2026 Holiday Reading Challenge | The Running Bibliophile

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Who doesn’t love a good challenge, especially when it pushes you to read outside your comfort zone or discover a new author? I’ve always wanted to join a reading challenge or reading bingo, but so many of them feel repetitive. So, I decided to create something a little different. It doesn’t mean a challenge like this isn’t out there; I just haven’t come across one myself. Introducing The Running Bibliophile’s 2026 Holiday Reading Challenge, a fun and unique way to expand your reading list while celebrating the spirit of the year. This challenge features 14 books of your choice, with one key twist: each book’s plot must revolve around the specific holiday mentioned. The challenge runs for January 1 through January 31, 2026. To keep things exciting, you may not duplicate any books on the list. By the time you've completed the challenge, you will have read 14 new books to diversify your reading list. To kick things off, the first prompt is simple: choose any holiday-themed book as l...
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Book Review: The Switch by Joseph Finder

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The Switch by Joseph Finder Book Cover
Joseph Finder delivers another gripping political thriller with The Switch, a novel that is action-packed from the very first page to the very last. Set against the backdrop of Boston, Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., The Switch follows two main characters, Michael Tanner and Will Abbott, with the story alternating between their perspectives in a way that builds tension and suspense throughout the book. 

One of the things I loved most about The Switch is how it allows readers to experience both sides of the story instead of focusing on just one viewpoint. This dual perspective makes the plot feel more layered and realistic, and it keeps you constantly questioning motivations and outcomes. The characters are well developed, with complex relationships that feel believable and emotionally grounded. There were characters I immediately connected with, like Michael Tanner and his wife Sara, characters I truly disliked, such as Will Abbott, and characters I wasn’t sure about at first but gradually came to appreciate, like Earl. That mix of emotions made the story even more compelling and difficult to put down. 

Another standout element of The Switch is Finder’s attention to detail, especially when it comes to Boston. References to the orange and green lines of the train, along with specific neighborhoods like the South End, North End, and Back Bay, added authenticity and depth to the setting. These small details made the city feel alive and immersive, and they honestly made me want to plan another trip to Boston. If you enjoy thrillers that are rich in atmosphere and setting, this novel delivers on that front as well. 
The Switch A Novel by Joseph Finder

With the exception of Michael Tanner not immediately returning the laptop to Senator Susan Robbins once he realized whose it was, I found the events in The Switch to be surprisingly plausible, especially in the post-9/11 world of the United States. The blend of political intrigue, national security concerns, and personal stakes felt realistic enough to make the story even more intense. Overall, The Switch is a must-read for fans of political thrillers and fast-paced suspense novels. And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually makes its way to the big screen. 

The premise of The Switch is both simple and chilling. After going through airport security at LAX, Michael Tanner accidentally picks up the wrong laptop from the bin. When he arrives home in Boston, he realizes his mistake and discovers a sticky note on the computer with the password attached. Curiosity gets the better of him, and when he logs in, he uncovers top-secret documents that change everything. Suddenly, Tanner finds himself in serious danger, caught between the NSA and the laptop’s owner, Senator Susan Robbins. What begins as an innocent mix-up quickly turns into a fight for survival, forcing Tanner to go on the run and question whom he can trust. 

If you’re looking for a smart, suspenseful political thriller with strong characters, realistic stakes, and vivid settings, The Switch by Joseph Finder is a book you shouldn’t miss.

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