The Reader's Couch

I did my February 2026 celebrity book club audit: covering Read with Jenna, Reese’s Book Club, Good Morning America (adult + YA), Oprah’s Book Club, Reese’s Gen Z arm Sunnie Reads, and Dua Lipa’s Service95. I broke down each pick’s premise and vibes, shared whether I felt it was worth your time, and offered alternatives I would’ve chosen instead.

Sharing my January reading wrap-up covering 25 contemporary books read as both a coping mechanism during a heavy month and as advance reading for upcoming spring and summer 2026 reading guides. I revisit seven books from a January reading vlog (due to poor video/audio quality) and then discuss 18 additional books not previously shared, grouped by vibe: romance, mysteries/thrillers, and literary/general fiction. Romance highlights include How to Write a Love Story (Catherine Walsh), Toe to Toe (Fallon Ballard), The Starter Ex (Mia Sosa), No Matter What (Cara Bastone), and Abby Jimenez’s The Night We Met (the author’s best). Mystery/thriller picks include The PI and Mash Detective Agency (J.D. Brinkworth), Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief (Benjamin Stevenson), Pomona Afton Can Totally Catch a Killer (Bellamy Rose), Missing Sister (Joshilyn Jackson), and Tana French’s The Keeper. Literary/general fiction discussed includes A Lake Effect (Cynthia Sweeney), the literary horror ghost story Valley Eventful Ghost (Kim Fu), Celestial Lights (Cecile/Cecily Pin), and Almost Life (Kiran Millwood Hargrave).

Let's talk about the January 2026 picks from major celebrity book clubs and whether they are worth your time! We will be talking about 'Read with Jenna', 'Reese's Book Club', 'Sonny Reads', 'Good Morning America Book Club', and 'Oprah’s Book Club'. From compelling memoirs and suspenseful thrillers to exciting new Gen Z picks, I'm sharing my honest take on what’s worth reading, what’s not, and recommending a few new books they could have selected instead. So tune in for insightful commentary, book recommendations, and join the conversation in the comments! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/9oaJW7uNjww BOOK CLUB LINKS For all things book club, check out my hub: https://bibliolifestyle.com/category/book-club/ Read With Jenna Book Club List Complete Guide + Monthly Updates: https://bibliolifestyle.com/jenna-bush-hager-book-club/ Reese’s Book Club Complete Archive (YA & Adult): https://bibliolifestyle.com/reese-witherspoon-book-club-list/ GMA Book Club Picks Complete List: https://bibliolifestyle.com/good-morning-america-book-club/ Oprah’s Book Club Complete List: https://bibliolifestyle.com/oprahs-book-club-list/ JANUARY RECOMMENDATIONS Want more January 2026 book recommendations? Start here: https://bibliolifestyle.com/books-to-read-in-january-2026/ WINTER READING GUIDE For The BiblioLifestyle 2026 Winter Reading Guide (curated PDF magazine guide + expanded guide) start here: https://bibliolifestyle.com/2026-winter-reading-guide/

The Wicked for Good ending changes EVERYTHING from the Broadway musical. So I'm doing a Wicked for Good ending explained, revealing seven essential details you need to know and discussing the significant changes from the Broadway musical to the screen adaptation. I'll also explore character motivations, talk about new songs, highlight Easter eggs you might have missed, themes, and speculate on the possibility of a 'Wicked 3'. You'll also hear about the differences between Gregory Maguire's original novel, the musical, and the film. So join me as I break down everything you need to know about this emotional and transformative final chapter. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1R_iTpFMvIE

Join Francesca and I as we get into the 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards, sharing not only our personal votes but also our predictions for the eventual winners. We cover every category, from fiction to romance, and even surprise categories! Plus, discover this week's hot new book releases, our current reads, and what we've been watching. It's jam-packed with exciting bookish content, discussions, and a whole lot of fun! 🍿📚✨ Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/hsIst3lu70s

I'm sharing nine must-read book recommendations that I can't stop raving about to friends, family, and even strangers. From emotional rollercoasters to perfect romances and mind-bending fantasies, these books have left a lasting impact on me. So get comfy, pull out your TBR app, and find your next favorite read! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TYka112G6zI

Join me as I break down the ingenious misdirections and subtle clues Agatha Christie plants in Miss Marple's first four cases: 'The Murder at the Vicarage,' 'The Body in the Library,' 'The Moving Finger,' and 'A Murder is Announced.' I'll reveal what I missed initially, what most readers often overlook, and how Christie's techniques evolved. Discussing detailed observations, misidentifications, and ingenious plotting, you'll see just how cleverly Christie crafted these mysteries. Let’s dive into St. Mary’s Mead and unravel what makes these early Miss Marple stories timeless gems. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jxcYcD5DtkU

It's cozy fantasy season, so in this episode, I share eight enchanting books that will make your autumn weekends absolutely perfect. Dive into Emily Wilde's 'Encyclopedia of Fairies,' Sangu Mandanna’s delightful tales, Nadia El Fassi's romantic 'Best Hex Ever,' and many more magical reads. Plus, I recommend the coziest pairings for each book to enhance your reading experience. Grab your favorite drink, light a candle, and let's find your next magical escape! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OiiJOrEWQ8g

I watched The Long Walk on its opening weekend and now I have some strong opinions! This adaptation of Stephen King's brutal dystopian story, originally penned in his college days under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, has ignited internet debates. Join me as I share my hottest takes, break down the wildest book vs. movie differences, and dive deep into what worked and what didn't. Are you team book or team movie? Share your thoughts in the comments! Plus, discover my detailed ratings, and don't forget to check out the timestamps to navigate through the review easily. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3pEpxttMjLo

