Let’s be honest: big books can be intimidating. Seeing a massive spine on the shelf just feels like a commitment. It’s easy to think, “I could read three other books in the time it takes to finish that one!”
But I have a shelf full of these giants—books with over 575 pages—that I’ve been meaning to read for years. So, I’m issuing a challenge to myself, and I’m inviting you to join me: let’s commit to reading one big book per quarter in 2026.
To make this achievable, I’m sharing my detailed plan for all four books over the next few weeks. First up is the legendary The Count of Monte Cristo. Who knows, maybe you’ll be intrigued enough to read along with me!
My First Big Read of 2026: The Count of Monte Cristo
I’m devoting the first quarter (January 1 – March 31) to this classic. I’ve seen the movie adaptations, but my friends in my Classic Literature group insist the book is a different beast entirely. They say the film versions veer from the plot, missing key details that make the story so powerful. It’s time I experienced the real thing for myself.
To prevent feeling overwhelmed, I knew I needed a structured plan. Here’s my personal reading guide.
The Book & The Schedule
- Edition: Penguin Classics Unabridged (translated by Robin Buss)
- Total Text Pages: 1,243 (I’m skipping the introduction for now to dive straight into the story!)
- Daily Page Goal: 13 pages
- Timeline: 90 days (Jan. 1 – Mar. 31)
My Four-Part Breakdown
To make the journey more manageable, I’ve split the book into four acts:
- Part 1: The Betrayal (Chapters 1-30) | Pages 1-289
- Part 2: The Treasure and the Transformation (Chapters 31-60) | Pages 300-667
- Part 3: The Penetration of Paris (Chapters 61-90) | Pages 668-895
- Part 4: The Unraveling (Chapters 91-117) | Pages 896-1243
My Toolkit for Deep Reading
I’m a firm believer that interacting with the text makes the experience richer. Here’s my system for actively engaging with the story:
Annotation Guide (Using Purple Tabs!)
- ! (Exclamation): For a major plot twist or shocking revelation.
- Σ (Sigma Symbol): To mark a key symbol or recurring motif.
- J (Justice): Where justice or revenge is directly discussed.
- ID (Identity): When a character’s identity is questioned, hidden, or transformed.
- Underline: For passages that brilliantly reveal the inner psyche of Edmond/The Count.
Journal Prompts for Reflection
I’ll be writing short entries based on these questions as I go:
- At what point did you stop seeing Edmond as a pure victim and start questioning his methods?
- Track the fates of Villefort, Danglars, and Fernand. Is their punishment proportional to their crime?
- What is the role of the “innocent” characters like Maximilien and Valentine? What does their storyline suggest about hope and the future?
And that’s basically it! This is my method for tackling any big book. For me, it’s all about taking a huge story and turning it into smaller, bite-sized pieces I can actually enjoy without getting overwhelmed.
So, I have to ask: Do you have a “big book” gathering dust on your shelf? Are you tempted to join me for The Count of Monte Cristo or another giant? Let me know in the comments—we can motivate each other!
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