Today's guest has been participating in reading challenges for nearly a decade, and she's putting a unique spin on this tradition in 2026 that you'll hear about today.

Callie Dean lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, where in addition to reading she enjoys playing the violin in the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, writing children's books, and running and baking.

Reading challenges aren't for every reader, but Anne wanted to talk about Callie's 2026 project because it sounds like fun and might help get you thinking about what you want from your own reading life in the year to come.

Callie's challenge is both highly structured and incredibly flexible: in the new year, Callie's hoping to read one book that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Today she and Anne talk about the surprisingly difficult challenge parameters and the books Callie's already identified. Then, Anne fills in some of Callie's gaps in her 2026 reading alphabet, aiming to help her strike a delightful balance of topics, genres, and authors.

The long list of titles mentioned today is collected over on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/506.

The Modern Mrs. Darcy shop is full of great last-minute gifts. Treat your favorite reader to a present inspired by your shared love of reading, like our sturdy tote, gorgeous journals, or reading accessories. Anne's book journals My Reading Life and My Reading Adventures—designed with the young reader in mind—make a great gift for any style of reader, any time of year, but especially with the new year upon us. And for a truly last-minute gift with no shipping required, give a membership to the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. Find out more and shop our in-stock selection at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gia Giudice, Shawn Johnson celebrate ‘Special Forces’ win with ‘VRT’ — and share behind-the-scenes tea