Feeling the spooky vibes of autumn? Join me as I match Edgar Allen Poe’s legendary poems to every fall mood—from the cozy spooks of 'The Bells' to the gothic horror of 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' We’ll not just read them but analyze why Poe's writing still haunts us today. You'll discover his mastery of atmosphere, psychological thrill, and literary craftsmanship. Get ready for an immersive journey through eerie mysteries, dark romances, and the beauty of decay! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KpCs5qJOIwQ

Discover my October reading ritual and the books that bring me comfort every spooky season. I'm sharing my personal favorites, my horror journey, and how I balance my reading list to keep October fun and pressure-free. Plus find out which new titles I'm excited to dive into this year. Let me know your October reading rituals and must-reads in the comments! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JnKoTX1iu9k

Join me as I talk about Ruth Ware's thriller 'The Woman in Cabin 10,' and its Netflix adaptation starring Keira Knightley. I'll break down the differences between the book and film, share my honest opinions on major plot changes, and discuss what Ruth Ware herself had to say about them. From character arcs to pacing and everything in between, let's figure out if you're Team Book or Team Movie! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cn4Zbp_kTRo

I have a cozy confession! I devoured 34 cozy mysteries in just 30 days, and I’m breaking down these charming reads along with perfect activities to enhance your cozy experience. From homemade biscotti to DIY bookmarks, come along for part one of this three-part cozy series. Explore Italian village mysteries, Agatha Christie's world, ice cream parlor intrigues, and more, all paired with delightful activities. Don’t forget to let me know which book and activity combo sparks your interest! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OprY-e6dyLc

Sharing the personal curriculum trend inspired by Elizabeth Jean, and where I'm creating a customized curriculum for the fall semester. My curriculum includes reading, watching classic book adaptations and tv, cooking, and working on creative projects. Join me as I share my plans, plus I discuss accountability and how I plan to track my progress through journaling and updates. Don't forget to share your own fall curriculum ideas in the comments, and let's make this the coziest, most intentional season yet! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q22BIUnv8l0

The ultimate fall 2025 reading guide curated especially for your Zodiac sign! Discover personalized book recommendations based on your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs with vivid descriptions that match each sign's unique energy, vibe, and quirks. Whether you're a fiery Aries or a dreamy Pisces, I've got the perfect book picks for you. Plus, grab my exclusive PDF magazine packed with 27 must-read books, cozy extras, and seasonal goodies by subscribing to my Substack newsletter. Don't miss out – watch now to find your next favorite read and let me know in the comments if these recommendations nailed your vibe! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YYFwjnmXiFE Get The 2025 Fall Reading Guide PDF magazine: https://bibliolifestyle.substack.com/p/fall-reading-guide-2025-pdf-magazine-download Free Birth Chart: https://astro.cafeastrology.com/natal.php

Sharing five fascinating books that explore the worlds of influencers, MLMs, and trad wife culture. From a trad wife with a destructive secret to a mysterious family murder involving an influencer, these books cover it all. Discover tales of sisters lured into a deadly pyramid scheme, a cozy mystery with a mom facing MLM drama, and even a cosmic romance mixing influencer fame and UFOs. Whether you're into dark thrillers, psychological tension, or light and quirky romcoms, there's something here for you. Share your thoughts in the comments and let me know your favorite picks! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Wn3-FQxawCo

I've been on a dark academia and campus novel kick, and today I'm sharing six novels that will cater to different reader preferences. One is an immersive and thought-provoking epic, one is a haunting academic mystery with gothic horror vibes, one features dangerous magic and toxic romance, another has tarot magic, royal intrigue, and a slow-burn romance, one is centered around morally complex friendships at an elite boarding school, and finally, one is a vulnerable campus novel with high emotional stakes. At the end, I'll share my top three that are absolute must-reads! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/13SwD2QTWdY

Let's talk about why RF Kuang's latest book, Katabasis, is receiving mixed reviews from fans. I share my theory about how readers' expectations, shaped by her previous works like The Poppy War Trilogy, Babel, and Yellowface, influence their reception of Katabasis. I also provide a detailed critique of the book, discussing its plot, themes, and characters. Additionally, I compare Katabasis to Kuang's earlier works and consider whether the backlash is warranted. Please join me and share in the comments your thoughts on RF Kuang's books and your reading experiences. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RsHrl52IOBk

Let's dissect Netflix's adaptation of Richard Osmond's 'The Thursday Murder Club.' Was it a faithful adaptation, or did it miss the mark? I compare the book and the movie, highlighting key differences and giving my thoughts on the performances, tone, and how well the plot translated to the screen. From monumental character shifts to missing subplots, I'll cover it all. So tune in and join me as we dive deep into this cozy mystery adaptation and see if Netflix did it justice! Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qPYuJRDx_Tc Read on the blog: https://bibliolifestyle.com/thursday-murder-club-book-vs-movie/

Jane Austen's books are getting a new controversial modern makeover with the Penguin First Impression Editions, published under their Puffin imprint. These books are targeting a younger audience with modern, neon-colored covers of Jane Austen's major novels. The series features introductions by popular contemporary romance authors like Tessa Bailey, Krystal Marquis, and Ali Hazelwood. I share the pros and cons of this approach, discussing its potential to attract new readers while possibly alienating traditional fans. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this fresh take on Austen's classics in the comments. Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TsVHTvhNJ7A Penguin: https://www.penguin.co.uk/series/FRSTIMPRSNS/first-impressions