Midyear Book Freakout Tag 2019
1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2019.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The characters in this book really came alive for me and I felt emotionally invested in all them to the point where I cried for them several times. Books don’t make me cry.
The Unwomanly Face of War by Svetlana Alexievich
A tough, non-fiction, read about the silence and voices of women who have fought in the Second World War. It’s been months and I still feel this in my gut, heart and mind - you don’t come out of this book unchanged.
2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019.
Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.
So many! Here are three:
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
I Hope You Get This Message by Farah Naz Rishi
The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri
4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.
Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater
I re-read the Raven Cycle this year and I am so into these characters, alone and as a group, that I can hardly believe it. I’m having a Harry Potter kind of moment that I thought would never come again. I’m both excited and scared about the upcoming Dreamer trilogy. I have faith. I think.
5. Biggest disappointment.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I was pumped and ready to read another Taylor Jenkins Reid book after The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but this book did little for me. Reid’s writing continues to make the characters come alive, but I honestly fail to understand the hype about this one.
Half Bad by Sally Green
Every summer I try to read at least one book or series recommended to me by my students. The premise of the book sounded interesting, but the execution leaves much to be desired, and so far the series has been a snooze.
6. Biggest surprise.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
This book had so much humor and heart.
Lie With Me by Philippe Beson
I picked this up on a whim and read it in one sitting. It was beautiful and broke my heart.
7. Favourite new author. (Debut or new to you)
Alice Oseman, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Blake Crouch
8. Newest fictional crush.
No new fictional crushes so far, but my love for Adam Parrish has been rekindled.
9. Newest favourite character.
No new favourites, but I liked Frances Janvier from Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
10. Book that made you cry.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
11. Book that made you happy.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
All of them.
