Midyear Freak Out Book Tag

I am denial that we are already half way through 2020, but then again, I believe most will agree that this year is not one we would care to repeat anytime soon. The point of this tag is of course to reflect back on the first half of the year in our reading. I am going to do this and then also a post on reviewing my goals for the year too.

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2020

I have two books that jumped into my mind:

• Nonfiction selection: Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
• Fiction selection: The Diviners by Libba Bray

2. Best sequel you've read so far in 2020

The best sequel I have read this year is The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson.

 

3. New release you haven't read yet, but want to.

At the time of writing this, I have yet to read Beach Read by Emily Henry.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed Nevermoor series by Jessica Townsend. I am really looking forward to the third book later this year--Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow.

5. Biggest disappointment.

Oh this is going to be controversial for some because I am one of the few who seemed to not like this one, but my answer for this is No Exit by Taylor Adams.

6. Biggest surprise.

Honestly, Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson blew me away--I was not prepared to like it as much as I did. As I explained in my review, I think part of the appeal might have been where I was at the time I read it, but even a few months later I still find myself drawn to it and really like it.

7. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)

Hmm, so I would say I have several that I am thoroughly enjoying and look forward to reading more from them. The first is Maureen Johnson, see above for her books I have enjoyed this year. I previously had not read anything by her.

I referenced Jessica Townsend as well. I find her Nevermoor series (review book 1, review book 2) to be utterly captivating. This is a series I have been enjoying as an audiobook and will continue it that way.

The third author I am going to mention is a debut this year--Holly Jackson and her A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.

8. Newest fictional crush.

I think I have established already that this is not something I do not experience/buy in/think about at this point in my life. I have no issues if you do--you do you and I will do me since me not having crushes does not affect anyone other than myself. :)

9. Newest favorite character.

I scrolled back through my GoodReads shelf and there are two that are sticking out in my mind: Stevie from the Truly Devious series and Andie Bell from A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. I really like both of them and I look forward to reading the next book in each of the series.

10. Book that made you cry.

I do not think there has been any book that has made me cry yet this year. Given the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests, I am more upset and responsive to the news that I am not actively seeking books out that have the potential to make me cry. That being said, I have so many books on my summer TBR to educate myself on becoming a stronger and more educated anti-racist, that those will bring me to tears due to sadness and frustration I'm sure.

11. Book that made you happy.

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa made me smile as I love the hate to love trope in this book and I really loved Lina, the main character and her family relationships in it. If you have not read it yet, I would recommend it.

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord is another one that comes to mind as one I enjoyed and it had me smiling and laughing at times. 

12. Most beautiful book you've bought so far this year (or received)

One that I received this year is from My Book Box subscription that has me longing to be able to be on the beach is Once Upon a Sunset by Tia Marcelo.

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

I have been trying not to put too much stress on me to read specific books by the end of the year. I do know one I do believe I will read will be The Hand on the Wall by Maureen Johnson as I would like to finishing off the Truly Devious series this year. 

So there you have my answer to this year's Midyear Freak Out Book Tag. How has your reading year gone? Mine has been shaky for the last couple months, but I am hopeful that I can get back on track this summer. Let me know if you do this tag so I can read your answers.