Everything I Read & Watched in 2026 (Plus What's Next)

by Mirabella-Paulcia

Hello! I'm Mirabella-Paulcia, this is my 1st contributor post on HPC, and I’m happy to be here.

I believe everyone is a “story”, which probably explains why six months in, I thought I'd take stock of the stories that shaped my first half of 2026, and the ones I'm already circling for the second (July - December).

Think of this as a bit of a reading and watching diary, chaptered like the stories I love most.

Chapter One: 5 Books I Read in the First Half

The Manual for Good Wives

This was the February pick for the book club I belong to. I loved how it traced the growth and self-discovery of two women from the same generation, their stories unfolding across different timelines.

Barter

Erhu Kome has been on my TBR for a while, and Barter was such a great introduction to her writing. I love speculative fiction so much, and this novella was a short, engaging, easy read. Honestly, novellas are one of the best ways to get out of a reading slump.

Crumbs

I’m currently back to drawing, so graphic novels and comics have become a big part of my reading life again. As someone who loves a good YA story, I absolutely loved Crumbs, and the art style won me over even more. It’s also one of my all-time favourite series on Webtoon.

We Should All Be Millionaires

I’ve been on an aggressive financial literacy journey, so I’m almost always reading something about money. This book is a great mindset shift if you’re trying to let go of limiting beliefs around wealth and stop feeling like you’re not deserving of financial abundance.

Lagoon

One thing about me: I love speculative fiction, and I’m a huge fan of Nnedi Okorafor. I still find myself randomly thinking about this book. It’s such an imaginative, unforgettable read — aliens landing in Lagos? I was hooked.

Chapter Two: 5 Books I’m Reaching for Next

Jungle of Jenta

My friend recently released her debut novel, and I can’t wait to finally read it.

The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing

I’m still very much on my financial literacy journey. I love that this book focuses on practical, no-nonsense investing advice.

Taiwan Travelogue

I’ve been seeing this book everywhere, and it’s made me incredibly curious.

Efun’s Jazz

An upcoming release by Masobe books. The cover is stunning, and the blurb has me completely intrigued.

Grace and Grit by Ken Wilber

I’m currently reading this one, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it shapes the way I think by the time I’m done.

Chapter Three: 5 Screens I Watched in the First Half

The Testaments

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love The Handmaid’s Tale, so of course I was seated for this. Thankfully, it did not disappoint.

Wuthering Heights (2026)

I haven’t read the book yet, but the creative direction in this adaptation was everything. From the wardrobe to the set design, it was absolutely brilliant.

Off Campus

I do love a good college drama, and this had everything I enjoy about the genre.

Awo Oju Orun

This was one of the films that introduced me to experimental (African) cinema. It took me a while to process, but I woke up the next morning thinking, “I think I like experimental films.”

Mother Mary

I’m in my visual storytelling era, so I’ve been paying even more attention to cinematography and visual language. This film was absolutely beautiful.

Chapter Four: 5 Screens I’m Watching For

The Odyssey

I remember listening to The Odyssey as a kid who loved, and still loves, mythology. It was three hours long on CD, spread across three discs, one hour each, and I was completely captivated. So, of course, I’m looking forward to this adaptation. Plus, as a storyteller myself, I’ve always loved Christopher Nolan’s work, so I’m especially excited to see this one.

Dune: Messiah

Speculative fiction girlie here again. Are you seeing the pattern? I loved Dune: Part One and Two, and the show Dune: Prophecy, so I’m absolutely seated for this.

Silo (Season 3)

Silo is currently my favourite post-apocalyptic story. I’ve already started watching this season, and I’m still really looking forward to seeing what it reveals.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

I’m an MCU fan who always needs a superhero fix, so I’m definitely looking forward to this one.

Ted Lasso (Season 4)

I love Ted Lasso. Anyone who knows me knows that. It’s brilliant, hilarious, and has some of the best-written characters on television. I was so chuffed when I found out we were getting another season.

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Mirabella-Paulcia is a storyteller and curator who believes stories are one of the ways we make sense of the world. She believes everyone is a story, and that the ways we interpret those stories shape how we navigate life. She enjoys reading, writing, watching films, and exploring new ideas. Lately, she’s been especially fascinated by Human Design.

You find her on Instagram @mirabellapaulcia