Some reading years are chaotic. Others are comfort-driven. For 2026, Literary Gluttony is leaning into intentional reading — choosing themes that guide mood, curiosity, and momentum without boxing anyone in. These monthly themes are flexible invitations, not rigid rules. Swap genres, double up, mood-read freely. The goal is discovery, not pressure.
January — Fresh Starts & Quiet Resets
Books that feel like a deep breath. Introspective stories, character-driven narratives, soft fantasy, reflective nonfiction, and novels about starting over.
Think: healing arcs, new beginnings, winter vibes, thoughtful pacing.
February — Love, Obsession & Complicated Hearts
Not just romance — messy love, yearning, obsession, toxic dynamics, and emotional intensity in all genres.
Think: romantic tension, morally gray relationships, longing that hurts a little.
March — Unreliable Narrators & Twisted Truths
Stories where nothing is quite what it seems. Perfect for thrillers, literary fiction, and speculative reads that play with perception.
Think: secrets, memory gaps, gaslighting, layered reveals.
April — Nature, Magic & the Wild Unknown
Celebrate spring with books rooted in forests, folklore, wilderness, and elemental magic.
Think: witchy reads, eco-fiction, folklore retellings, survival stories.
May — Short, Sharp & Unputdownable
A month for novellas, fast-paced reads, short story collections, and books that grip hard and don’t let go.
Think: binge-worthy pacing, high tension, slim page counts.
June — Sun-Soaked Stories & Escapism
Lighter reads with atmosphere — beachy settings, travel stories, and immersive worlds perfect for summer.
Think: destination reads, found family, emotional warmth.
July — Rage, Revenge & Burning It Down
Anger-forward books. Cathartic reads fueled by injustice, rebellion, and unapologetic fury.
Think: revenge plots, feminist rage, political undertones, high stakes.
August — Dark Academia & Intellectual Obsessions
Back-to-school energy with books obsessed with knowledge, ambition, and moral decay.
Think: secret societies, elite institutions, obsession with art or learning.
September — Atmospheric & Slow-Burn Reads
As the year cools, lean into mood-heavy books that prioritize tone over speed.
Think: gothic fiction, literary horror, creeping dread, rich prose.
October — Monsters, Madness & the Macabre
October is for horror in all its forms — classic, cozy, extreme, and psychological.
Think: haunted houses, monsters, cults, body horror, unsettling vibes.
November — Historical Echoes & Forgotten Voices
Stories rooted in the past, especially those that center overlooked perspectives.
Think: historical fiction, hidden histories, biographical narratives.
December — Comfort Reads & Emotional Closure
End the year gently. Re-reads, cozy fantasies, nostalgic favorites, and books that feel like coming home.
Think: emotional resolution, warmth, found family, soft endings.
How to Use These Themes
- Read one book that fits — or ten.
- Use the theme as a vibe, not a rule.
- Skip months that don’t serve you.
- Double up with book clubs or personal reading challenges.
2026 isn’t about reading more — it’s about reading with intention, curiosity, and joy. Literary Gluttony will be sharing recommendations, prompts, and mood boards throughout the year to match these themes, so feel free to read along in whatever way works best for you.
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