2026 started with a revival of 2016. As I scrolled through photos of heavy eyeliner and VSCO at its peak, I felt a revival of one of my first mediums: writing!

It’s ironic that I never really considered myself a writer until rather recently. (My first “big” internship in college was a Copywriter and I was like, “Well, I guess I’m a writer.” And I guess I’ll be using proper capitalization now!) Anyway, all’s that to say: writing is back. Literacy is back. Inspiring art and critical thinking are back. Not to say they were ever really gone, but in 2026, they are BACK.

My intention for January was to hibernate and rest. That meant days with zero plans, perusing old hobbies, and finding clarity again. As a result, I did quite a bit of reading, watching, listening, and engaging in things, so here goes.

reading:

⭐️ The New Yorker | What If Readers Like A.I.-Generated Fiction? by Vauhini Vara

I love reading media that makes me question the future of the world! When writers write about the future of A.I. and literature, it’s usually faced with denial, fear, and protest. There is an intense belief that there is no possibility people could prefer A.I.-generated art. (And same! I don’t think I will ever prefer that either!) But this article tastefully shows a future that we may need to accept that possibility and how we can move forward from it. It made me think on the vitality of humanity.

⭐️ The Courage to Create Badly by Milk & Cookies

As a perfectionist, it is very challenging for me to be mediocre. Let alone “bad.” It truly terrifies me and I become a rabid beast when I’m confronted with my inability to be what I consider the bare minimum (i.e., decently spectacular). But this article inspired me to embrace my 2026 goal of being deeply bad at something and let that be wonderful.

⭐️ You’re shaped by what you pay attention to by Sherry Ning

Sometimes I get so caught up in the rhythms of routine that I forget what I’m doing. Like clockwork, I scroll through short form videos upon waking, pick up my emotional support phone on my commute, and eat whatever the algorithm feeds me. And sometimes it’s wonderful but other times I need to remind myself to make active decisions on my own accord. This article is an reminder of that.

⭐️ The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) by Rabih Alameddine

This is the January book of the month for Subtle Asian Book Club (aka my book club that I co-host with Tiffany) and I am so so glad we chose this to start the year. The 2025 National Book Award Winner sets the tone for the year! Set in Beirut, Lebanon, the story follows Raja’s ups and downs of being a queer philosophy professor living with his mother. The main topics of the novel are heavy, but the narrator is full of wit and humor that makes the story feel light. If you want more thorough thoughts (spoiler-free and with spoilers), you can watch our podcast episode on it here.

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watching

⭐️ DO IT ANYWAY by Casey Neistat

This is the video to watch to jumpstart the new year. Or any time of your life. It made me believe I should run a marathon (how very mid-20s of me) or pursue literally anything. Because you can do anything if you set your mind to it! The world is your oyster!

⭐️ Fionna and Cake on HBO Max

Spin-off shows rarely impress me; they often feel like a cash grab for fans or… anything to appease fans? Even if I’m a fan of it, I usually feel lukewarm at best. But THIS! was such a lovely surprise! If you’re a fan of fun animation, multiverse stories that aren’t overdone, and the meaning of life, you should watch this! But first, you should probably watch Adventure Time to fully enjoy it.

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listening

⭐️ The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean

Self-explanatory. Olivia Dean is the moment.

⭐️ Subtle Asian Book Club Podcast

Annnnd I started a podcast! Last week! So I’ve been listening to myself talk for too many hours as I edit and rewatch to make sure we are all good. Join in on all the fun!

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bonus

okay here are some more things I couldn’t help including:

⭐️ Office Politics by Wilfrid Sheen

I started this after finishing The True True Story of Raja the Gullible and it’s a fun office satire so far, but also made me spiral about the meaningless barriers in the corporate world. (But I think that was my period talking…) Anyway, will report back.

⭐️ Heated Rivalry

OBVIOUSLY. Need I say more? Everyone and their mother has watched this show and the people were correct. It lives rent free in my mind. We are in the cottage.

Also as a result, I’ve been watching a lot of Hudson Williams & Connor Storrie interviews. <3

⭐️ Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Honestly, I took a break from Office Politics (after my minor spiral… I will return to it) to start this. And honestly!! It is quite good! I was expecting something more dense and harder to read but I’m interested and invested. And yes, I am reading this so I can make informed critiques when the movie comes out.

with love,

Alexandra