Thursday, January 1, 2026

My First Book of the Year: 2026 and My One Word for 2026



So what is First Book?  First Book, hosted by Sheila of Book Journey, is the first book you plan on reading in the New Year.  It can be a long-coveted read you have not had time for, a guilty pleasure read like a re-read of a favorite…  really it can be anything – it is, after all, YOUR First Book. 

It was hard to decide which book to choose.

I wanted to pick a book that would encourage me to move forward, filled with hope and optimism.

My First Book of the Year...

...is Theo of Golden by Allan Levi. My sister recommended this book to me, and she rarely recommends books, so I just had to read it for my first book of the year.






My #OneWord for 2025? For three New Year's Days, I stuck with the same word, Play. It reminded me to be in the moment, to be spontaneous, to enjoy my life, to draw upon the spirit of love and joy that abides within us at all times. Play. 

But in 2022, I chose a new One WordLove. It encouraged me to engage Love as my default reaction to all situations. Love. Love got me through several difficult situations in 2022 and 2023 and 2024 and 2025, so I'm keeping Love for 2026. My One Word. Love.



What I hope to read in 2026...




23 comments:

  1. I haven’t yet decided on my first book for the year. It will probably be “The Nature Principle” by Richard Louv.

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  2. You always choose the most interesting books, Deb! I’ve got a lot of books on my TBR list because of you. My first book start of the year is Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs.

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  3. You give significance to so much in life, like which is. your first book and what is your key word for the year. I should follow your lead and do something like that, but I don’t
    Looking back on the year …. I am very glad that we met in person.
    fondly… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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  4. Happy new year to you and thank you for your inspiration for book choices and blogging!

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  5. Happy New Year, Deb! Hope you and your family will have a wonderful, peaceful, joyful 2026. Love your word.

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  6. Love your 1st book photo and hope it turns out really good. Happy New Year and I love too the way you have set out books you hope to read in '26.

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  7. Love your first book choice! It is one on my TBR so I look forward to seeing what you think of it. Happy New Year!

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  8. I still haven't picked a word. It will come to me. Someday! Let us know how you like the book!

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  9. Happy New Year, Deb! I just ordered a copy of that book with a B&N gift card. I can't wait to read it! Love your daybed with all those books underneath! And, yes. Love is a great word of the year. All we need is love....

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  10. Love the word you picked for 2026! And fun to see what book you'll be reading first. Happy New Year! :D

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  11. Happy New Year! Great first word and first book. I hope you get to play!

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  12. I pray you have a blessed and beautiful 2026, with a lot of play incorporated into it.

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  13. Picking the first read of the year is one of my favourite reading traditions. This year, I am starting with a reread of The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. I forgot who, but I saw another blogger who loved Theo of Golden - enjoy!

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  14. Happy New Year, Deb. Excellent choice of your word of the year, and I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts on Theo of Golden.

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  15. Happy New Year Deb! I see some great books in your 2026 list

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  16. What a fun picture Deb! Wishing you a wonderful new year!

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  17. A bit late but a Happy New Year

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  18. I am still reading my first book, and it will probably be Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie. I am also reading The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler, The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector and a few others.

    A good word for the year. I am thinking of choosing Finalise, just to make sure that I actually finalise a few of all my ongoing projects.

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  19. I love LOVE as your continued word and focus <3 We could all use a little more lovely intentions.

    I am reading John Green's The Anthropocene Reviewed as my first book of 2026. I wanted something light and reflective and it's proving to be perfect.

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  20. That looks like a good list of books for new year. I really liked that Jennifer Egan. Happy New Year!

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  21. Cute photo of you & your first book. I will have to see what that's about. Enjoy.

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  22. Love is a great word to focus on for the year.

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  23. I keep hearing about Theo of Golden. It must be really good! I'll watch to see what you think. And your choice of Love as your One Word is the best. Can there be anything better?

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I love to hear your thoughts.