Book Tags #20: 2019 Mid Year Book Freak Out

Right. It’s July, I’m now sure that I’m in a reading slump, and I kind of need some reminder that reading can be fun. Because, quite frankly, all I’ve been reading for the past couple of weeks? Fanfiction. There’s only so many ways to make characters in Harry Potter fall in love – but I’m fairly sure that I’m about to read all of them. So here’s my mid year book freak out – and here’s to hoping it’ll kick my behind back into reading!

1. Best book you’ve read so far?

Either I’ll Give You The Sun or The Time Traveler’s Wife. I read both of these books within the span of a couple of days – back to back. And they both left me in tears and unable to do anything but stare into the distance and wonder what life even was.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far?

I’ve three options for this one. The first is The Last Beginning, the second part in the The Next Together-series, which I read in April and absolutely loved. The next is the 7th part of the The Wicked and the Divine-series. And finally, there’s the second and third book in the Crazy Rich Asians-series, which I flew through at the start of this year.

3. New releases you haven’t read yet, but want to?

There’s a couple of these, actually – there’s a complete overview of all the new releases that I’m looking forward to, but the ones I’m most looking forward to? The Papers & Hearts Society, Screen Queens, The Wedding Party, Tell Me How You Really Feel, and Her Royal Higness. I honestly couldn’t tell you which one I want to read most – but I am hoping to get through at least some of them in the next couple of weeks!

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of 2018?

No idea. I couldn’t even decide on just one book for the books I’ve already read up on, how do you expect me to just predict which one I most want to read next?

5. Biggest disappointment?

On the one hand, there’s Hattie’s Home for Broken Hearts – but I still think that’s mainly because I’d just come to expect too much from the author, Tilly Tennant. The main actual disappointment? The Age of Misadventure. As in, rather than just not actively liking it, I actively disliked the experience of reading this one.

6. Biggest surprise?

Probably the books I liked most. I started reading both of them with some apprehension. Because, you know – they were big books and I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself in for and I was scared that I’d been putting them off too long and… But I absolutely fell in love with them!

7.  Favourite new author?

Helen Hoang. Just because she’s one of the only authors that I’d not read anything by before this year, and then fell in love with her books. Alternately, Jasmine Guillory – same reason!

8. Newest fictional crush?

Again, none. I haven’t had one of those in a while, apparently!

9. Newest favorite character?

Alex from Red, White and Royal Blue. And his sister. Love his sister.

10. Book that made you cry?

Again, my favourites, but then also so many of the fanfics I’ve been reading, and of course: Red, White and Royal Blue. That book just hit me right.

11. Book that made you happy?

Basically any book I’ve mentioned as a favourite throughout my reading updates. With a special mention for Red, White and Royal Blue as well as The Printed Letter Bookshop. Oh, and everything I read this year by Julie Caplin, she’s definitely been a great joy to read!

12. Favourite book to movie adaptation you saw this year?

I haven’t watched a single new movie this year, and no movie adaptations.

Oops?

13. Favourite review you’ve written this year?

Either the one for Furthermore or the one for The Age of Misadventure. Because sometimes I just like being snarky. (that’s only for the last one, btw)

14. Most beautiful book you bought so far?

I got the Jane Austen Collection in the Macmillan Collector’s Library-edition and they’re stunning

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

All of them. I need to get out of this reading slump, first, though!

What has your reading been like so far, this year? Any reason for an actual freak out so far? Or are you quite happy with where you’re at right now? And – the ever-important question – any tips on getting out of a reading slump? Be sure to let me know below!

-Saar