Side Quests: The Year of the Slow Read
A few slow reading projects I'm participating in this year, from Wolf Hall to Lord of the Rings.
Welcome to Side Quests, a monthly newsletter series in which I share fun reading guides or go down reflective rabbit holes related to my reading life. No spoilers unless explicitly noted.
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This year I’m participating in several slow reading projects—some of my own making (as documented in my newsletter The Hero’s Journey), and some led by other readers and platforms. Some of these are new-to-me books, and some will be rereads where I can engage more deeply with the texts this time around. Taking on several of these projects at once is a bit ambitious because it’ll mean slowing down the rest of my reading—which, in my postpartum life, is already slower than it used to be—but I really want to embrace that deceleration rather than run away from it.
These slow reading projects are having a moment; I’m clearly not the only one craving intentionality and meaning in a world that is moving at a relentless pace and constantly making us question our sanity and sense of reality. It’s okay to not chase the number of books read and to instead practice being very present and engaged with whatever it is I do pick up. Slow reads are a great way to stretch those muscles; and I’m going to use some of my monthly Side Quest newsletters to periodically report out on these projects to you all. Here’s a look at what I’m planning to read, intentionally and slowly, in 2026 (or, as soon as I can).
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
First, a moment to mention my own monthly newsletter The Hero’s Journey, in which I am reading my way through the biggest fantasy series and authors on my to-read list. I do intend to lead some dedicated read-alongs looking ahead; and in the meantime, I’m recounting my own efforts to make progress through these bodies of work and invite you to join me. I’ve started working through Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere books (intro, Mistborn, Elantris, and Tress of the Emerald Sea); and I’m currently partway through reading Samantha Shannon’s The Bone Season. I’ve already released an introduction to Samantha Shannon as well as an intro to her Roots of Chaos series. My first of several pieces about The Bone Season will be coming out end of this month; and I really want to begin reading Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive soon…so definitely subscribe and stay tuned! I would love for you to read along with me.
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
I’ve long wanted to read Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prize-winning Thomas Cromwell trilogy, starting with Wolf Hall; I am nothing if not a Tudor nerd, ever since I was read fictional childhood favorite the Royal Diary of Elizabeth I. That led me to discovering Philippa Gregory’s books as a teen along with reading the dry but fascinating biographies of Elizabeth I, Henry VIII and his wives, his children…not to mention devouring TV shows The Tudors, The White Queen, and The White Princess. All of this to say, I am primed for Mantel’s trilogy but had been intimidated from what I’d heard about the writing style being somewhat challenging. However, I’m thrilled to report that so far I’m loving it; I’ll be reading all three books throughout the year via the “Wolf Crawl” led by Footnotes and Tangents. Expect me to unpack more from these books in future editions of this newsletter.
The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor
Every year I enjoy following along the “Conquer a Classic” read-along hosted by independent bookstore owner Annie B. Jones on her podcast From the Front Porch. Many years I’ve already read the books so simply enjoy listening along to the monthly recaps & discussions; but this year I’m joining in reading The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor, one of those authors I’ve always heard about but never actually read. O’Connor was a pivotal voice in the Southern Gothic tradition; a Catholic who grew up in the American South, she died at the age of 39 years old after a battle with Lupus. In the Foreword to my edition, writer and theater critic Hilton Als explains how O’Connor captured the complexity of Black and white Southerners in relationship with each other, without watering them down or reducing them to tired stereotypes or morality symbols. I’m excited to familiarize myself with her work—and for the opportunity to read short stories, which I usually avoid.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
This one is ambitious but—I am going to try and participate in this year’s Tolkien read-along hosted by Many Meetings. I read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy MANY years ago, and I rewatch the movies annually (and recite them daily). I think it would be fun to revisit this world now, more intentionality, especially as I seek to really become more of a fantasy genre expert myself. The Hobbit read-along begins end of March so stay tuned. I’ve never read The Silmarillion so that will be a new one for me, over the summer. Fingers crossed I can actually keep up with this—but there’s really no pressure, it’s just for fun and my own enjoyment and enrichment.
The Stand by Stephen King
I’m putting a pin in this one for my future self versus starting it right now, but I of course had to mention it here in the context of these slow-reading projects. I’ve had hit-or-miss experiences reading Mr. King but if there’s anyone I would want to read his books alongside, it’s Laura Tremaine! She’s launched a new project called Slow Read: The Stand and while I might still be a bit too postpartum-tender to dive into that tome right now, I’m definitely earmarking it for down the road.
That’s it for this month’s Side Quest! Be sure to subscribe to receive future editions of this newsletter plus my other regular publications: “The Town Crier,” a monthly newsletter sharing my most-anticipated new releases and other book news; and “The Hero’s Journey,” where I am reading through some of the biggest fantasy series and author projects on my TBR.
For day-to-day updates on my reading life, dynamic mood boards, reviews for everything I read, and bonus reading guides, follow me on Instagram @hollyslitmagic.
I adore Wolf Hall - just spectacular. The books, the show - I am so excited for you to read it!!
I love Wolf Hall and the whole series, I read each one approx during the year after it first was released and it was a great experience. (I had just gotten the third very long book from the library when everything shut down for Covid in March 2020 including my local library and I remember being glad I had just checked out a really long book before it shut down). It does take a minute to get used to her writing style, especially figuring out who is referring to who or who is speaking. But once you’re in, it’s wonderful. Hilary Mantel was amazing!