reviews to share from this past month, including new 2026 romances and thrillers!
https://neverenoughnovels.com/2026/02/16/february-2026-book-reviews/
I love Vera! And I need to get my hands on Lake Effect because I enjoyed Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s other books so much.
I had one of my best-ever reading months, with a number of 5-star reads that will likely land spots on my favorites lists for the year! I’m reviewing literary fiction, a hundred-year-old children’s book that my kids and I all adored, some compelling nonfiction, an unusual thriller, and more.
https://kendranicole.substack.com/p/quick-lit-february-2026
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers sounds so good! Also, I totally get that restless, itchy feeling you’re describing surrounding your reading. I felt like that all last fall, and I’m so glad to finally be out of it!
Here’s what I’ve been reading: https://readeatrepeat.net/2026/02/books-in-progress-february-2026/
Thanks for sharing your recommendations, Anne. This month I read a fascinating book, “So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed” about how ordinary mistakes can go viral online. Kinda scary.
Plus some great novels: “The Frozen River” and “The Names.”
All 8 books I recommend are here:
https://lisanotes.com/must-read-books-this-month/
I’ve got some recent picture book reads. Such a delight!
https://carolinestarrrose.com/quick-lit-picture-book-edition/
Lake Effect sounds fantastic! My recent reads include:
* The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom (4 stars) – I picked this up at a book sale, knowing that I have his new book, Twice, waiting for me. I think I would describe this as an allegorical fable, about how in striving to measure and control our time, we wish the simple magic of the days we have been granted.
* Dear Debbie by Frieda McFadden (4 stars) – So, does anyone else here wonder how this author cranks out SO MANY books? Is it AI? I am curious? Anyway, I borrowed this from a friend knowing it would be a fast and fun read, and it was.
* The White Octopus Hotel by Alexandra Bell (3.5 stars) – This book sounded like it would really appeal to my love of time travel and sliding doors stories. I liked the story and the writing, but it was confusing to keep the characters and timelines straight.
* 59 Minutes by Holly Seddon (4 stars) – What would you do if you knew a nuclear attack was imminent? This is the story of three women facing that situation. A gripping, well-told story with an interesting twist at the end, by a new-to-me author.
* Awake: A Memoir by Jen Hatmaker (audiobook, 3 stars) – I think I expected too much from this memoir, Hatmaker’s painful account of the collapse of her marriage, the shattering impact, and her journey of healing. Hatmaker narrates the audiobook, and goes off-script occasionally to add extra details that did not make it into the book.
* The River of Doubt by Candice Millard (4 stars) – A fascinating account and a cautionary tale of Theodore Roosevelt’s nearly tragic journey down the River of Doubt. After reading this I have no desire to ever go anywhere near the Amazon river and the surrounding forest.
Current reads are The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 8, Twice by Mitch Albom, and A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon. Happy Reading!
typo… should be “we miss the simple magic of the days we have been granted.”
Haha, totally agree about never going near the Amazon! I read it, too!
Well I just placed three library holds! As always, thank you!
My current books:
– In hardcover, An Inside Job, Daniel Silva’s 2025 novel;
– On CD, Chris Bojalian’s The Flight Attendant;
– and in Hoopla, Penelope Fitzgerald’s, The Beginning of Spring.
* 3 books with a wintery / seaside theme
* 2 companions to help you navigate changing seasons + emotionally destructive relationships
* Kindle deals by the dozen
https://lindastoll.substack.com/p/a-surprisingly-unintentional-reading
I also loved Vera Wong on audio. Such a fun listen. I need to check out her newest book! Lake Effect sounds like something I’d love. It reminds me a bit of The Family by Naomi Krupitsky, which I loved.
I have 3 books to share this month, all on audio. A historical fiction that was a book club choice, a fiction/historical fiction/romance genre blender that was on tons of Best Books of 2025 lists, and the first in a novella series that is everywhere. Feel free to check out my thoughts on these books.
