The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag (2020)
Friday, June 19, 2020I've been doing this tag every year since I first found it. Check out last year's and 2018's post. It's always a blast to be able to go through all the books I've read so far in the year and discuss my favorites. As of today, I've read a total of 51 books. That's fewer than usual, but hopefully I can catch up this summer. I'm shocked that I only have 4 books rated 5 stars so filling out this tag was more difficult than usual. Let's chat about all the books I've read so far this year:
The best book you've read so far in 2020:
Girl Serpent Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust: This is such a surprise because as much as I liked Girls of Snow and Glass, her debut, I never could have guessed her next book would surpass everything I liked about the debut. It was on a whole different level and I loved every moment of it.
Your favorite sequel of the year:
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell: This reads as a sequel which is not necessarily a bad thing. I see a lot of negative reviews on this one about how there’s not much development among characters and not much happens. This is all true but the entertaining quality of the story is still there. It was a fun road trip-esque novel with my favorite duo, Simon and Baz.
A new release that you haven't read but really want to:
The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly by Jamie Pacton: I’ve been eyeing this one for a while. It follows a girl who works at Medieval Times, where she breaks out of the norm and tries to win the royal’s favor after jousting in an all-boy tournament. The synopsis says it better than I do. Either way, it sounds so adorable!
The Betrothed by Kiera Cass: Despite the many problems, The Selection series is still my number one answer when someone asks what books are my guilty pleasures. I’m hoping for the same with The Betrothed, even though I know nothing about it.
Beach Read by Emily Henry: I’ve seen a lot of people talking about this one. It follows two writers—one of romance and the other of literary fiction—who decide to swap genres while they are on vacation.
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year:
Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram (8/25): Darius the Great is Not Okay was one of my favorites from 2018. And I thought it was a standalone but was so surprised when this novel popped up. I’m looking forward to being with Darius again!
These Violent Delights by Chole Gong (11/17): This one is being pitched as a Romeo and Juliet retelling by way of the Godfather. I never knew I needed this in my life until I read the synopsis. It sounds absolutely remarkable!
Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett (11/10): I adored Bennett's Serious Moonlight and The Lady Rogue, so I'm excited what else she has in store. While I'm waiting for this to release, I'll be slowly working my way through her back list. In Chasing Lucky, Josie returns home only to have her plans interrupted in a big way when she falls for the local bad boy.
Your biggest disappointment:
American Royals by Katharine McGee: I was hoping for a fluffy romance with royalty. Yet, I got royal Gossip Girl which isn’t really my thing. Plus, it followed four or five narratives, switching every chapter, and I had a difficult time remembering who’s who.
Biggest surprise of the year:
Switched by Amanda Hocking: This one has been on my shelf for years and the TBR jar told me this was the book I had to read that month so I gave it a go. It’s a fantasy adventure about a girl who just discovers she’s a troll princess. Like, what!? I’ve never read a book about trolls before, I don’t think. It was so much fun and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd: A retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau! I loved it so much!
Favorite new-to-you or debut author:
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon: There’s a scene in the show, Modern Family, where the two over-achievers, who’ve been competing against each other, fall in love and I’d always thought that storyline would make a great book. So, I’m so excited that Rachel Lynn Solomon wrote something like that. Plus, there’s a scavenger hunt! I can’t wait to read more of Solomon’s work as I adored this one.
A book that made you cry:
Night Spinner by Addie Thorley
A book that made you happy:
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters
Favorite book-to-movie adaptation:
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The most beautiful book you bought/received this year:
The Night Country by Melissa Albert | Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust | Night Spinner by Addie Thorley
What are some books you need to read by the end of the year?
Hungry Hearts edited by Elsie Chapman | The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg | His Hideous Heart edited by Dahlia Adler
I tag all of you! Let's chat about our favorites of the year so far!
0 comments