(yes, it really is my birthday haha) as the title says! I've been hearing about R.F Kuang endlessly for what feels like ages but haven't ever actually got around to any of her work. I'd like to change this in 2026, but she's terribly prolific and I'm at a loss now for where to start.

Any suggestions for a beginner? (and does it help to know I'm fine with academic settings and don't mind big meaty books?)

Am I annoying to notice that he’s humming along to the Michael Buble Christmas album that was released 11 years after the book takes place??? It takes me out of the book so bad bc why did I immediately go to check if it was out in 2000?!

Hi everyone! I am working towards the sparkly winter 2026 badge. I read The Serviceberry and the Wizards Guide during December, and am currently working on Three Holidays. Here’s where my question comes in: I read Wuthering Heights a few years ago and am debating whether or not I will read it again for this challenge. My question is, would yall feel as though you had accomplished a sparkly seasonal event badge if you had read one of the books before the event started?

This may mostly be a me issue, feeling like I don’t deserve it if I didn’t read one of the books during the event, but I’m wondering how yall feel about this.. does it count?

One of my reading goals for 2026 is to read more translated books. What are some underrated translated books that you love? I'm open to any genre. Just trying to branch out and explore different authors!