Under the Tulip Tree
The Heart of Winter
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
https://www.sincerelystacie.com/2026/02/quick-lit-february-2025-edition-2/
I feel your restlessness too. My reading was heavy on the non fiction
https://myviewofthehoneypot.blogspot.com/2026/02/what-i-read-in-february.html
The Olympics are cutting into my reading time these days! I kept up my book club reading, though, with “The Ministry of Time”, in which I was disappointed and “Squeeze Me” by Carl Hiaasen which is funny, made me squeamish and left me wondering how he got away with publishing this story. I’ve read both “Vera Wong’s” and loved them and also very much enjoyed “Next Time Will Be Our Turn”
“ Joie” looks and sounds beautiful. Just ordered it. Thinking strongly about a trip to Paris this fall. This will no doubt get me in the mood. Merci Anne! 💕🙏🏾
I picked up In Your Dreams partly because I had read the others in the series but also intrigued by the starting a restaurant plot. I agree that the author gave short shrift to that major aspect of the storyline.
I just finished Euphoria by Lily King and I loved it. It will likely be a top read for 2026. I also read Heart the Lover this year, and plan to read Writers and Lovers. In my book journal I wrote ‘Maybe I’ll become a Lily King completist’.
I’m currently reading What you will find is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama as a buddy read with my daughter. I’m really enjoying it.
January was a great month of reading for me which you can read about here.
https://jumbleofseaglass.substack.com/p/january-in-books?r=5i2n0
Also — I’ve just moved Lake Effect from the maybe category to the yes category on my list from the Spring Book Preview.
So many amazing books to choose from!
I read What you are Looking for is in the Library last winter and loved it. I went on to read We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida. It’s a similar vibe. Japanese magical realism has become the cozy genre I didn’t know I needed.
I recently discovered that genre and have really enjoyed it. Engaging but soothing too.
Same. I read those two and suggest The Kamogawa Food Detectives as well.
I have almost the opposite problem this year — my reading is very structured because of the reading project I started, which has required me to plan my library holds out for the whole year. It has precluded much serendipity for 2026, but on the upside I’m reading a wide variety of genres from my TBR list. I’ve read some surprisingly good ones so far this year! https://cocoonofbooks.blogspot.com/2026/02/what-ive-been-reading-lately-quick-lit.html
I am on chapter 23 of a reread of Wuthering Heights. Decided to reread prior to seeing the new movie. My favorite movie version is the 1939 back and white with Olivier and Oberon. I always forget that in the book the story continues to the next generation. It is really a bit of a soap opera, isn’t it. So for me, a page-turner. I am terribly far behind in the start of this year’s reading. I’d hoped to read a book a week. I got stuck on Don’t Be A Stranger by Susan Minot. I thoroughly enjoy her writing, but this was about a relationship that was going nowhere fast and it felt like going in circles. Maybe that was the point? I felt like I was too far into it to not finish it. I always have a nice stack of library books, and not to mention books I own; so never at a loss of material. But when I found myself picking up book after book and not “getting into” anything, I decided to pick up a book on a topic I always love (the Tudors) Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I was quite far into that (so many Thomases!) when I decided to take a break with Wuthering Heights. I have endless TBRs and will happily add Lake Effect and a few titles mentioned in the comments. I will actually be in England this Summer, if all goes as planned. So my reading choices are not totally random. Going to see a young man from
Worcestershire!
One of my readerly pleasures is picking up a special reading project for Lent (and Advent, too). I love the recently updated version of Bread and Wine, a literary anthology that includes Lenten and Easter writings from my favorite classic thinkers and theologians—a collection of excerpts and essays from names I know and love alongside writers I had yet to discover. Here’s the link to my review:
https://michelemorin.net/2026/01/28/surprised-by-costly-joy-in-the-season-of-lent/
Thank you for the suggestion of Bread and Wine, Michele. I’m going to pick it up today. ❤️
My son and I are reading War and Peace. Although he’s working and job seeking in Japan, so I’m much further along and loving it.
I’ve also just started Flashlight by Susan Choi. And just finished How to Be a Moonflower by Katie Daisy. A delightful short read.
I love Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s writing, so I’m excited for her new book. If you need something to add to your TBR let me recommend Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite. An easy five star read.
There are too many books worthy of reading to languish in an unenjoyable experience. We need to give ourselves grace and move on. A few weeks ago a book was mentioned here and although it wouldn’t be my usual selection I took a chance on it. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. This is a story that will stay with you, and I wanted to shout from the rooftops – “Please Read This Little Book.” It’s a book that you want to call a friend to discuss. Everyone that I’ve recommended the book to has said, wasn’t it something.
I just finished The Elements by John Boyne and The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten.
