Mid-Year Book Freak Out

I’ve wanted to do this tag for ages, but always missed it. So even though I’m probably more than a few weeks late, here we go!

When I started writing this, I had read a total of 26 books. While I haven’t rated or reviewed every book yet, most have been decent reads so far. 

Best book read this year:

Both of these books are short, written in prose, and explore themes of family and identity.

Best sequel:

If you know me, you know I love the folk in the air series. So it just makes sense that I loved the final novella in the series which I’m counting as a sequel.

A new release you haven’t read but want to:

I really want to read Daughter of the Moon Goddess and The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. Both are fantasies and based on Chinese mythology. I’ve heard such good things about them and I’m so excited to read them.

Most anticipated release for rest of the year:

In truth, I don’t regularly keep up with new releases. This is for several reasons including being a major mood reader and relying heavily on the library. But also I’ve been trying to focus more on my TBR and books I own. But…..I am excited to read “Into the Riverlands” by Nghi Vo. It’s the next installment of the Singing Hills Cycle which is a series of novellas that have yet to disappoint. 

Biggest disappointment:

This year, I’ve actually had a decent track record with picking up poetry and prose books. Since I remember really wanting to read the work of this author, I grabbed them when I saw several books available to borrow from the library. I didn’t enjoy the author’s writing style, and it just wasn’t for me. After reading this book – and taking a look at the reviews on the other books – I decided not to continue with the others.

Biggest surprise:

This was the first ARC I read after joining NetGalley. I really didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did given how simple the plot was. The fact that this is a graphic novel really enhanced the experience as well.

Favorite new author:

Safia Elhilio and Jacqueline Woodson who wrote two of my favorite books this year. 

Newest fictional crush:

I don’t have one.

Newest fictional character:

I really enjoyed reading about ZJ from “Before the Ever After”. While he is the main character, I found that I understood him best through how he interacted with other characters. He is such a thoughtful person, especially for his age and what he’s going through. 

A book that made you cry:

Not really a crier. But these had me feeling emotional.

A book that made you happy:

At this point you probably know my answer will be this book. I loved seeing relationships between the main character and the boys and men in his life. 

The most beautiful book you’ve bought:

These special editions from Fairyloot are so gorgeous!!! These photos don’t even do them justice. Their sprayed edges, dust jacket design, naked hardcover, and end pages are all a beauty to behold.

Book(s) you need to read before the end of the year:

I really loved the first book in this duology and was really excited for book two, but just didn’t get around to it. 

I have a lot of other books I need to get through this year. Here are some books I plan to read next (insert up-next tag)

And that’s a wrap on my mid-year book freak out! Until next time. ☺️

– Tatyana x