I think the later is going to be my favorite of 2026. An amazing story beautifully written.
I significantly slowed my January reading roll and am trying a new tactic. I’ve discovered I love listening to Juliet Stevenson performing anything, so I’ve just been downloading audiobooks performed by her. It’s been an interesting ride, since I’m listening mostly to Victorian authors (Mrs. Gaskell, George Eliot) with a more florid vocabulary and steadier pace. I’m currently in the middle of Mary Barton, and I’m terrified that a misunderstanding will tip her into a life of sex work. Lots of very current ideas (workers versus business owners, value of unions, misunderstanding the working poor) as well as a great parallel of the Industrial Revolution to our current AI revolution.
Never mind! I found UBlock Origin Lite, installed it and voila! Ads gone!
I didn’t really love The Good Company by Sweeney, but I think I will try Lake Effect, if only for the title!
I’ve just read Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and I didn’t love it as much as many people did. There were too many characters to keep straight and it changed too often. But I certainly learned a lot.
Also, Blessings by Anna Quindlen, a backlist (I am new big fan of hers and working my way thru them all) and I loved it until the ending. Not soo goooood.
Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent, started as a sort of Eleanor Oliphant or The Good Sister, but crossed over into Suspense and Mystery and then ended up in True Crime. Another book where I didn’t like the ending!
Finally, a reread of Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas and Micah Sparks, yes that Nicholas Sparks. I’m not into his sappy romances at all, but I LOVED this memoir of a trip he took with his brother! Interspersed with his adventures on the trip, he talks about his growing up in the 60s and 70s, and his family, and I could so relate! Now my brother and sister are reading it and it’s sparking (get it?) a lot of conversation between us.
Just realized Lake Effect is read by Marin Ireland! I’m all in!
Lake effect sounds really good. I’m adding that to my list for sure!
Here’s my list of my favorite reads from January:
https://www.allthebooksihaventread.com/blog-1/2026/2/15/show-us-your-books-february-2026
I’ve been on a middle grade novel kick and have also finished some adult fiction that everyone’s already talking about. As for non-fiction, I’ve recently finished two books I enjoyed.
—–
Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death, and Brain Surgery, written by Henry Marsh
Broken down into chapters named after various brain problems he’s treated, this book weaves together the author’s journey to becoming a neurosurgeon and the decades spent working in the field with stories of specific patients and their surgeries. I found the medical aspect fascinating and appreciated the transparency about his confidence, fear, success, and failure. The behind-the-scenes look at the business part of medical care in London, where he lives, Kiev, where he’s traveled extensively, and even America, as students are sent overseas to work with him, was also interesting.
—–
The Friendship Bench: How Fourteen Grandmothers Inspired a Mental Health Revolution, written by Dixon Chibanda, MD
I enjoyed this book about how personal connections, taking the time to listen to someone’s story, developing ties within your community, recognizing the long-term impact of political and cultural events, and demonstrating genuine compassion make a radical difference in helping those struggling with their mental health. Based on the work of a psychiatrist in Zimbabwe and his collaboration with several elderly women in his community, a project that eventually went worldwide, it’s a reminder that medical science and shared humanity both have their place in healing, but that the latter is far more accessible to everyone than the former. I particularly loved the author’s humility in admitting his own struggles and his willingness to keep learning, always adding to what he already knows for a more well-rounded way of thinking that benefits even more people. I also respect the intentional choice to team up with older women who have a perspective that comes from many decades of life experience and who are already respected in their communities.
Friendship with God by Mike McKinley
We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates. Sad family drama that I can’t stop thinking about!
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck. Loved it! Sad but beautiful story
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
Lake Effect sounds intriguing! It’s going right on my holds list at the library 🙂
My Jan-Feb reading includes two popular Frederik Backman novels in addition to some YA and cozy fantasy. Here’s my round-up:
https://booksandpickles.substack.com/p/recent-reads-jan-feb-26
Books 15 – 20 of the year
https://thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com/2026/02/reading-update.html
I’m late to the QuickLit party due to travels mid-month! I always enjoy seeing what Anne and others have been reading lately so couldn’t resist stopping by and sharing what I’ve been reading too.
It was a fun start to the new year with armchair travel to the UK, Arctic & Antarctica, Spain, and China.
https://avikinginla.com/2026/02/january-2026-what-ive-been-reading-lately-reading-intentions-for-2026/
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